jeremy wilson
If money were not an option, what would be the best chase camera. I'm about to purchase one so let me know why. If you got an example (video clips) then share.
Rob H
EF5
I used to get mad when people said this, but the best chase camera/lens really is the one that you have with you, like to use, and know how to use inside and out.
For DSLRs, the Canon T2i is a solid performer without any huge upgrades in the T3i or T4i - so if the 2 is cheaper, feel comfortable getting it. For Nikon you could probably go with a 3100 or a 5100 and be happy. At the entry levels, there isn't much of a difference in DSLRs. The 18-55 kit lens is not stellar, but more than adequate for someone new to DSLRs. Lens upgrades would probably be like the "nifty/thrifty 50" for ~$100, the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 for a better mid-zoom, and either the Tokina 11-16, Canon 10-22, or Sigma 10-20 (in order of my personal preference). Unfortunately, ISO performance leaves something to be desired at this price point, but oh well. Unless you get to the point where you're looking at $2000 lenses or full-frame, it's almost a toss-up for whether you go Canon or Nikon.
Mirrorless have come far enough you could also consider entering this area. Main drawbacks are autofocus speed, small selection of native AF lenses, and stigma among the dinosaur chasers that think it needs to be 'DSLR or go home'
The Fuji X-E1, Olympus OM-D, and Sony NEX 6 are all kind of expensive bodies - probably a few hundred more than you'd pay for one of the DSLRs I mentioned above. The Fujis have an amazing, yet quirky, sensor that still has some problems in RAW workflows, although it's getting better with every RAW processor release. The Sonys suffer from a lack of amazing first party AF focus lenses, but the body is amazing. The Sony sensors are literally the same ones put in the higher end Nikon DSLRs. The Sony NEX-5R is a sweet little camera that does a lot, and I'd highly suggest playing with one in a store. The mirrorless also have the added bonus of being able to use virtually any lens in MF with a cheap ($20) adapter. Find an old SR mount Pentax in your dad's closet or a Takumar 55 at the pawn store? No problem.
I'd personally recommend looking at the Canon T2i and the Sony NEX-5R, and going out to flickr or something and see what kind of pictures people take and what kind of lenses people use. The gear isn't nearly as important as you knowing the gear, being comfortable using it, and enjoying it. Disclaimer: I used to own a Canon T2i, and switched to Fuji last year.
edit: also, to head anyone off at the pass here "but he asked for the best camera if money weren't an issue!" - a Nikon D800, Leica M9, or Sony RX1 would be pretty cool. A Phase One 645 would be my personal choice for best, though, because medium format is sexy. But you won't appreciate or know how to get the most out of any of those cameras without starting with something more limiting.
For DSLRs, the Canon T2i is a solid performer without any huge upgrades in the T3i or T4i - so if the 2 is cheaper, feel comfortable getting it. For Nikon you could probably go with a 3100 or a 5100 and be happy. At the entry levels, there isn't much of a difference in DSLRs. The 18-55 kit lens is not stellar, but more than adequate for someone new to DSLRs. Lens upgrades would probably be like the "nifty/thrifty 50" for ~$100, the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 for a better mid-zoom, and either the Tokina 11-16, Canon 10-22, or Sigma 10-20 (in order of my personal preference). Unfortunately, ISO performance leaves something to be desired at this price point, but oh well. Unless you get to the point where you're looking at $2000 lenses or full-frame, it's almost a toss-up for whether you go Canon or Nikon.
Mirrorless have come far enough you could also consider entering this area. Main drawbacks are autofocus speed, small selection of native AF lenses, and stigma among the dinosaur chasers that think it needs to be 'DSLR or go home'
The Fuji X-E1, Olympus OM-D, and Sony NEX 6 are all kind of expensive bodies - probably a few hundred more than you'd pay for one of the DSLRs I mentioned above. The Fujis have an amazing, yet quirky, sensor that still has some problems in RAW workflows, although it's getting better with every RAW processor release. The Sonys suffer from a lack of amazing first party AF focus lenses, but the body is amazing. The Sony sensors are literally the same ones put in the higher end Nikon DSLRs. The Sony NEX-5R is a sweet little camera that does a lot, and I'd highly suggest playing with one in a store. The mirrorless also have the added bonus of being able to use virtually any lens in MF with a cheap ($20) adapter. Find an old SR mount Pentax in your dad's closet or a Takumar 55 at the pawn store? No problem.
I'd personally recommend looking at the Canon T2i and the Sony NEX-5R, and going out to flickr or something and see what kind of pictures people take and what kind of lenses people use. The gear isn't nearly as important as you knowing the gear, being comfortable using it, and enjoying it. Disclaimer: I used to own a Canon T2i, and switched to Fuji last year.
edit: also, to head anyone off at the pass here "but he asked for the best camera if money weren't an issue!" - a Nikon D800, Leica M9, or Sony RX1 would be pretty cool. A Phase One 645 would be my personal choice for best, though, because medium format is sexy. But you won't appreciate or know how to get the most out of any of those cameras without starting with something more limiting.
