Help requested! Camera to interview my dying mother
Discussion
Hi PH, I need some help and fast!
TL;DR - I need a camera do do some high quality low-light video and audio interview recording in a hurry. I've been out of the photography field for many years and am not really a gearhead. What do you suggest? More details below!
More details:
My mother is 86 and has been suffering from lung cancer, COPD and several other ailments, and is now starting to show signs of dementia. A new tumour has just appeared under the skin on her ribcage, and we've just been told that her last CT scan shows that the cancer is now growing after a long period being kept in check by regular immunotherapy. We've been told that she doesn't have very long left - perhaps a couple of months at the most, but likely less. Last week, I thought we'd still have a few years together.
Mum has had a very difficult but interesting life, having been born into a wealthy Christian family in Jerusalem, Palestine in 1935. At the age of 12 in 1948 her family was suddenly made to leave their home at gunpoint by the invading forces. Their driver was shot, the car tyres were shot, and they left taking only what they could carry in their hands. The family took refuge in Lebanon, losing pretty much everything. After completing her education there, she started working as a PA in the offices of my father, a British banker based in Beirut. One thing led to another, and in 1970 the couple moved back to the UK where they were married and mum became naturalised. I was born a few years later. Dad had his own story, having been an officer in the British Army, serving in the Middle East during WW2. Sadly he passed away in 1980 when I was only 5 years old, so nearly all I know of him is from my mother.
Everything we know is from stories my mother has told my sister and I over the years. Nothing is written down, but for many years I've thought it would be good to interview her and get what I can recorded for posterity. I don't have children (yet) and my sister's teenage kids aren't yet at the age where they are interested. But that might change, and a big part of my identity is tied up in the very rich history of my family.
So I'm looking for a camera with which to record my mother before it's too late. Mum is very tired, and sleeps most of the day but is more active at night. I'll be using household electric lighting. So I guess 4K 25fps. I'd like a large enough sensor that I can throw the background out of focus and have a nice clear picture in low light. I'd like the ability to add an external microphone. Her voice isn't so strong any more and I'd like decent audio.
I have an iPhone 12 Pro which makes a nice sharp picture, but I'd rather not use my phone - I'd prefer to save the footage onto memory cards so that if I drop or lose my phone before I can get the data off, I haven't lost video. I thought of just buying a GoPro for no nonsense recording - I've been thinking of buying one for other reasons, but the wide-angle lens is going to be far from ideal.
I actually studied photographic and electronic imaging science at university back in the early to mid 1990s, and the university had a stash of Nikon F lenses which they lent out - as a result my own SLRs were always Nikon and I have a collection of old Nikon F-mount prime and zoom lenses - most classic mechanical ones but I do have the 16-85 G VR lens. But I haven't been a keen photographer for years, and my DSLR is a D200 which can't do live view, let alone video!
So I thought maybe I could get some sort of mirrorless camera? Last time I was looking into cameras, Micro four thirds was the new thing. Is it still a thing? Or maybe some sort of camera body which can accept F-mount lenses? I just want to best bang for the bucks. I don't care too much about amazing autofocus or high frame rate stills photography. I just need something reasonably simple to use with good mics and the ability to add an external microphone. I don't care too much about brand and would happily use a Panasonic, Canon, or whatever if it gets the job done. I feel like I'm running out of time and can't spend ages doing my own research. I also need something I can buy now, as I can't afford to wait as it's going to be too late.
I don't have any video or photo lighting with the exception of my old Nikon SB-800 flash unit, but I do have a couple of sturdy Manfrotto photo tripods.
What can you suggest? Thanks for reading and MANY thanks for any constructive advice you can offer!
TL;DR - I need a camera do do some high quality low-light video and audio interview recording in a hurry. I've been out of the photography field for many years and am not really a gearhead. What do you suggest? More details below!
More details:
My mother is 86 and has been suffering from lung cancer, COPD and several other ailments, and is now starting to show signs of dementia. A new tumour has just appeared under the skin on her ribcage, and we've just been told that her last CT scan shows that the cancer is now growing after a long period being kept in check by regular immunotherapy. We've been told that she doesn't have very long left - perhaps a couple of months at the most, but likely less. Last week, I thought we'd still have a few years together.
