I received a lot of questions about what type of camera I use for my videos so I created a video sharing my thoughts on the equipment I prefer. The camera I use is a Canon VIXIA HF200 HD camcorder which I have mounted to a Manfrotto 785b photo/video tripod and my audio is through a Sony UWP-V1 wireless microphone. I wanted to be able to buy everything for under $1000 and while I was able to accomplish this, I had to make a few changes to my equipment that raised the total cost slightly.
Canon VIXIA HF200
Since my total budget was $1000, I wanted to buy a camera for around the $600 mark. I looked at a number of cameras and compared picture quality but to my untrained eye they all looked fairly similar, so I decided to choose a camera based on a specific set of features that I wanted, which were: a built-in hot shoe, an audio input jack and a threaded lens.
The hot shoe is good for attaching external accessories such as lights or microphones. Unfortunately, the Canon HF200 comes with Canon’s Mini Advanced Shoe which is smaller than the industry standard shoe and therefore does not fit any of the accessories currently on the market that use the regular shoe size. Canon does this so that you are forced to buy Canon specific accessories, but the list of accessories from Canon is rather slim and so I found the use for the built-in hot shoe rather limited. In the end I bought a Sima SLB-M bracket to mount my Sony UWP-V1 wireless microphone.
Canon BP-819 Battery
The Canon HF200 comes with the BP-809 battery that provides about an hour of recording time, which in my experience is far too short. The Canon BP-819 battery is a much better choice as it provides up to 3 hours of recording time. By conserving battery life I could easily go all day filming with the BP-819 so it is an upgrade that I would highly recommend.
There has been much debate about the value of the Canon batteries compared to generic batteries, considering they both last about the same time, but the Canon batteries cost substantially more. I did buy a generic battery here in Bangkok but it was only because I could not find a genuine Canon battery anywhere in Thailand! I even called Canon Thailand and they were no help in getting me a genuine Canon battery.
The generic battery did provide the same recording time as the official Canon BP-819 battery but two problems were extremely frustrating and ultimately I ended up ordering the official battery from Amazon. The first problem is that because it is a generic battery it does not contain the Canon software that matches the battery to the camera. While this does not prevent the battery from working, the camera pops up a warning dialogue box every time you turn it on. This is extra step which, when you are quickly trying to get a shot, is extremely frustrating especially because if you click the wrong button the camera shuts off and you have to start all over again. The lack of Canon software also prevents the camera from displaying the reaming time of the battery, leaving you to guess when your camera will run out of juice and stop working.
The Canon BP-819 battery is more expensive than a generic brand battery but for me it is a worthwhile purchase.
Manfrotto 785b Modo Photo Video Tripod
With the bulk of my budget spent on my camera my choices for a good quality tripod was limited. I did not want a very large tripod as I knew I would be hand-holding most of my shots so I bought the Manfrotto 785b tripod. This is a very inexpensive tripod but with a surprisingly long list of features but the cheap quality of the construction is frustrating and disappointing.
I have two main problems I with this tripod. Firstly, the mounting plate for the camera does not fit properly to the head of the tripod. This small bit of play between the mounting plate and the head causes my camera to shake slightly when I am walking. This can be fixed by putting a small shim between the plate and head but it is still annoying that I had to “fix” this myself.
The other annoyance I have with the Manfrotto 785b is the fact that the head does not lock into position. The tripod uses a pistol grip with a trigger-like locking mechanism but it barely locks the head in place and any slight movement causes the camera to flop over. This is extremely frustrating when I am shooting outside with any type of movement and is a very disappointing feature of this tripod.
I realize that the Manfrotto 785b is a very low cost tripod but I am very disappointed that Manfrotto used such sloppy construction practices to ruin what could be a really great feature-packed tripod. I would have gladly paid double the price if the backing plate fitted properly and the locking mechanism actually locked the head.
Azden WMS-PRO Wireless Microphone System
The range of options for budget wireless microphones is very limited and I bought what seemed to be the only one on the market which is the Azden WMS-PRO Wireless Microphone System. Considering that most lower priced wireless microphones start at around $500 the Azden WMS-PRO is quite a bargain at $150. I bought this unit based mainly on this video review posted on YouTube. In the video the range and sound quality seemed impressive for such an inexpensive unit. However in my experience the range of the Azden WMS-Pro is extremely limited and unpredictable, and combined with the lack of a battery indicator, I ended upgrading to the Sony UWP-V1 Wireless Lavalier Microphone.
