Reddit mentions of Sony a5100 16-50mm Interchangeable Lens Camera with 3-Inch Flip Up LCD (Black)

Definitely check into used equipment! IMO there's almost never a reason to buy brand new camera stuff as long as you get it from a reputable place/somewhere with a good return policy. Unless whatever you're buying literally just came out, I guess. B&H and Adorama both have used departments, and keh.com is extremely reliable (and their condition ratings are conservative, so it's always better than you expect).

For what it's worth though, I use the Samsung NX500 with the kit 16-50mm lens for my blog/youtube/instagram photos. I got it for I think $450 used from Adorama. I like it because it has the flip-up LCD so I can see myself, and it can also create an ad hoc wifi network so you can connect your phone and transfer photos. Other ones that I looked at when I was shopping were the Olympus PEN E-PL7 (decided against it b/c the screen flips down, which doesn't help if it's on a tripod), the Sony Alpha a5100 (originally my first choice but I couldn't find a deal on one at the time - looks like amazon has it for $498 right now though) and the Samsung NX Mini (cheaper than the NX500 but the video quality isn't as good and supposedly the autofocus doesn't perform as well).

Feel free to join us over at /r/bbloggers!

/u/flamethrower13-5 - sadly, the A5xxx series cameras lack viewfinders and mic jacks - while the Canons are all low end DSLRs with mirrors that block their viewfinders in video mode - and most of them lack mic jacks as well.

Plus, they are all 1080p cameras in a 4K world.

For less than the price of a [$598 A5100 with the 16-50mm kit lens] (https://www.amazon.com/Sony-16-50mm-Mirrorless-Digital-Camera/dp/B00MHPAFAG//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20), you can get a camera with 4 times the resolution of any camera on your list, a mic jack and a viewfinder that actually works while you're recording video - the [$597.99 (on sale) Panasonic G7 with the 14-42mm kit lens and a free 64GB SD card] (https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Interchangeable-Camera-14-42mm-Microfiber/dp/B01N40BUM1//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) [Referral Links].

Here is the image quality this camera can produce:

Narrative

• [Ride: Horror Short Film by House By The Video Store] (https://vimeo.com/186507231) (1080p)
  
  
• [COUPLES: Sara & Adam (Movie Night) by Chris Sturgeon] (https://youtu.be/vL9LI9J3Tl8) (1080p)
  
  
• [Your Own Size - (Short Film) Panasonic G7 with Kit Lens by Spectrum The Originator] (https://youtu.be/_umc7arlep0) (2160p)
  
  
• [Unfigured (2016) short movie - filmed with Panasonic G7 by AgnosLibertine] (https://youtu.be/tfTqjeVn-tU) (2160p)
  
  
• [LUMIX DMC-G7 Sample Video in 4K by Colin Witherill] (https://youtu.be/fZllpp_y8Is) (2160p)
  
  
• [Stars by Tarik Dobbs] (https://vimeo.com/137538379) (1080p)
  
  Beauty/Fashion
  
  
• [SUMMER JACK // Making of by Luís Martino] (https://vimeo.com/166069096)
  
  
• [CEZOН by Boroda Cinema] (https://vimeo.com/159211536)
  
  
• [Zuzana (2016) by Antoan Pepelanov] (https://vimeo.com/155100189)
  
  Automotive
  
  
• [AC x PD | The 964 by Project-Definition] (https://vimeo.com/169971609)
  
  
• [AC x PD | The Hakotora by Project-Definition] (https://vimeo.com/156239041) (shot with the kit lens)
  
  
• [Ferrari 360 modena F131 by sumizooN] (https://vimeo.com/167509280) (4K)
  
  Travel/Nature
  
  
• [Weekend by Albert Fast] (https://vimeo.com/166234439) (4K)
  
  
• [Bahamas] (https://vimeo.com/136657243)
  
  
• [Away From The City ~ Panasonic G7 [4K] 42.5mm F1.7] (http://vimeo.com/132028570)
  
  
• [Panasonic Lumix G7 / G70 Launch - 4K - 4KPhoto Modes] (http://vimeo.com/128536456) (shot in photo/video mode - each frame is an 8MP still photo) (2160p)
  
  Documentary
  
  
• [Fotograf Anna Ejemo] (https://youtu.be/N5jQhqm-26I) (2160p)
  
  
• [Indianapolis 500 in 4K] (https://youtu.be/q4OPPUH5FsE) (2160p)
  
  Timelapse
  
  
• [Clouds Time-lapse] (https://vimeo.com/139023972)
  
  
• [Voigtlander Nokton 10.5mm F0.95 Lens - Examples on a Panasonic G7 [4K]] (https://youtu.be/zLIc0n9K8Pk)
  
  Timelapse and Slow Motion
  
  
• [Oostende Koerse 2015] (https://vimeo.com/138394549) (shot with the G7/G70 and its big brother, the Panasonic GH4)
  
  It's a pretty good still camera too: https://www.flickr.com/groups/panasonic-lumix-g7/pool/
  
  This camera is a very good value for your money and a much better camera for video than the Sonys and Canons on your list.
  
