Ultra HD media video camera for beginners?

Keep in mind that going 4K or ProSumer caliber gear means the accessories are a lot more money and you need a very high-end PC with high end software to edit the video clips.

(A high res camera will expose a lot more flaws of an inexperienced film maker than a lower resolution camera).

You have a LOT of other gear you need to purchase or make to do anything decent. You would be much, much better off using a basic 1080 camcorder and start getting video "in-the-can" to learn the craft & all the technical details before you go for a higher end camera.

Example of other gear you need:

* Separate digital audio recorder (Zoom or Tascam $99)

* Microphones ($30 Movo/Audio Technica)

* Tripod (Copy $30-$60)

* Light kit (Cowboy $200)

* video editing software (Power Director 13 $80)

My favorite beginning camera is the Canon Vixia RF500 for $200 at Best Buy. It has a flip-forward screen in case you want to do v-logging, and a microphone jack because the built-in microphones on all cameras are not very good & pick up camera noise.

Then - write your script, shoot, edit, then ask others to find flaws. Then repeat.

You WILL make a lot of technical mistakes at first. Usually lighting, then audio.

Going for the budget camera + gear will let you start shooting faster, learn the issues & how to solve them.

Good Luck.

Standard definition video resolution is 480 horizontal lines.

High Definition video resolution is 720 or 1080 horizontal lines.

Ultra High Definition video - sometimes referred to as "4K video" has 2160 horizontal lines.

The GoPro Hero4 Black and Sony FDR-X1000 action cams do 4K. No zoom. No audio control. Good under bright, perfect lighting conditions. Should not be considered a "regular camcorder", but both are less than $500.

Resolution is not the only quality of the visual image and lots of other things go into a project. Action cams are a niche product that fill a very specific need.

In addition to the camera, you will need some sort of steadying devices. Tripods are common, sliders, cranes, radio controlled aerial devices, monopods, Steadycam Systems and many others are available. Then there's audio - mics, recorders if you don't want the camera to record the audio, cabling or wireless stuff - and there is no single best mic. Ad in lighting - could be as simple as a couple of clamp lights or as complex as lots of PAR cans with a dimmer system... and wardrobe and makeup and having a robust computer for editing - and lots of hard drive space and a video editor capable of dealing with the video captured by the camcorder... and a whole lot more.

And maybe I am reading too much into your question, but my interpretation and "comparison". It's like me saying I've always been interested in Formula Racing and want to get the fastest car possible, but I've never driven in any races and I want to spend less than $5,000.

For $500, new, you are in the upper range of entry-level consumer grade camcorders. The Canon HF R series may have something you're looking for with 1080 resolution. If you insist on 4K resolution, increase your budget (even for used) and take a look at the Sony FDR-AX100 consumer camcorder. For what it is worth, I have been considering the Sony HDR-AX2000 and am looking at the Sony FDR-AX1. These would be "entry level" to making some sort of "indie project".

Perspective: The original "Paranormal Activity" was shot using a Sony HDR-FX1... digital tape, 1080i... 4K is not necessary. Knowing how to use the equipment within its limitations is much more important as is having a compelling story to tell and delivering that message effectively.

UHD is not necessary at this stage of your career. HD alone is great. Get a Canon HF R500 for $200 and shoot in AVCHD format and load into computer and edit.

You need to learn camera, lighting and composition to build your film craft skills. HD format will serve you well.

And shooting in UHD will not compensate for your lack of skills. Build your skills !

UHD is too new to the market to have used equipment available cheap. motion picture programs sometimes incorporates still images, so you can start now by taking background shots in 2160 x 3960 resolution (ie 10 MP). to get experience and working knowledge in movie making, you can take courses at your local community college. most have upscale equipment to practice with.