Sony UWP-V1 Wireless Lavalier Microphone
The Sony UWP-V1 Wireless Lavalier Microphone is substantially more expensive than the Azden WMS-Pro, selling for close to $500, but in my experience the price is worth it due to the range and clarity of the Sony unit. I tested this unit out to 200′ and found the sound to be clear and strong at that distance. What this unit has allowed is for me to expand the range of shots that I can do in my videos and really opens up a slew on new creative possibilities. It was a costly upgrade from the Azden but I am very happy with the results of the Sony UWP-V1
My video comparison of the Azden WMS-Pro vs Sony UWP-V1
Conclusion
For under $1500 I’m very happy with my gear and the quality of videos that I’m able to produce, especially when I’m filming by myself. If anyone can suggest a better tripod that is the same size and weight as my current one please email me.
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kristian
22. Jun, 2010
did your camcorder get stolen or was that just part of the sony mic video?
Bobby
22. Jun, 2010
Would like to ask, what video software(s) do you prefer or use?
Tony Joh
24. Jun, 2010
No my camera didn’t get stolen, my neighbour was playing a joke on me.
The software I use to edit my videos is Final Cut Express
bobby
25. Jun, 2010
I use Video Studio 10 but it’s getting outdated, still does the basics fine.
Question from the video, where online did you look to buy your camera battery? I have a Canon EOS 400D dslr and am looking everywhere, including going to the Canon HQ in Silom. As you said, they didn’t help. I also dislike the batteries at Pantip and MBK, but when I looked on ebay I wasn’t sure they have true originals. Any tips?
Tony Joh
25. Jun, 2010
I bought my battery along with a bunch of other electronic stuff that was impossible to get here from Amazon and had them all shipped to a friend in Canada who then shipped it to me.
I bought my battery from a store in Pantip called Digital Time. I’ve bought camera stuff from there before and they seem to be a step above the typical Pantip retailer.
Ironically the generic battery I did buy from them seems to last slightly longer than the official Canon battery but the lack of time display and that annoying dialogue is what caused me to buy the official Canon one.
bobby
27. Jun, 2010
Yah, last I checked Amazon dealers seemed to avoid sending electronics straight to Asia. Might be different at present, though. Still debating buying a knock off copy battery or not. Prefer not to.
Tony Joh
29. Jun, 2010
If you can live with the lack of battery indicator then a knock off isn’t a bad option. I keep mine around as a back up and combined with the regular battery I get over 6 hours of recording time. I wouldn’t use a knock off as my main battery though.
MaXfReZa
07. Jul, 2010
Oh geez, that guy took the camera and started running! LOL. My friends and I were laughing our butts off just now, LOL. I can laugh because I know you got your camera back cause you got the footage
That was wild.
I’m buying the Canon HF200 and the Sony UWP-V1 Wireless Lavalier Microphone.
What are your thoughts on lighting attachments (i.e. LED light panels, light rings, etc.)?
Tony Joh
18. Jul, 2010
I haven’t bought any light attachments yet but it is on my list, although the onboard single LED light is pretty strong.
MaXfReZa
28. Dec, 2010
Hey Tony, just to follow up. I ended up purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF M31 instead of the HF200. After noticing complaints about Class 10 SDHC cards having issues I did some investigating. I discovered that the HF200 didn’t support Class 10; due to the fact that Class 10 emerged after the HF200 existed. The HF M31 has similar specs as the HF200 with a few extras plus Class 10 compatibility so it was a no brainer. You’re right about the light, its pretty strong… I was happily surprised. The touchscreen isn’t as easy as my thumbs aren’t the best for sub-iphone sized screens. Created a few videos, I’ll give you a link some time soon. Peace
P.S. My tripod sucks, I think its a photo tripod… purchased before I knew there was a difference. Any advice on any tripods outside of the Manfrotto 785b?
Tony Joh
28. Dec, 2010
I’ve searched but I haven’t found a good replacement for the 785b yet. I’m losing my passion for the HF200 rapidly as 2 32GB SDHC cards that I bought for it don’t work!!
The problem is Canon won’t update the firmware for the new Class10 cards so the ones I bought are too new. #@!!% >:(
It does work but I have to shoot in a lower resolution and can’t shoot in full HD. I’m having to look for older cards to see if I can get the camera to accept them. If Canon would issue a firmware update it would be no problems.
MaXfReZa
29. Dec, 2010
I feel your pain, I would’ve been pissed too. I’m just glad I did some research on the best memory cards for the HF200 before buying.
About the firmware… I think that the HF200 is so awesome that it would undercut the sales of their newer models if they released a Class 10 firmware update.
Keep in mind, that the card issue was the ONLY reason I opt for the M31. If that issue didn’t exist I would’ve purchased the HF200 without a second thought… I think Canon knows that.
