Best Set up For $1500

[Flscubadad]

Im looking for a good Video Set up for around $1500 give or take.(I already have lights) I liked my Gopro3 but Im looking for that next step. should I try a DSLR or micro 3/4 or what ? just looking for Opinions from those who have pondered my same thoughts.

Thanks,

 

[EL Pistoffo]

Good question.

I was thinking the same and was told that the Panasonic LX7 with an UW housing could be a next step up.

 

[TheTrickster]

At the moment the best 'compact' system to step up to, for video appears to be the Panasonic G3 camera.
(the new GX7 looks promising, but no housing yet)

As the low light, high bitrates (50mbps+) and full 60p1080 are easily broadcast quality.

I'm at the same point, love the GoPro (and its quality) but artistically and functionality wise its a bit basic.

The other way to look would be a 'proper' camcorder like the Sony CX760 or the Canon XA10 (and their newer versions) - but then you start having to look at Gates Housings

Sadly as much as I love my E-PL3 camera for stills, stay well away from any of the Olympus cameras for video...

 

[ronscuba]

At the moment the best 'compact' system to step up to, for video appears to be the Panasonic G3 camera.
(the new GX7 looks promising, but no housing yet)

As the low light, high bitrates (50mbps+) and full 60p1080 are easily broadcast quality.

I'm at the same point, love the GoPro (and its quality) but artistically and functionality wise its a bit basic.

The other way to look would be a 'proper' camcorder like the Sony CX760 or the Canon XA10 (and their newer versions) - but then you start having to look at Gates Housings

Sadly as much as I love my E-PL3 camera for stills, stay well away from any of the Olympus cameras for video...

Depends if you are including the housing in the $1500 budget. The mirror less micro 4/3 cameras will blow his budget when you add in the housing and lens.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

Depends if you are including the housing in the $1500 budget. The mirror less micro 4/3 cameras will blow his budget when you add in the housing and lens.

Ron, what setup do you use for video? I've seen some of your stuff and it's really good?

You use a red filter?

 

[ronscuba]

Ron, what setup do you use for video? I've seen some of your stuff and it's really good?

You use a red filter?

Thanks. Most of my UW videos were shot with a Sony FX7 and Gates housing. I sold it a few years ago as I don't dive as much as I used to and it is too big for casual shooting.

I got a GoPro for fun and used it in Belize. Video is on my site. It's very good for it's price, but I missed the quality of my old system. Just recently got a Panasonic LX7. Only have a few dives with it, but I am very impressed.

Yes, I use a red filter for almost all my daytime shooting. Exceptions being macro video when using lights. I do not always use lights for macro, but when I do, I skip the filter. In the right conditions, filter and lights together can work.

 

[TheTrickster]

Sorry for a late reply, but I've been reading up on the Sony RX100 as being a rather good video performer.

Anyone seen / used one?