It's time (actually well past time) for me to upgrade from my current camera (Canon XH A1S) to something more in line with today's standards. Ideally the camera would be something on the order of:
- Lightweight (single-hand held for long periods)
- 4K 10-bit 60P
- 12+ stops dynamic range
- Global shutter
- Clean image in low light (interiors)
- Reasonable cost media
- Reasonably affordable
I've researched quite a few cameras, and the camera I want doesn't exist (yet). So I'm looking for something close. Cameras which are already low on my list include the Sony A7SII (only 1/2 hour max recording time per clip), Panasonic DVX200 (too heavy), and the BM Ursa Mini (too big and heavy). The Sony FS7 is probably also out. If the BM Cinema Camera had a better form factor, it would be in the running, but I just can't see using that hand held.
Right now I'm considering the Sony FS5. It's lightweight, affordable, and uses low cost media. But it's 4K 8-bit 30P (though it also shoots broadcast ready 1080 60p 10-bit at 50Mb/s) with a rolling shutter.
The rolling shutter is one of my biggest issues (and why camera manufacturers insist on implementing cameras with rolling shutters is beyond me). I tend to shoot 2 kinds of scene; slow interior events (church events, conferences, etc.) and martial arts. Filming someone moving or spinning a staff at speed is a lot like filming a plane propeller, and we all know what that looks like with a rolling shutter. Cameras with a faster frame rate reduce the effect, or why I'd prefer at least a 60FPS camera.
Weight is the other issue. I often end up having to hand-hold the camera for long periods of time. After about 10 minutes, my XH A1S (which has a wide-angle lens attached) becomes too heavy at nearly 6.5 lbs. The DVX200 fits most of my needs, except it's also about 6.5 lbs. I really can't go shoulder mount as it's not convenient for some of my needs.
I do want to keep with a larger sensor camera (MFT on up) with lower pixel count for better low light (I really don't need bokeh except for talking head shots). My final output will continue to be HD for the forseeable future. I'm tending towards 4K cameras so as to be able to re-frame shots if/when necessary.
I'm looking for opinions from people who either already use any of the above cameras, or something similar and can comment on my bullet points. My priorities are really good image quality in low light, minimal rolling shutter effect, and low weight.