Best Camera for After Effects Video Editing?

[rjackowens]

Ok, first off I don't know too much about cameras. I take a lot of videos for editing with After Effects, and I also post videos to YouTube a lot. Right now, I have a Sony Cybershot DSC WX9 that shoots 1080p 60i footage and is 16MP. However, I am looking to upgrade to something that shoots better slow motion video. The two major things I want is clear 60FPS+ video and fast picture-to-picture speed. If possible, it needs to be under $400. I have been at the GoPro HD3, but it is a little high in my price range (also, it doesn't work well for taking pictures...).

Does anybody have any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[mapesdhs]

I was going to say you'd probably get more replies if you posted on creativecow.net, but I see you already have.

Ian.

 

[rjackowens]

I was going to say you'd probably get more replies if you posted on creativecow.net, but I see you already have.

Ian.

Yeah! lol

 

[mapesdhs]

Just a wild thought btw, have you tried asking Sony? Coupla calls to the right divisions, act like you
know what you're talking about (and it looks like you do anyway, so that should be easy), one can
often end up speaking to someone useful.

Ian.

 

[kenrivers]

The Canon VIXIA HF R400 shoots full HD at 60fps and JPEG: 2.07 Megapixel, 1920 x 1080 images. It is available at B&H Photo & Video (http/www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909788-REG/Canon_8155b004_VIXIA_HF_R400_Full.html) and Canon (http/www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hf_r400?selectedName=Specifications) for $299.
There is also the Sony 8GB HDR-CX230 HD Handycam Camcorder (Black) which, according to the specs, will also shoot at 1080 60p ($262.98 at B&H). The Canon has a larger image sensor 1/4.58" (0.218") than the Sony 1/5.8" (0.172"). The Canon will probably perform better in low-light situations than the Sony. I have two Sony camcorders and can attest that low-light performance is not a strength.
Whether the 1080i or 1080p is better al depends on what you are recording.
There is always some sort of trade-off when using a video camera to take pictures.

 

[douglaskoke]

The form-factor is fairly miserable for taking traditional still photos, but I think you might be discounting the GoPro prematurely, IMO.

The stills quality isn't terrible, if you shoot in daylight, and the slow-motion is thoroughly decent for the price, particularly if you go with the Silver edition of the Hero 3, or can find an older Hero 2.

I've shot a bunch of slow-motion and time lapse on a Hero 2, and was surprised to see how well it cut together with the much-nicer image of my Canon 5D Mark iii.

For pure bang-for-the-buck, those little GoPros are INSANE!

I made this, and roughly 1/3 of it was shot on a Hero 2, if it gives you an idea of what the camera's capable of...

https/vimeo.com/3582020

 

[moshebi]

great,I think you might be discounting the GoPro prematurely, thank you