Replying to Comparing SLR's

TL:DR - I know how to use cameras, $1000~ budget for body. Looking for lowlight, high fps (while still retaining image quality) and possibly 4k. Looking at the GH4, NX1 or one of the a7 lineup. Each has their downsides IMO. What could you recommend to fit my needs?

This past summer I've been operating a film production business, and although I'm back in school now I'm still producing videos and would like to push the quality with the purchase of a new SLR.

I currently shoot with a Nikon d3100 (old and bad, I know) but I've had a buttload of experience with other cameras including full frames like the d800. I've been able to pull some pretty decent looking footage from the d3100, which I am honestly content with... but here's where it's lacking. These are the things I'm looking for in my new camera.


Low light capabilities - anything above 1600 iso is insanely grainy and artifacty on my current camera, and most of my work is run-and-gun style shooting so lighting is unavailable. The ability to capture usable image in lower light is a big factor for me.

Full HD @ High frame rates - My camera is limited to 24fps @1080p, which is fine for interviews and most situations, but I'd like to get into more action sports, where 60fps of greater is necessary IMO. I find higher fps also allows more flexibility in editing even if it is not an action subject. I understand that as you go up in fps the data for each frame of a video will deteriorate, and I would still need crispy 1080p even at those higher rates.

4k (Maybe) - 4k would be nice but not necessary at the moment.


From my research I've come to find the Panasonic GH4, Samsung NX1, or one of the Sony a7 lineup to be suitable. I know the a7 is the best at low light, and I think the NX1 has the best image quality, while having 120fps. The downside of the NX1 is the h.265 codec. I edit in FCPX which doesn't have native support, and the conversion is just an extra step the GH4 or a7 doesn't require.

Thanks, hopefully I'll be able to drop some better vids after i pick up my new camera.