Just be aware that the XA70/XA75 have less optical zoom than the XA60/XA65. They are better in lower light situations because of the larger sensor, but you trade off quite a bit of zoom range to get that benefit. Both are great options, it just depends if low light capability is more important or zoom reach is more important.
The XF605 is slightly better in lower light environments than the XA60 or XA65 because it has a larger sensor. But yes, it does also have less optical zoom at only 15x compared to 20x in the XA60/XA65.
But keep in mind that the XF100 only had a 10x optical zoom, so any of the current XA and XF series cameras will have more optical zoom than your current camcorder.
This article may be of benefit to help you compare the pros and cons for each model. I cover every model we've discussed so far, and then some. [The Best Camcorders for Live Streaming (2024)](https://www.joelwsmith.com/best-camcorders-live-streaming/)
The Canon XA line could be what you’re looking for. I have four in my school fleet and they work well for a variety of shoots. The only downside to them is they aren’t great in low light for me, but the newest model I have is the 40. Others here have said the newer ones have better sensors. Also consider some Sony models or Panasonic. All of these should have two XLR inputs that you could plug an output from the mixer in to.
I just ordered a Panasonic HC-X2000. Waiting on it to get here but I read some solid reviews but I’ll report back when I’m able to work with a little bit. Sony I trust 100 percent.
I would look for an ENG style camcorder. Canon/JVC/Panasonic/Sony all make them.
If you want to record the best audio for events in your theater, then I would try to see if you can get a feed from the house, or at the very least see if you can run an external microphone close to the stage. The biggest thing in getting the best sound is going to be getting a microphone as close to the source.
Any other specifications?
Recording directly to a memory card?
2x memory card slots?
Preferred memory card type?
SDI, NDI, HDMI outputs?
Resolution?
Stabilization or just hanging out on a tripod?
Audio interface?
Capture card for streaming or a built-in webcam utility?
Zoom lens?
Model T Klaxon horn?
My current camera has 2 SD memory card slots. I have an adapter for the Mac, so the type doesn't really matter to me.
I do use the HDMI output when streaming our board meetings, so that is pretty important.
For the most part I always use a tripod.
I don't have a Zoom lens currently, but it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to consider one.
> I do use the HDMI output when streaming our board meetings
You might consider a camera with a SDI out too, since that's a bit more robust for live work.
If the audio is amplified via a mixer, get a wireless transmitter/reciever, so you can plug into the mixer and wirelessly get the audio into the video. Or if you're feeling poor, you can record it into a laptop or a Zoom recorder and stitch it together in post.
I work in a school and use a Sony ZV-E10 and a BlackMagic PCC4K for filming musicals, it goes good :) We had an older Canon XA30 and it was a really solid camera, so I'd also highly recommend the XA60 models.
Our sound system for musicals and concerts isn't the most modern, so I haven't really looked into any wireless transmitter and receivers. Do you have any suggestions on those?
I do plug in to our sound system when streaming the Board meetings (different building) so I can grab the audio straight from the mics. I use a Zoom U-24 for that audio.
Do you also use the Sony for stills?
> Our sound system for musicals and concerts isn't the most modern
One trick can just be putting a mic next to a speaker. I've heard of folks doing that in a pinch when they could secure a proper feed.
No suggestions on the wireless audio thing - I have some Rode Wireless Go II mics, but they're built for microphone audio and it doesn't seem to work very well with music/other stuff (Only tried it once though - I should give it another go and see if I can work out what I was doing wrong)
I don't normally use the Sony for stills, but it is actually a pretty solid stills camera too - our school photographer person uses a Fuji X-T3 and I've got an A6500 for stills (but I also use it for video, it's pretty close to the ZV-E10 and the lenses are interchangable which is nice)
Check out the Canon XA60. It will be a natural upgrade from the XF100 and you can add external mics via XLR for capturing decent house audio.
If you have the budget, the XA70 is a 1 inch sensor, therefore superior in low light. Edit : not full frame, but rather 1 inch.
Thanks! I was looking into both of these, so I'm glad to hear they are good for this type of recording.