  If you decide to go with the G7, you might want to subscribe over at /r/PanasonicG7. There are lots of knowledgeable folks there who can help you get the most out of your new camera.
  
  Hope this is helpful and best of luck finding the right camera for your needs!

Go used! invest in some decent audio and lighting. Also, look into the Sony a5100. The flip screen would be a lifesaver for framing yourself if you do a lot of self-recording. It might tickle your fancy in the price range as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-16-50mm-Mirrorless-Digital-Camera/dp/B00MHPAFAG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1509596244&sr=1-1&keywords=sony+a5100

First post here, I've basicly spent the last couple of days researching/buying gear around your price point. I already possessed a Zoom H1, but since you can use your phone for that purpose, I'd say we're about in the same boat.

I'd personally recommend you to check out four primary options. If the newest model is too pricey, it might be worthwhile to check out the older versions.

1. Panasonic FZ300: Great Zoom, 4k video at the lowest possible price point afaik, great usability, decent stabilization, external mic input, flipable screen in all directions, decent built in mic, DSLR.
   Downside: Bulky.
   Honestly, I'm confident that this is probably the best camera out there for video right now, at least at its price point. However, if portability is a must, this one simply doesn't cut it.
   
2. Panasonic G7: Similar deal to the FZ300. I didn't find too many differences overall though. 4K, external mic, decent stabilization etc. Less zoom capabilities though. Also, it is more compact than the FZ300. It's a mirrorless camera, but it's also a bit more pricey than the FZ300. If size is a factor, this is a better choice. Also stills will be better with this one.
   
3. Sony RX100 ii: Great camera which does everything you wouldn't expect from this size. Very good image and video quality for its price point and unbeatable portability. However, no interchangeable lenses and due to its size, lacking duration on video due to overheating hazards. If you're looking to shoot for extended periods, the larger the better and panasonic is definitely your go-to. However if you prefer ease of use and a compact feel. This is the way to go.
   
4. Sony A5100: My personal choice at the end of the day. It's a very similar story to the RX100ii, but as opposed to the RX, this one has all the latest from sony. Massive sensor which means great low light performance and overall very high quality footage. New XAVC S codec for higher quality video. Both of these at a reasonable price point while enabling the use of interchangable lenses. Also, I just think this baby is way more charming than the RX series. However, it's definitely known to overheat over longer duration video shooting, it has no external mic input, no in built stabilization, no EVF and no shoe to mount stuff on. I didn't find these to be capable of weighing up to its potential though, especially with a pancake lens. I've got great portability, one of the best low light and video cameras at the price point. I actually figured out that I can bypass all of the problems it faces by buying myself an external recording device. Sure, this costs as much as the camera itself, but the benefits the camera offers are unbeatable at the price point, and if I enjoy myself enough up to a point where I want to invest more, I can just remove all the negatives and stay at the top in terms of quality AND portability, since the external recorder is equally portable.
   
   I haven't gone over the full details for all of them, but if any of them interest you in particular, just find some reviews and you'll get a good idea of what they're all about. Also, some are a bit over your budget, but I don't know how tight your finances are so I figured I'd just give you my take.
   
   Lastly, definitely don't forget audio as mentioned in the thread already. A lav mic will get your far since you can use it with the panasonics or your phone.
   
   Hope this has been more than just a rant. Good luck!
   

A few assumptions need to be made to make this post not 10 pages long. I assume you have approximately $500+ dollars to get started. If you don't it'll be clear where you can cut back, but lose out on quality.


In order to do what Duncan does, you need a few items:

1. Camera: The best bang for the buck "no" budget camera right now for solo shooters who film themselves is the a5100. The a6000 is also nice but doesn't have a flip out monitor which helps when making sure you're in focus and also filming yourself, and also loses out on some other video features. This camera depletes our budget immediately but starting out strong is good. You can always save up money for more stuff later down the road. If that's too expensive you can look into a used a5100, or a Sony NEX-5N. You lose out on fast auto focus, a higher quality codec, and a flip out monitor. Could you get a DSLR? Sure. But anything that would come close to competing with the a5100 in terms of video specs would be well over $1,000.
   
   
   
2. Tripod: You don't really need a tripod. You could stack up a bunch of books and put your camera on that. Unfortunately you wouldn't have pan/tilt capabilities but it'd work. However, filming "b-roll" of your completed minis to add supplementary footage may be difficult handheld. So, if I were to buy a "no" budget tripod, it'd be this one. I personally used this. It's great for beginners, pretty rigid, but suffers when exposed to elements like water/sand. It also only has 2 axes of motion as opposed to all 3 (not the biggest deal for video, more so photography).
   
   
   
3. SD Card: Your camera probably comes with one (unless you buy used or some other deal). If you need one, seeing as how you'll be filming to a 50 mbit codec (XAVC, higher the number, better the quality of the footage), you'll need a card with at least a 50 mbit read/write rate to keep up with that codec. Here's one.
   
   
   
4. Microphone: Duncan's voice is nice and clear. The mic on your camera is absolutely terrible. You will sound like you're talking into a tin can. This isn't a problem with the camera either, it's a problem with all on-camera microphones. There's a few solutions to this. You could pick up a lavaliere system. One interesting one is the Rode Smart Lav. You plug it into your smart phone, click record on your smart phone, record on your camera, sync it with a clap, and you're off. Most cameras come with a 3.5mm jack to plug in an external microphone, but this one does not (kind of good and bad, bad for "no" budget film making). This forces us to look for an external recorder to capture our audio (in the case of the smart lav, your phone acts as the external recorder). A good external recorder and mic combo with be a Tascam DR-05 and a Rode VideoMic Go plus some accessories like a cold shoe mount + mic stand. Out of these set ups, I prefer the smart lav. When/if you look into getting a recorder/microphone solution, spending more money garnishes much better equipment to a certain degree.
   
   
   Bonus 5: Lenses. As usual, lenses that come with the camera are not the best in terms of sharpness. So I have 2 recommendations to supplement your camera. An incredibly sharp (in terms of detail) lens but it only can take advantage of Sony's slower auto focus, or a less sharp lens that can auto focus very quickly. Combining sharpness + capability to utilize Sony's new fast auto focus features costs $$$. It does exist, but I'm hesitant to link it.
   
   
   My recommendation: If you know you want to get into this, buy the a5100 and an SD card (if you need it). Play around with the camera, its settings, different set ups, etc. Once you're familiar, buy the tripod, film test tutorial of you painting something, edit it and render/publish it. Once you're certain you are enjoying the process or the outcome, buy a better mic set up, and then finally a better lens.
   /u/RamenProfitable

> it was my understanding that with a low aperture, you can take pictures that has a blurry background and a strong focus on an object in front

I'd say "wide aperture" because really you're talking about the size of that opening inside the lens. The f-number is the denominator in a fraction, so it runs inverse to the size of the aperture and gets confusing when you're saying low/high/small/large in reference to that number when it's opposite of what's happening to the aperture size itself.

And what a wide aperture does is decrease the depth of field, or range of distances around the focus point that also appear within acceptable focus. So yes, if you use a shallow depth of field and focus on a foreground subject, it's more likely for the subject to be sharp with a blurred background. But you could also shoot with a shallow depth of field and focus on the background, in which case that part of the background will be sharp with a potentially blurred foreground subject.

> the first picture is much more zoomed in. Why is this?

Focal length tells you about field of view. A longer focal length gives you a narrower field of view; a shorter focal length gives you a larger field of view.

Zoom is the ability of a lens to change focal length, and therefore change field of view.

Your 18-55mm is a zoom lens. It can zoom from a short focal length of 18mm to a long-ish focal length of 55mm or anything in between. If you got a larger field of view with it from a particular distance, it's because you were zoomed out to a shorter focal length. Again, a shorter focal length gives a larger field of view.

Your 50mm is not a zoom lens. It's stuck at a 50mm focal length. 50mm is a longer focal length than most of the focal lengths available with the 18-55mm, so it will give you a narrower field of view than most of the zoom positions with the 18-55mm. And indeed 50mm is close to all the way zoomed in with the 18-55mm.

> Is there a camera that has the ability to take a picture with a blurry background that is not so zoomed in? If so, which one would you recommend?

It seemed you understood that we were talking about lens properties. Why do you think a camera body is the answer to a lens issue?

A camera shooting with a larger format digital sensor or film will have shallower depth of field for a given field of view and aperture, but only because it would require a closer distance and/or longer focal length (again, lens issues), which would make depth of field shallower. A larger format camera would give you a larger field of view for a given focal length as well. But also, a larger format camera is going to cost you way more for the effect than an appropriate lens. Don't you want the most effective solution for your money?

> I was looking into getting the Sony a5100 16-50mm Mirrorless Digital Camera. Would this camera be capable of doing what I want with the blurry background?

No.

The maximum aperture range on that lens is f/3.5 to f/5.6. Just like your 18-55mm lens and still far away from f/1.8. So no improvement for what you want in that regard.

The a5100 uses the same format size as the D5200 you have now. So no improvement for what you want in that regard either.

Were there any particular reasons you thought that combination would work better?

> if you have any helpful words or advice

You want a larger field of view and a shallow depth of field, right?

So as we discussed, that would mean you want a shorter focal length for the larger field of view, and also a wider aperture for the shallower depth of field.

I would spend an extra $100 and get a new Sony Mirrorless. I shot Nikon for many years but these Sonys are insane:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-16-50mm-Interchangeable-Camera-3-Inch/dp/B00MHPAFAG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419017481&sr=8-1&keywords=sony+a5100