Recommended cameras and lighting equipment? (that don't break the bank)

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Scarricature

Well-Known Member
Even though I'm both far off from affording and needing such things, I was just wondering what you guys prefer, and what you use?

I've been looking into a Canon Rebel T3i which is an SLR, since I'm somewhat familiar with Canon. I use a Canon Rebel xTi for my photography (but unfortunately it doesn't do video). Also my dad has a Sony HD Handycam and it seems to capture pretty good quality video. (Been trying to get him to let me borrow it since he never uses it, but the man doesn't trust me lol its only a camcorder, not a big deal compared to his insanely expensive JVC cameras, lighting, and sound equipment... that again... is collecting dust in his closet...) Although I'm probably going to stick with an SLR so I can use it for both my videos and for my photography business.

I also don't really know what I should be looking at in regards to lighting. I mean my lighting is pretty freaking sophisticated at the moment as it is... I have a lightbulb attached to a cord taped behind my computer screen and my bedroom light xD Thats about it. But hey, when you're using an iMac to record vlogs... you don't mind going cheap and crafty to fight off the grain.

Your advice and input would be amazing. I'm a newb.
 
Canon t3i is great, I personally use a Nikon d3100. As for lighting kits, you can get a real nice 3 piece umbrella lighting kit on eBay for less than $100. I seen one for $70 at one point.

if you want to get real ghetto like me, buy a porcelain clamp lamp for $16 dollars found HERE which is what I use. They do the job quite nice. I use it all the time.
 
I've been thinking about this as well. I just use my phone as a camera, and don't use any special lighting or anything.
 
Amazon has a 2 umbrella/3 light kit for $60.

I don't believe that Canon T3i has continuous autofocus in video mode-the T4i does, but it's a big price jump (roughly equal to the 60D if you compare street price). If you're just vlogging, there's no need to worry about continuous autofocus. Just try not to move back and forth too much after you set your focus. Save your money for a good microphone like the Rode Videomic.
 
You really can't go wrong with a good Canon DSLR, but if you are going to use one I would get some sort of shotgun mic. or some other type of mic. For lighting a lot of people just use China balls from like Ikea. Hope this helps :D
 
Wreckless Eating said:
Amazon has a 2 umbrella/3 light kit for $60.

I don't believe that Canon T3i has continuous autofocus in video mode-the T4i does, but it's a big price jump (roughly equal to the 60D if you compare street price). If you're just vlogging, there's no need to worry about continuous autofocus. Just try not to move back and forth too much after you set your focus. Save your money for a good microphone like the Rode Videomic.
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Thank you for the tips! The t4i does look amazing... I've been looking at cameras, mics, and lighting on amazon and I'm afraid I have the wants now xD All in do time! All in do time! I don't even come close to having the dough, gonna have to save (just got laid off too, which totally sucks....)

Chase Butler said:
You really can't go wrong with a good Canon DSLR, but if you are going to use one I would get some sort of shotgun mic. or some other type of mic. For lighting a lot of people just use China balls from like Ikea. Hope this helps :D
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China balls eh.... interesting... my current light is from a china ball (the paper part ripped when I moved). It seems to work decently. I wonder if I should get another to make the lighting better.
And I completely forgot to ask about mics, but so far you guys have been providing good advice. I found the Rode Videomic on Amazon and it seems to be getting some good reviews.
 
Scarricature said:
Thank you for the tips! The t4i does look amazing... I've been looking at cameras, mics, and lighting on amazon and I'm afraid I have the wants now xD All in do time! All in do time! I don't even come close to having the dough, gonna have to save (just got laid off too, which totally sucks....)


China balls eh.... interesting... my current light is from a china ball (the paper part ripped when I moved). It seems to work decently. I wonder if I should get another to make the lighting better.
And I completely forgot to ask about mics, but so far you guys have been providing good advice. I found the Rode Videomic on Amazon and it seems to be getting some good reviews.
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I'm not sure if the 4Ti is worth the price over the older 3T/3Ti. You can get a 3T (basically a 3Ti without the flip out LCD screen) with a lens for $399. The best deal I've seen on the 4Ti is $699 with two lenses.

The Rode Videomics are worth every penny. The added advantage is that they hold their value really well. So if you take care of them and decide to upgrade/sell them later, they will be worth about 80% of what you paid.
 
Wreckless Eating said:
I'm not sure if the 4Ti is worth the price over the older 3T/3Ti. You can get a 3T (basically a 3Ti without the flip out LCD screen) with a lens for $399. The best deal I've seen on the 4Ti is $699 with two lenses.

The Rode Videomics are worth every penny. The added advantage is that they hold their value really well. So if you take care of them and decide to upgrade/sell them later, they will be worth about 80% of what you paid.
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I guess the reason I became more interested in the t4i is because I like the idea of continuous focus since I do tend to move around a lot and I don't want to have to adjust the focus constantly. How are the t3 and t3i in that regard? I have plenty of time to shop around I guess and read loads of reviews.
Thats great to hear about the Rode Videomics. Definitely going to get one as soon as I get a proper camera.
 
Scarricature said:
I guess the reason I became more interested in the t4i is because I like the idea of continuous focus since I do tend to move around a lot and I don't want to have to adjust the focus constantly. How are the t3 and t3i in that regard? I have plenty of time to shop around I guess and read loads of reviews.
Thats great to hear about the Rode Videomics. Definitely going to get one as soon as I get a proper camera.
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From what I've read about it, it's really slow, so I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money. The T3/T3i and 60D don't have continuous AF in video mode. It's actually not that much of a disadvantage. All you have do to is set up tripod and then mark the ground where you are in focus and make sure you stay within those boundaries. The extra money you save by getting the cheaper camera will pay for a set of lights and the Rode Videomic.
 
Wreckless Eating said:
From what I've read about it, it's really slow, so I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money. The T3/T3i and 60D don't have continuous AF in video mode. It's actually not that much of a disadvantage. All you have do to is set up tripod and then mark the ground where you are in focus and make sure you stay within those boundaries. The extra money you save by getting the cheaper camera will pay for a set of lights and the Rode Videomic.
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True.... very true.... you are very wise and I'd be very silly to not seriously consider that.
 
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