Mum has had a very difficult but interesting life, having been born into a wealthy Christian family in Jerusalem, Palestine in 1935. At the age of 12 in 1948 her family was suddenly made to leave their home at gunpoint by the invading forces. Their driver was shot, the car tyres were shot, and they left taking only what they could carry in their hands. The family took refuge in Lebanon, losing pretty much everything. After completing her education there, she started working as a PA in the offices of my father, a British banker based in Beirut. One thing led to another, and in 1970 the couple moved back to the UK where they were married and mum became naturalised. I was born a few years later. Dad had his own story, having been an officer in the British Army, serving in the Middle East during WW2. Sadly he passed away in 1980 when I was only 5 years old, so nearly all I know of him is from my mother.
Everything we know is from stories my mother has told my sister and I over the years. Nothing is written down, but for many years I've thought it would be good to interview her and get what I can recorded for posterity. I don't have children (yet) and my sister's teenage kids aren't yet at the age where they are interested. But that might change, and a big part of my identity is tied up in the very rich history of my family.
So I'm looking for a camera with which to record my mother before it's too late. Mum is very tired, and sleeps most of the day but is more active at night. I'll be using household electric lighting. So I guess 4K 25fps. I'd like a large enough sensor that I can throw the background out of focus and have a nice clear picture in low light. I'd like the ability to add an external microphone. Her voice isn't so strong any more and I'd like decent audio.
I have an iPhone 12 Pro which makes a nice sharp picture, but I'd rather not use my phone - I'd prefer to save the footage onto memory cards so that if I drop or lose my phone before I can get the data off, I haven't lost video. I thought of just buying a GoPro for no nonsense recording - I've been thinking of buying one for other reasons, but the wide-angle lens is going to be far from ideal.
I actually studied photographic and electronic imaging science at university back in the early to mid 1990s, and the university had a stash of Nikon F lenses which they lent out - as a result my own SLRs were always Nikon and I have a collection of old Nikon F-mount prime and zoom lenses - most classic mechanical ones but I do have the 16-85 G VR lens. But I haven't been a keen photographer for years, and my DSLR is a D200 which can't do live view, let alone video!
So I thought maybe I could get some sort of mirrorless camera? Last time I was looking into cameras, Micro four thirds was the new thing. Is it still a thing? Or maybe some sort of camera body which can accept F-mount lenses? I just want to best bang for the bucks. I don't care too much about amazing autofocus or high frame rate stills photography. I just need something reasonably simple to use with good mics and the ability to add an external microphone. I don't care too much about brand and would happily use a Panasonic, Canon, or whatever if it gets the job done. I feel like I'm running out of time and can't spend ages doing my own research. I also need something I can buy now, as I can't afford to wait as it's going to be too late.
I don't have any video or photo lighting with the exception of my old Nikon SB-800 flash unit, but I do have a couple of sturdy Manfrotto photo tripods.
What can you suggest? Thanks for reading and MANY thanks for any constructive advice you can offer!
My advice would be to stop worrying so much about the camera and get the stories. Procrastinating about the quality of the video is pointless compared to the priceless value of your mum's (and dad's) life stories.
My Grandfather wrote his life story down before he died over 30 years ago. My father dug them out last year and typed them up and then had them printed into a small book, several copies of which have been shared amongst the family. Fascinating to see how life used to be, and to find that my Grandfather worked on the machines being built at Bletchley Park during WWII, something he never spoke about when he was alive.
And it sounds like your Mum and Dad's story would be way more of an interesting read!
My Grandfather wrote his life story down before he died over 30 years ago. My father dug them out last year and typed them up and then had them printed into a small book, several copies of which have been shared amongst the family. Fascinating to see how life used to be, and to find that my Grandfather worked on the machines being built at Bletchley Park during WWII, something he never spoke about when he was alive.
And it sounds like your Mum and Dad's story would be way more of an interesting read!
nickd01 said:
Would you want to borrow some kit? I'm in West London with a 5D Mk IV, 28-70L lens, tripod and mains kit.
It might help get you going quickly?
Wow, I never imagined someone might consider lending me equipment and that's a very generous offer. Does it have some sort of generic microphone port? It also raises the idea of renting equipment if necessary as I'd need it over a period of maybe two weeks. I'd have to break it up and do maybe half an hour at a time - that's as long as she can stay sitting without needing to lie down.It might help get you going quickly?
