Video Production and Editing Guides: Video Equipment Q&A

DSLR vs Camcorder?

• DSLR/Mirrorless cameras have a maximum record time of around 25-30 min, so are not suitable for long continuous recordings

• Camcorders record continuously until power or storage space on their memory cards run out

• We have two cameras capable of 4K recording: the Canon XA40 and the Sony a6300/a6400

• DSLR/Mirrorless cameras offer better image quality, so are better for projects where the record time cap is not an issue

Sony HXR-NX3 vs Other Camcorders?

• The Sony HXR-NX3 is our most feature rich camera for very advanced users. It allows one to control every aspect of the audio and video with important additions like built in neutral density filters, two XLR audio inputs, and a large maximum aperture throughout its long zoom range

• That being said, it is not our highest resolution camera, as it only films in 1080p. The Canon XA40 and Canon Vixia G50 film in 4K. That being said, the image quality of the 1080p footage is still very good

Canon XA11/XA40 vs Canon Vixia R800 vs Canon Vixia G50?

• The XA11 has a larger sensor and provides better image quality than the Vixia R800, and the XA40 is another step better than the XA11 in that regard

  • The Vixia G50, however, is identical to the Canon XA40 without the XLR mic inputs

• The biggest benefit of the XA11 is the two XLR inputs and included shotgun mic, providing much better sound quality than the Vixia. The XA40 shares that feature

• The Vixia cameras are more portable and is suitable for any interviews or long recordings where sound quality is not incredibly important. The Vixia R800 should only be used as a backup camera or if all other cameras are checked out, as its image quality falls behind all others