On today’s weekend show, we’re talking about camcorders vs DSLRs and how we use them in our shops.
What We’re Using
- Marc has a Sony PXW-Z-150 something or other
- Shannon is using a Canon Vixia HF100, GoPro Hero Black 3, GoPro Session, Polaroid Cube, and his iPhone 6s
- Matt has a Sony thingy ma bobber
Resources
- Izzy Video
- BH Photo
- Tony & Chelsea Northrup
- Lynda.com
- Go Out and Do It
How You Can Support Us
Use the links in the left column and sign up for a recurring donation, or you can be cool too and support the show through our Patreon campaign at kick it up a notch and wear a Wood Talk T-Shirt, or leave us an iTunes Review
11 replies on “WT332 – Camcorders vs DSLRs”
A word about DSLR/Camcorders,
I think a lot of youtubers use DSLR because it is dual purpose, family camera and hey it shoots video that makes me look artsy.
– It doesn’t make it any less work however.
Now my specialty Audio
The big difference between the two is not only that xlr/8th jack, but how it treats them. Most DSLRs have an 8th jack and require a line input, camcorders tend to have either jack and this fancy option called line or mic input. Without getting into to much detail as the difference, not knowing that they are different is typically what messing everything up. Most lav mics are mic level by default, and when you try to put a mic level input into a line level jack you will find distorted audio, and the appearance that you have too much gain.
This leads to add on devices to take you mic from mic to line level, which most people don’t realize they need to do and just figure they have bad audio… and they probably do. This may lead them to the Rode shotgun mic, which will sound incredible in comparison. It is line level. See what I am getting at?
Now camcorders, they have the options (typically) to take either, and by flipping a switch or setting you are good to go, also they have this fantastic thing called an audio meter… really designed for making videos.
I digress however because I to have a DSLR and that is what I shoot on, because that is what I have, however knowing it’s limitations and taking that into account when planning how you want to shoot can make all the difference. Much like wood working it is know the tools you have and how to use them.
BTW if you haven’t take a trip to NYC and go to B&H it is incredible to watch the completely automated store.
Thats all I got, time to go take a slabbie!
Oh and this by no means needs to come back up just thought I would share my thoughts.
I loved this episode! I thought I listened to Woodtalk for the woodworking, but it turns out you guys are just entertaining and interesting no matter what you’re talking about. Thanks for the good work!
Just wait until the next show where we discuss our favorite meatloaf recipes!
Marc,
I’m also in the process of renovating my shop and considering heat and lighting solutions. What research I’ve done on radiant tube heaters has convinced me not to buy one. Reasons below:
1) Wood dust that settles on the reflector shield above radiant tube can ignite
2) They work best when you have them elevated (10 foot or more) so that the infrared rays can spread out more and heat more objects and I have only 8′ ceilings
3) They operate by heating objects, the best thermal mass you have in your shop will be the concrete slab. If that slab isn’t insulated on the underside from the soil it’s in contact with, you will lose heat to that soil. I don’t have any details on my slab but I’m pretty sure it’s not insulated
4) Any objects you place in the path of it and your thermal mass is subject to that heat. I only read this a few places but it made sense, not sure if it’s accurate.
5) Epoxy flooring may not last as long. Again, read this only a few places
Sorry if there are any grammar errors in this, rushed it while at work.
Regards,
Matt
Further research has me in the same thought camp as you are. I just talked about this in today’s Friday Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9-8sLvvZpY
So my guesses/input as not-a-content-producer and barely-a-woodworker. Take that for what you will 😀
Like Shannon mentioned, you get a workflow going and you stick with it. I would think that the DSLR folks would probably be in a situation where you’re just recording constantly while in the shop on both video and audio, that way you only have to sync up once or so (even when moving the camera around). It also feels like the folks doing the weekly stuff tend to do smaller scale projects. Maybe a day or two’s worth of building? Audio on these feels more like talking over the footage with some background tool noises, rather than constantly talking or explaining over a shot.
But that’s just my uninformed guess 🙂
Hey Guys,
Have to say, when I heard the topic “camcorders and DSLR, I was hesitant to listen further. Boy, am I glad I did. While much of the subject matter was beyond my understanding, I was very impressed with your collective knowledge and appreciate that skillset you have beyond woodworking. Also helps me appreciate the high quality of your content.
Jay
A”woodworking” show about video cameras? Really?
I guess wanting a weekend show now falls into the category of “be careful what you wish for.”
Stay tuned Terry. It won’t all be about video cameras. 🙂
Please review more woodworking DVD like you did in the past.
Loved the show. Photography is another hobby of mine and i have a some what interest in video. I just can’t stand editing and hate spending more time on computers after doing it 10 hours a day for my day job. Wish there was an easy solution that didn’t involve computers. Where’s my film?
I really would love the episode on the meatloaf recipes i hope your not joking. Honestly though Marc likes food has mentioned it a few times it could be a good possibility.