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Robert Edmonds
EF5
A digital hasselblad... Large number of megapixels, still ccd (not CMOS) so great read noise, and the A/D converter bit size would help with the tone mapping. Although battery probably drains quickly, and a bit pricey 
I always wanted to make my own camera too.
Edit: Just saw the comment about A Phase One 645, that would be good too.
I always wanted to make my own camera too.Edit: Just saw the comment about A Phase One 645, that would be good too.
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Hannah.Taylor
EF4
are you wanting a handheld mini-camera? a production quality video camera? a DSLR? a point and shoot?
jeremy wilson
A production quality video camera, guess I should have specified. Although the opinions offered above are still appreciated.
Dan Robinson
EF5
Full sized Sony XDCAM. 1920x1080 native, 2/3" CCDs http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554275-REG/Sony_PDW_700_PDW700_XDCAM_HD_2_3.html
Nice if you have $50k to drop on the camera, lens, tripod, case, cards and insurance policy.
There's nothing in the consumer or prosumer realm that comes close to this camera in terms of low light performance, ability to capture lightning without rolling shutter (CCDs instead of CMOS), and good full HD bitrate (no compression artifacts). You can find some cams in the $5000 range that will give you two of those features, but not all three.
Nope, I don't have this camera and never will! Dreaming on....
If you have about $14,000, then you could get the Sony XDCAM EX for the good bitrate and low light, then the Panasonic AG-HMC150 for a dedicated lightning camera (it has CCDs but poor low light performance). If business supported buying a new pro camera setup (which for me it does not and hasn't for several years), that is what I would do.
Nice if you have $50k to drop on the camera, lens, tripod, case, cards and insurance policy.
There's nothing in the consumer or prosumer realm that comes close to this camera in terms of low light performance, ability to capture lightning without rolling shutter (CCDs instead of CMOS), and good full HD bitrate (no compression artifacts). You can find some cams in the $5000 range that will give you two of those features, but not all three.
Nope, I don't have this camera and never will! Dreaming on....
If you have about $14,000, then you could get the Sony XDCAM EX for the good bitrate and low light, then the Panasonic AG-HMC150 for a dedicated lightning camera (it has CCDs but poor low light performance). If business supported buying a new pro camera setup (which for me it does not and hasn't for several years), that is what I would do.
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Hannah.Taylor
EF4
There is a canon xf300 in the market section for sale. Thats a good prduction quality video camera.
Shawn Gossman
Supporter
If you want something good priced, go for GoPro. I would like to get one myself for my cycling stuff. I have seen them used in chasing and they seem good. My SLR has a video camera on it and so does my iPhone5, so to me those a good enough. Now if you want to go into the footage selling business, you will need to buy a better and more expensive camera because as they say, you get what you pay for
cdcollura
EF5
Good day all,
MODS: Maybe this should be in the 'equipment' thread?
Anyway, to me I feel against spending thousands of dollars on camera equipment that is subject to the 'harsh' chase environment (dust, hot / cold, rain, salt water in tropical systems, stolen, etc).
It is wise to look for an inexpensive camera that rivals that of the more expensive models. For example, I shoot stills with a Canon T2i, which I got for about $600. I am not going to spend $2000+ on a 7D or such when the T2i offers slightly less quality.
Also, you might want to consider "special purposes" with equipment. In other words, instead of spending $5000 on a single "all in one" camera suite, choose a couple of camera for the specifics of the task at hand... A GoPro for the wet / harshest environments and a dedicated still camera (for scenes not exposed to excessive rain and moisture).
Camera equipment normally does not last as long in a storm chasing environment as it would on a stage / studio!
MODS: Maybe this should be in the 'equipment' thread?
Anyway, to me I feel against spending thousands of dollars on camera equipment that is subject to the 'harsh' chase environment (dust, hot / cold, rain, salt water in tropical systems, stolen, etc).
It is wise to look for an inexpensive camera that rivals that of the more expensive models. For example, I shoot stills with a Canon T2i, which I got for about $600. I am not going to spend $2000+ on a 7D or such when the T2i offers slightly less quality.
Also, you might want to consider "special purposes" with equipment. In other words, instead of spending $5000 on a single "all in one" camera suite, choose a couple of camera for the specifics of the task at hand... A GoPro for the wet / harshest environments and a dedicated still camera (for scenes not exposed to excessive rain and moisture).
Camera equipment normally does not last as long in a storm chasing environment as it would on a stage / studio!
Marcus Diaz
EF5
I echo Chris' thoughts. I too have a T2i that I take stills and video with, plus a Canon Vixia HF21 I got on sale ($300 off). Last year my Vixia received a quarter sized haipstone to the lcd screen making it to where I didn't know if I was recording or not, if I was in focus, or exactly what I was looking at. It wasn't till late last year that I found a company that offered screen replacements (no one else did, not even Canon) and replaced it myself for $50. Now its as good as new.
Stuart Robinson
EF5
Canon 5DMKII or MKIII
Great still images and VERY good video to boot!
Great still images and VERY good video to boot!
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