Doug Donnellan
17. Jul, 2010
Hello,
I’m heading to Bangkok and I desperately need spare batteries for my canon Vixia HG-21. The Bp-819 that you mentioned will work fine.
Could you Please tell me where you bought this replacement!! I’m pulling my hair out looking for them at stores.
Thank you so much.
-Doug
Tony Joh
18. Jul, 2010
Hey Doug
I ended up buying the BP-819 battery from Canada and I couldn’t find it anywhere here in Bangkok. If you want to buy the grey market one I bought it at a store in Pantip Plaza called Digital Time
Wendy
10. Aug, 2010
I can’t get the receiver from the Azden to fit in the shoe of my HF-200, what option do I have?
Tony Joh
10. Aug, 2010
Hi Wendy, what I did with mine was to cut it to make the receiver tab smaller so it will fit the hot shoe. This worked ok but it was never a tight fit.
When I got the Sony wireless mic I wasn’t going to cut it so I bought the bracket and both the Azden and Sony fit the bracket perfectly. What’s also nice about the bracket is I can add a light source to it as well.
Phil
10. Sep, 2010
This is a problem I face a lot, it isn’t so much a problem with camcorders but a budgeting problem most of the time…
People look at one battery from a generic source and the “official” source and they invariably go with the cheaper of the two but more often than not it costs more to set right in the end lol
At least you were just testing it and don’t do that all the time lol
Carnaga
07. Oct, 2010
Thank you so much for the review. It was awesome and I loved it a lot. Because of your vid, I bought the exact tripod
The 2nd issue you had with the tripod (“Lot of play between two plates”), bothered me a lot so I tried to find a solution:
Find eg. an expired credit card or similar. You need two parts from it: 1) Draw the outline of the mounting plate to the credit card and cut it with scissors. 2) Draw a small triangle (aprox 1 cm x 1 cm) and cut it of the card.
Here is a demonstrative pic :
http://carnaga.wippiespace.com/test/tripod.jpg
Use super glue, eg. to attach the credit card to top of the tripod if you find it sturdy enough to make it permanent.
Tony Joh
07. Oct, 2010
Good solution! Does your head move as easily as mine does even in lock down mode?
Carnaga
07. Oct, 2010
I have the same issue with lock down mode. Thought my cam weights around 550 grams and so far the header can hold it in lock down mode.
Actually I’m waiting that some day it’ll come more loose. When it starts to drive me crazy, I’m going to open it to find a solution to tighten the trigger.
Tony Joh
07. Oct, 2010
Mine was ok until I mounted the Sony wireless receiver on it. The Sony unit it quite heavy and since it’s so high up it’s too heavy for the head. I really like the small size of this trip pod but head the cheapo head they used.
MaXfReZa
29. Dec, 2010
Another reason for getting the Canon Vixia HF M31… – 5.1
Dolby Surround Sound I know this camera line is referred to as
“Entry Level”, but my pocket didn’t feel an entry level expense
after buying it. With that said… to get the surround sound, an
external surround sound mic accessory is required. Its priced
around the same cost of HF 200 camera. Canon SM-V1 5.1-Channel
Surround Microphone $250 (as of Dec 2010) I say all that to say…
I’ve been looking at an alternative that I thought you might
interest you after your camera upgrade. Cascade Audio Vive -
Surround Sound Microphone for Video Cameras $89.95 (as of Dec
2010)
Nui
06. Feb, 2011
Hi, Tony. I really appreciate your work and thought to share this post, but there’s no easy share buttons provided for your individual blogposts. I also wanted to contact you by email about possible video or podcast ideas but also no contact email given. Could you please respond via email please?
James Lee
04. Dec, 2011
Hi,
I am pretty inspired by your videos. I am thinking of buying a camcorder and a wireless lapel mic to shoot presentations at conferences.
Will the camcorder FH200 fit the bill? or are there any other updated versions.
I was curious whether you can make a video how you mount the wireless microphone transmitter to the camcorder.
Let me know.
Tomás
08. Dec, 2011
Hi, Tony. Well done for your work. Curiosly, before I knew your web, I boutgh the same camera and tripod… two years ago. I’ve a technical question. Can you work fine in edition with mts hd files in Final Cut? Which kind of computer you use? In my box and software (linux and Kdenlive and others) the edition is very complicated because is dificult to see the transitions and other effects smoothly… perhaps I’ve have not the necessary hardware or perhaps is the software. Or both. Your opinion will be really apreciated.
Thanks
Tony Joh
09. Dec, 2011
I use the latest version of Final Cut Express and it can import mts files. I think it converts them to mov files first though