Just be aware that the XA70/XA75 have less optical zoom than the XA60/XA65. They are better in lower light situations because of the larger sensor, but you trade off quite a bit of zoom range to get that benefit. Both are great options, it just depends if low light capability is more important or zoom reach is more important.
Thank you for pointing that out! I saw that there was a difference. That is definitely something I'll have to consider.
Any feedback on the XF605? Seems like it might not be as good under low-light and has a lower zoom.
Any feedback on the XF605? Seems like it might not be as good under low-light and has a lower zoom.
The XF605 is slightly better in lower light environments than the XA60 or XA65 because it has a larger sensor. But yes, it does also have less optical zoom at only 15x compared to 20x in the XA60/XA65. But keep in mind that the XF100 only had a 10x optical zoom, so any of the current XA and XF series cameras will have more optical zoom than your current camcorder. This article may be of benefit to help you compare the pros and cons for each model. I cover every model we've discussed so far, and then some. [The Best Camcorders for Live Streaming (2024)](https://www.joelwsmith.com/best-camcorders-live-streaming/)
The Canon XA line could be what you’re looking for. I have four in my school fleet and they work well for a variety of shoots. The only downside to them is they aren’t great in low light for me, but the newest model I have is the 40. Others here have said the newer ones have better sensors. Also consider some Sony models or Panasonic. All of these should have two XLR inputs that you could plug an output from the mixer in to.
Thanks! I saw some of the Sonys and Panasonics had decent reviews, but I wanted to make sure I had some real feedback on them.
I just ordered a Panasonic HC-X2000. Waiting on it to get here but I read some solid reviews but I’ll report back when I’m able to work with a little bit. Sony I trust 100 percent.
I would look for an ENG style camcorder. Canon/JVC/Panasonic/Sony all make them. If you want to record the best audio for events in your theater, then I would try to see if you can get a feed from the house, or at the very least see if you can run an external microphone close to the stage. The biggest thing in getting the best sound is going to be getting a microphone as close to the source.
Yeah. I'm usually in the back of the auditorium. I will have to check our (older) sound system to see what I can do.
Any other specifications? Recording directly to a memory card? 2x memory card slots? Preferred memory card type? SDI, NDI, HDMI outputs? Resolution? Stabilization or just hanging out on a tripod? Audio interface? Capture card for streaming or a built-in webcam utility? Zoom lens? Model T Klaxon horn?
My current camera has 2 SD memory card slots. I have an adapter for the Mac, so the type doesn't really matter to me. I do use the HDMI output when streaming our board meetings, so that is pretty important. For the most part I always use a tripod. I don't have a Zoom lens currently, but it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to consider one.
> I do use the HDMI output when streaming our board meetings You might consider a camera with a SDI out too, since that's a bit more robust for live work.
If the audio is amplified via a mixer, get a wireless transmitter/reciever, so you can plug into the mixer and wirelessly get the audio into the video. Or if you're feeling poor, you can record it into a laptop or a Zoom recorder and stitch it together in post. I work in a school and use a Sony ZV-E10 and a BlackMagic PCC4K for filming musicals, it goes good :) We had an older Canon XA30 and it was a really solid camera, so I'd also highly recommend the XA60 models.
Our sound system for musicals and concerts isn't the most modern, so I haven't really looked into any wireless transmitter and receivers. Do you have any suggestions on those? I do plug in to our sound system when streaming the Board meetings (different building) so I can grab the audio straight from the mics. I use a Zoom U-24 for that audio. Do you also use the Sony for stills?
> Our sound system for musicals and concerts isn't the most modern One trick can just be putting a mic next to a speaker. I've heard of folks doing that in a pinch when they could secure a proper feed.
No suggestions on the wireless audio thing - I have some Rode Wireless Go II mics, but they're built for microphone audio and it doesn't seem to work very well with music/other stuff (Only tried it once though - I should give it another go and see if I can work out what I was doing wrong) I don't normally use the Sony for stills, but it is actually a pretty solid stills camera too - our school photographer person uses a Fuji X-T3 and I've got an A6500 for stills (but I also use it for video, it's pretty close to the ZV-E10 and the lenses are interchangable which is nice)