Piersman2 said:
My advice would be to stop worrying so much about the camera and get the stories. Procrastinating about the quality of the video is pointless compared to the priceless value of your mum's (and dad's) life stories.
My Grandfather wrote his life story down before he died over 30 years ago. My father dug them out last year and typed them up and then had them printed into a small book, several copies of which have been shared amongst the family. Fascinating to see how life used to be, and to find that my Grandfather worked on the machines being built at Bletchley Park during WWII, something he never spoke about when he was alive.
And it sounds like your Mum and Dad's story would be way more of an interesting read!
I agree. Audio is much more important than video. I have done similar things many times now. And take notes as well. I use an old Zoom H4 but anything with a reasonable mic placed close will do. They will soon ignore it. Some of my recordings replayed years after someone's death have really moved people who "never expected to hear her voice again". You are doing a great thing for the family. Good luck and I wish you and your mother all the best.My Grandfather wrote his life story down before he died over 30 years ago. My father dug them out last year and typed them up and then had them printed into a small book, several copies of which have been shared amongst the family. Fascinating to see how life used to be, and to find that my Grandfather worked on the machines being built at Bletchley Park during WWII, something he never spoke about when he was alive.
And it sounds like your Mum and Dad's story would be way more of an interesting read!
Piersman2 said:
My advice would be to stop worrying so much about the camera and get the stories. Procrastinating about the quality of the video is pointless compared to the priceless value of your mum's (and dad's) life stories.
My Grandfather wrote his life story down before he died over 30 years ago. My father dug them out last year and typed them up and then had them printed into a small book, several copies of which have been shared amongst the family. Fascinating to see how life used to be, and to find that my Grandfather worked on the machines being built at Bletchley Park during WWII, something he never spoke about when he was alive.
And it sounds like your Mum and Dad's story would be way more of an interesting read!
I completely get where you're coming from - but I figured 4K as it's the best that's ubiquitous now and will hopefully still be watchable in 50 years. Imagine how VHS seems to us these days? When I watch in the future I want to see mum as she is now (we don't have any family videos at all). I figure it's better to try to get it right. I bought a little tripod for my phone to get started and it works surprisingly well. But I'd prefer a shallower depth of field and better sound if I can get it!My Grandfather wrote his life story down before he died over 30 years ago. My father dug them out last year and typed them up and then had them printed into a small book, several copies of which have been shared amongst the family. Fascinating to see how life used to be, and to find that my Grandfather worked on the machines being built at Bletchley Park during WWII, something he never spoke about when he was alive.
And it sounds like your Mum and Dad's story would be way more of an interesting read!
Your grandfather's story sounds fascinating too! I have a lot of my father's correspondence in the form of letters to and from various dignitaries around the world, and he used to entertain some of them at grand house I grew up in. It was a life of banqueting and trips to meet Saudi princes, and hotel building and aircraft and fishing fleet financing. So different to my modest middle-class life in IT.
LunarOne said:
Wow, I never imagined someone might consider lending me equipment and that's a very generous offer. Does it have some sort of generic microphone port? It also raises the idea of renting equipment if necessary as I'd need it over a period of maybe two weeks. I'd have to break it up and do maybe half an hour at a time - that's as long as she can stay sitting without needing to lie down.
Yes, you can plug an external microphone in - I've never tried to be honest and don't have one. I think the internal mic is mono; but external mic's record stereo sound. The official Canon one is around £100 and I think it sits on the hotshoe.There are lots of hire websites, I've not used them but know of people that have done - you can get decent kit for a reasonable weekly price. Wex do rental - https://rental.wexphotovideo.com/hire-video
If you'd like to borrow my kit you're welcome if we can work something out that we're both happy with.
nickd01 said:
LunarOne said:
Wow, I never imagined someone might consider lending me equipment and that's a very generous offer. Does it have some sort of generic microphone port? It also raises the idea of renting equipment if necessary as I'd need it over a period of maybe two weeks. I'd have to break it up and do maybe half an hour at a time - that's as long as she can stay sitting without needing to lie down.
Yes, you can plug an external microphone in - I've never tried to be honest and don't have one. I think the internal mic is mono; but external mic's record stereo sound. The official Canon one is around £100 and I think it sits on the hotshoe.There are lots of hire websites, I've not used them but know of people that have done - you can get decent kit for a reasonable weekly price. Wex do rental - https://rental.wexphotovideo.com/hire-video
If you'd like to borrow my kit you're welcome if we can work something out that we're both happy with.
