Pro camcorder v consumer camcorder

[realspeed]

It is well known on here my love of photography, ever since my Brownie 127 camera as a child taking photos and seeing them years later is a great reminder.
Progressed through 35mm film cameras to Nikon DLSR cameras via a Kodak 7200 2mp camera. .
On the way started to get interest in “movie” camcorders the first being a Sanyo 8mm tape one. Now progressed onto digital video work.
Started off with a Panasonic HC-X900m consumer camcorder which I had for about 10 years until wear and tear made it not worth repairing. Then via a disappointing Sony ax53 after reading all the hype, so onto to this Panasonic HC-X1500 pro camcorder.

So back to the heading
which do I prefer? Obviously this latest one but may not be suitable for the casual videographer. With this panasonic the thing that stands out is having the choice of neutral density filters built in to name but one and also shows in the viewer screen the correct one from clear to 1/64. So nice to be able to choose the settings and not like that Sony one having the camcorder do it all for you.

There is so much to consider if buying a camcorder such as price - size -menu -sound reproduction, and of course weight let alone having two SD card slots, possibly more to think of than a camera.

so what is the advantage of a camcorder over a stills camera?
to me it is being able to photograph the area where shooting from- movement and sound.A cameracan only show what it is pointed at although admittedly some of the DSLR videos are good admittedly.

JUST MY PERSONAL OPINION

[JBR]

My first camera was a Brownie 127 too. It did everything I wanted it to.
Later, I seem to remember a 35mm camera, but I cannot remember the brand name. I think it had a built in meter.
After that I graduated to a Zenith SLR but, again, I can’t remember a great deal about it.
After that a Canon AE1 which I still have. Unfortunately, now, films are old hat and so the AE1 is residing in a retirement home in my cupboard.

[realspeed]

I still have mine a voightlander vito CL given to me by my parents when I was 21 years old (56 years ago) voting age back then
It is in perfect working condition even down to the clockwork lever arm timer. yes the Rollie flash works as well with it. The light meter on top works with a needle and ring method ie getting the needle into the ring centre by moving the ring.
You won’t now find one still like new as mine is. Like you mine has been put into a draw and left there, don’t want to really part with it

[Harbal]

@realspeed

It is well known on here my love of photography,

Your love of photographic equipment is certainly well known.

[realspeed]

Who on here remembers these?

The old open up fan flash reflector which took square flash tubes. One flash shot then turn the tube ariround for the next, after 4 times the cube was scrap

[JBR]

I don’t know about the two pictures, but I do remember the square flash cubes.
I suppose that having four available without changing would permit quicker photography than changing individual bulbs. As I remember it, you didn’t have to turn it round, it turned round when you wound on.