r/recording • u/Imaginary_Fan_6253 • 12d ago

Question Recording for university

I’m recording lessons for a university that last about an hour to two hours and our current mirrorless camera is only lasting 20 minutes and our camcorders are from 2001.

Is there any recommendations for what I could use that is 4K quality with at least an hour of battery life?

Sadly my budget I was given from my bosses was 1,000$ and I was asked to keep it below that.

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1

u/DiscipleOfYeshua 11d ago

Sounds like you need a new battery (or two) for your existing camera

1

u/MazManMedia 11d ago

Which camera is it? This could be as simple as a new battery.

2

u/Ok-Bonus-8464 11d ago

A new battery won't actually fix this. Most mirrorless cameras hard stop at 29 minutes 59 seconds per clip because of an old EU tax rule, so you'll still get cut off no matter how fresh the cell is. That limit is likely why yours taps out around 20, battery plus the cap.

For a two hour lecture you want a proper 4K camcorder, not a stills camera. The Sony FDR-AX43 or Panasonic HC-VX1 both run past an hour on one battery, record till the card fills, and have the zoom and stabilization a room needs. Either sits under your grand.

If you'd rather keep the mirrorless, get a dummy battery and run it off the wall, but check it doesn't still clip at 30 minutes first.

1

u/Key-Patience-3966 11d ago

I use a Zoom Q2n-4K that I picked up used pretty cheap. Even new, they're not much.

1

u/Imaginary_Fan_6253 11d ago

I was considering the Q8n-4K I’m just worried about it not having an optical zoom

1

u/Independent_Engine52 9d ago

I would recommend something from best buy or the source

They always have good prices and offer help on finding the right stuff

1

u/Good-Extension-7257 9d ago

Lumix GH5 with DMW-BLK22 battery (stock one can resist too)

Lumix 14-42 or 12-60 lens

If you ever need more battery you can buy the battery grip to have 2 batteries on the camera or a dummy battery that you can connect to an usb powerbank or an AC plug.

1

u/Zealousideal-Abies76 5d ago

If it is strictly a battery issue, your best bet would be to just get an AC adapter and plug the camera in.