Even with higher end cameras they still used this technique as you can run the audio over video, stills of her life, and back to video without breaking the audio - ie she talks over the photos. Just start recording as soon as possible and the editing can take as long as you need. I've sat and watched him do it and once you know your way around the software it's not difficult.
If the only thing stopping you using your iPhone 13 is your concerns over data loss, then a sync with the iCloud (extra storage is $0.79/month) every night gets you over that. Just record with the headphones for a decent sound and get a tripod. Titles at the start and you're good. To share with the family, once complete, upload to a locked YouTube channel and send them the links to view the films. They're always there then.
]Edited by Julietbravo on Thursday 2nd December 12:49 to say if you do use your phone, film it in Landscape.
Edited by Julietbravo on Thursday 2nd December 13:46
Julietbravo said:
Even with higher end cameras they still used this technique as you can run the audio over video, stills of her life, and back to video without breaking the audio - ie she talks over the photos. Just start recording as soon as possible and the editing can take as long as you need. I've sat and watched him do it and once you know your way around the software it's not difficult.
If the only thing stopping you using your iPhone 13 is your concerns over data loss, then a sync with the iCloud (extra storage is $0.79/month) every night gets you over that. Just record with the headphones for a decent sound and get a tripod.
I have an iPhone 12, not that it makes a difference. It doesn't have a headphone or mic socket. I need the phone for work constantly, so I'd rather us a proper camera. But is there a wireless mic that works via Bluetooth? I've heard people using those airpod things and the sound recorded is atrocious! I want good sound and good video, so hence why I thought a proper camera. Between meetings today I've done some googling and found the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 Mk2 which seems to get good reviews for similar applications. Any thoughts on one of those? I found out there's a delayed GH6 round the corner which means I'd be paying lots for an end of life tech, but I don't particularly care. I'm happy to buy used too.If the only thing stopping you using your iPhone 13 is your concerns over data loss, then a sync with the iCloud (extra storage is $0.79/month) every night gets you over that. Just record with the headphones for a decent sound and get a tripod.
Video is a much more complex animal than stills. I know a guy who's retired but runs a hobby business making 'memory' videos, specialising in interviews.
If you wanted fast and decent results and good sound without getting bogged down in putting new tech together, is that an idea? If you didn't have to worry about the tech you could concentrate on just the interviewing without distractions.
If you wanted fast and decent results and good sound without getting bogged down in putting new tech together, is that an idea? If you didn't have to worry about the tech you could concentrate on just the interviewing without distractions.
Simpo Two said:
Video is a much more complex animal than stills. I know a guy who's retired but runs a hobby business making 'memory' videos, specialising in interviews.
If you wanted fast and decent results and good sound without getting bogged down in putting new tech together, is that an idea? If you didn't have to worry about the tech you could concentrate on just the interviewing without distractions.
That would be a fabulous idea - only mum sleeps for much of the day and is more awake after midnight. Also, I can never know when she's going to be willing to talk, or when I can interview her. So I'm going to have to do it myself in whatever moments we can snatch. Thanks for the suggestion!If you wanted fast and decent results and good sound without getting bogged down in putting new tech together, is that an idea? If you didn't have to worry about the tech you could concentrate on just the interviewing without distractions.
Thought so far:
NickD very kindly offered to lend me his Canon 5D MkIV with lens and mains kit. It's a very kind offer and I may take him up on it. But if I can buy something fast, I'd rather do that so as not to be a burden on Nick.
Panasonic DC-GH5 - supposedly very good and available used
Panasonic DC-G9 - not as good for video but probably better for photos which is my natural habitat
Nikon D780/D850 - total overkill for my immediate needs, but I could buy a used body only and use my existing lenses. I have plenty of lenses from ultra-wides, 35mm, 50mm, 105mm primes, 70-200 f/2.8 and 300mm f/4 and it might reinvigorate my lapsed interest in photography. It does 4K but apparently it's not the best at video. I don't want another crop sensor DSLR so not looking at D500/D7500.
Sony A7 III/IV or Nikon Z6 I/II - also look good but I have no idea about these.
