Ramping up my video camera. Recommendations?

[StevieBee]

Getting nowhere on some of the usual photo/video forums and groups (should have started here!)..

I need to ramp up my video camera a bit. Currently use a 4k prosumer Sony camcorder which is very good but limited in terms of its creative capacity - plus my Nikon D7200 - but that's limited to 1080 HD. Have £2k but could stretch to £3k if the argument's good. So far, have whittled it down to:

Panasonic Lumix GH5 (good deal at the mo with 12-60 Leica lens.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (4K) - cheap base but need to add stuff.
Or - swapping in my D7200 for the D850.

I'm not a brand-tart and the world and his wife say Canon, I know, but I've used them (and footage from them) and I can't seem to warm to the way they handle colours. I know you can adjust in post but...! Plus, all my gear is built around Nikon so if I went for something like that, I'd probably go the 850 route (and yeah, I know the DX/FX lens thing).

I've got three music videos on the job list over the next couple of months, plus some other mundane but high-profile stuff to do.

Thoughts and suggestions gratefully received.

[Simpo Two]

StevieBee said:

Currently use a 4k prosumer Sony camcorder which is very good but limited in terms of its creative capacity

Creative capacity? What do you want it do?

[StevieBee]

Simpo Two said:

StevieBee said:

Currently use a 4k prosumer Sony camcorder which is very good but limited in terms of its creative capacity

Creative capacity? What do you want it do?

Depth of field mainly. Lens range is a bit limited as is EV range. Not too hot on low light stuff (though by no means bad). Plus it doesn't fit particularly well on a gimbal and for some reason, I can't use a field monitor with it - well I can but it switches off when you start recording.

It's a very good point and squirt type camera and I'll be keeping it for that reason.

[Derek Smith]

Panasonic is the choice of many professional film makers. General release films are made with their cameras. The Lumix G5 is a lovely body.

I've got a G7, since replaced by the 80. My only criticism is that I didn't go further up the model line.

The reviews are generally positive. I've handled the G5 and the G9 in my local camera shop. Nice.

[StevieBee]

Derek Smith said:

Panasonic is the choice of many professional film makers. General release films are made with their cameras. The Lumix G5 is a lovely body.

I've got a G7, since replaced by the 80. My only criticism is that I didn't go further up the model line.

The reviews are generally positive. I've handled the G5 and the G9 in my local camera shop. Nice.

Thanks Derek. Have to say this is where I'm gravitating to!

[Derek Smith]

StevieBee said:

Thanks Derek. Have to say this is where I'm gravitating to!

Go to a camera shop - without your creidit card - and handle a few. I think that it is important how a camera feels in the hand. Some just fit right. The specs nowadays are all impressive so it is generally down to other things.

I haven't seen the new range of full-frame S Panasonics. They have been highly praised, but then most cameras are. 48MP seems a bit OTT. They are not the most attractive of cameras, but for video they have it cracked evidently.

[coach]

We do corporate video, platform broadcast etc.
For that budget I would be going for a used Sony FS5 or even a new A7 with a set of accessories (depending what you need/want)

[TheRainMaker]

If you are really going to start doing this properly, do it properly and do it once (five years anyway)

Get an FS5/7, save up and wait, hire stuff if you need it, it’s cheaper than you would think.

The small stuff is a major pain in the bum, small batteries, rubbish connections, limited record time etc etc.

Sure there are work arounds, but it will get very boring very quickly.