electricfiddler

electricfiddler: @electricfiddler Thank you. You pretty much confirmed my own thoughts. I could even build a small dynamic stabilizer - but the key is to have good image quality in the first place. I've been using a small Konica Minolta bridge camera (12X optic) but the quality of stills is quite poor and the video is very poor. The Konica has an OIS but it doesn't make all that much difference. I need compactness as I work with clients on a mountain and both film and photograph them for analysis (skiing) and pleasure. I might even produce a small DVD. This seems like the perfect tool for the job. I cannot carry around heaps of gear and I know that for top photos it needs an SLR with a big sensor. Small sensor still cameras are a poor compromise, but the small sensor in the video camera sacrifices nothing - keeping the optics small. This way I will have excellent video and one day if I really want to I can add a big SLR for special trips. Nov 23, 08

rkooris: @rkooris No, the stabilization system is not perfect. However, no small camcorder does very well in this regard, in my opinion, and I have been a pro cinematographer for many years. The easiest cameras to handhold and move smoothly are those with some weight and heft and which can be supported primarily on the shoulder. The 16mm Aaton is the best of these, in my opinion. The Sanyo is so small and light that it transmits and magnifies every small movement of the hands and arms, especially when attempting to walk or move. The only way that I can think of to properly stabilize it would be to either put it on a counter weighted (our spring loaded) arm, pole or a "mini-steadicam" rig designed for smooth movement or to use a gyro attached to the tripod mounting point on the bottom of the camera. I'm sur that would produce excellent results but the form factor of the camera would, clearly, b much larger. On the other hand, the image quality from such a small and inexpensive package is quite impressive. Nov 23, 08

electricfiddler: @electricfiddler Could you possibly let me know if the stabiliser is any good? The camera is criticised for lack of an optical stabiliser.

Thanks. Nov 23, 08