I think I can add a shotgun hotshoe-mounted mic to all of these and they don't seem terribly expensive. I'm a terrible procrastinator and not used to purchasing anything without thorough analysis of pros and cons. But I don't have the luxury of time right now. I suppose I could just buy something now and then resell if I don't like it.
I'll make a decision tomorrow afternoon based on any further advice I get before then. Thanks!
NickD very kindly offered to lend me his Canon 5D MkIV with lens and mains kit. It's a very kind offer and I may take him up on it. But if I can buy something fast, I'd rather do that so as not to be a burden on Nick.
Panasonic DC-GH5 - supposedly very good and available used
Panasonic DC-G9 - not as good for video but probably better for photos which is my natural habitat
Nikon D780/D850 - total overkill for my immediate needs, but I could buy a used body only and use my existing lenses. I have plenty of lenses from ultra-wides, 35mm, 50mm, 105mm primes, 70-200 f/2.8 and 300mm f/4 and it might reinvigorate my lapsed interest in photography. It does 4K but apparently it's not the best at video. I don't want another crop sensor DSLR so not looking at D500/D7500.
Sony A7 III/IV or Nikon Z6 I/II - also look good but I have no idea about these.
I think I can add a shotgun hotshoe-mounted mic to all of these and they don't seem terribly expensive. I'm a terrible procrastinator and not used to purchasing anything without thorough analysis of pros and cons. But I don't have the luxury of time right now. I suppose I could just buy something now and then resell if I don't like it.
I'll make a decision tomorrow afternoon based on any further advice I get before then. Thanks!
Plenty of decent iPhone microphones around for relative peanuts.
IPhone, microphone, tripod and you're pretty much good to go.
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing-accessorie...
IPhone, microphone, tripod and you're pretty much good to go.
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing-accessorie...
I can't advise you on specific kit - though I'm sure any modern camera will offer plenty of quality for the job.
However I will say that without fail every amateur film maker trips up on sound. The visuals can be fine but the soundtrack is under-recorded, or muffled, or there's a buzz from something, or there's traffic going past outside you never noticed. On the day the brain filters them out; on playback they come back and bite. So put as much time into learnng about sound recording as you do the about the camera. Clip mikes (Lavalier) are often used in this case.
NB Two tips for interviews if you don't want your voice in the video. Try not to let your speech over-run what she's saying - because then you can't edit it out - and if you ask a question, try to get a 'standalone' answer, ie one that makes sense on its own without needing to hear the question. I appreciate it may not be possible here though.
NNB Watch out for too much shallow DOF - if she moves back or forth more than a bit she'll be out of focus. Good luck in your mission
However I will say that without fail every amateur film maker trips up on sound. The visuals can be fine but the soundtrack is under-recorded, or muffled, or there's a buzz from something, or there's traffic going past outside you never noticed. On the day the brain filters them out; on playback they come back and bite. So put as much time into learnng about sound recording as you do the about the camera. Clip mikes (Lavalier) are often used in this case.
NB Two tips for interviews if you don't want your voice in the video. Try not to let your speech over-run what she's saying - because then you can't edit it out - and if you ask a question, try to get a 'standalone' answer, ie one that makes sense on its own without needing to hear the question. I appreciate it may not be possible here though.
NNB Watch out for too much shallow DOF - if she moves back or forth more than a bit she'll be out of focus. Good luck in your mission
Edited by Simpo Two on Thursday 2nd December 23:52
Simpo Two said:
However I will say that without fail every amateur film maker trips up on sound. The visuals can be fine but the soundtrack is under-recorded, or muffled, or there's a buzz from something, or there's traffic going past outside you never noticed.
Thanks for the advice. I'm not worried about my own voice being recorded - the recordings are for family use only and won't be broadcast. I'd be quite happy to hear myself talking to mum in 20 years time. But yes I have a good idea how things which you can't hear at the time seem to be picked up by microphones. I live in a very quiet area, and when the peace is broken it's usually me firing up a car or bike. But there is a mechanical gas meter in the utility room which makes a repetitive sloshing/clunking sound and I can clearly hear it over the TV right now as I type this. So I'll try to shut the heating off before any recordings to stop the gas flowing, and make the computer I'm typing this on go to sleep. It's not noisy, but it's now what I want to record. Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff