My son's fourth grade elementary class wants to do a documentary of themselves. Each day one kid plans on taking home the camera and filming their life. We would like to submit the results to a film festival. I have a Canon zr700 but I wouldn't mind a little better image quality. Some of these kids live pretty rough lives and there's a good chance we won't see the camera again so I'd like to keep it around a thousand. Any suggestions?

You probably don't need to spend anywhere near a grand. I'd suggest looking at used cameras. The older Canon Opturas come to mind (Optura 10 or 20 perhaps).

You could also get a used Panasonic DVC7, in good condition, for well under a grand. It's a fairly simple to operate camera, and the kids would feel like they were using "pro" equipment.

Also look at Panasonic 3 chip cameras. GS400, 500, 320, 150, etc.

Panasonic also has a shoulder pro looking camera: AG DVC7

Check it out here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=1871&A=details&Q=&sku=274107&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Another alternative would be a Sony TRV70. The quality is pretty close to what you get from a GS400, but used prices are considerably lower. The downside to a TRV70, with kids, would be the potential for losing the stylus (tie it on a string to the camera!).

Hi Matt,

Rather than going for a quickie recommendation with each of our favorites, here's an excellent site with comprehensive reviews:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

This will not only highlight the advantages of each camera - it's hardly fair to say one is unilaterally better than another since each has strengths and weaknesses. The trick is to learn the major tradeoffs, consider your son's needs, and then find the best match at a fair price.

Happy hunting, Michael

I love my little Panasonics, they take surprizingly nice video, but I'm ready to step it up a notch.

What I know:
I want to stick with DV, I'm not prepared to go HD for a couple of years.
I like working in 16:9 with the GS250s and I'd like to continue with close or better picture quality.
Funds are flexible, but limited. $1200-$1800 would be nice, could possible go to $2400.
Used is OK.
24P would be nice, but not a show stopper.

I've searched and researched, read everything I could find, here and elsewhere and I'm still not sure what to do....

What I don't know:
Would I be happy with a GL2? They fall in my price range nicely.
A used VX2100?
Should I save and try to find a decent, used DVX100a or b?
Live with the GS250s until I can afford a XL H1? Could be a while.

What I'll use it for:
I don't currently do "movies", but I would like to try.
Mostly, I do drag racing video for on-line and DVD production, which I've had good luck selling to the racers.
I also have my first paying job this summer taping and production an official DVD for a race promoter, (if that matters).
And I'd like to try doing promotional DVDs for racers looking for sponsers.
(Plus the usual vacation/family stuff)

So any advice, tips, help?

I'm so confused,

Bob T.

Hello, folks! My name is Matt, and I've finally gotten fed up with having to rely on fairly unreliable individuals, or people who want too much control over a project, merely because I lack the proper recording equipment.

As such, I've been putting cash away over the course of a few months and am now looking to purchase my own DV Camera and recording equipment. I have a great editing computer with Adobe Premiere and After Effects. In researching and asking around, I've been suggested the Panasonic AG-DVX100A, but wanted a wider base of opinions... and a friend directed me here.

With a grand total of $3,000 to drop, I'm asking for advice on the best "bang for my buck" for a DV Camera and whatever essentials I would require to store the footage I shoot, and get the footage to my computer system for editing.

Also, in researching for a place to order my equipment, many seem to be scams or selling refurbished equipment (both untrustworthy and lacking the official warranty). What sites/companies would you suggest I order from?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

DVInfo recommends use of their sponsers, as they are tested an reliable.

Click "Sponsors" in the right corner. Also, one of the most extensive lines of equipment is found at B&H Photo. I use their site for a resource for what available out there.

As far as what camera to get, you are asking a loaded question. Everyone out here has a preference. You need to state what you are looking for more specifically, with :

1. What formats: DV, HDV, 24p, 25p, 60i, NTSC, PAL, ??

2. What is ultimate distribution: Web, film out, digital projection, etc., etc...

3. Do you have a brand peference....

Give people a better idea of where you want to go, and you will get a lot of help here :)

I own an XL1s and love it, Other's have a Panasonic DVX100a and love it. Both are quite good. I'd like to move to the XL2, but that costs more money. Depending what kind of Microphone equipment you have access to, you will need to consider the input mechanisms (DVX comes with XLR inputs, XL's come with 3.5mm jacks + line level RCA). You can get the MA100 or MA200 by canon as XLR inputs for the XL series as well.

If you're looking for HD, Canon, JVC, Sony and Panasonic all have units in your price range...not top end stuff certainly, but you'll be able to get a decent camera for that price.

There is tons of footage on this board to look at in the appropriate forums.

Find someone who has one locally for you and ask to try it out, or even just to see it to see how it feels and how the controls are laid out and if that fits what you are looking for.

Ahh, thanks for the clarification!

I would be looking at DV format, with a 24p option (NTSC).

Ultimately the work is to be presented via Digital Projection at festivals and the Internet.

I've been looking mainly at Panasonic and Canon cameras (The Canon XL2 specifically), but wanted to make sure I wasn't limiting myself with older models if anything better and newer was available within my price range.

Hopefully this one is a bit different than the majority.

Heres my situation, I am looking for a high quality prosumer camera that will cost me no more than $1500 CDN. It will be used purely for skateboarding and snowboarding, so I want something that is going to be reliable and can take cold temperatures, some condensation, impacts (hopefully none).

My first though was "HV20" "HC-7" but I don't really want to get into HD right now... so I'm aiming for an SD camcorder.

Now, what I wanted to know, is how good is the SD coming from the hv20 going to be I'm guessing its not what I'm looking for. So I started considering older 3CCD models like GLs VXs DVCs etc, but I really fear the reliability of a used camera.

So basically I'm stuck here, between new or old, cmos or ccd, I'm not in a huge rush to buy anything im expecting to make my purchase late april.

I've talked to a lot of skateboard filmmakers and snowboard and they all are extremely biased, because they use what the "pros" use which is mainly Vx2x00s. Am I really taking a risk buying a 3+ year old camera?

So I ask, to a different group of filmmakers, for my money and situation, what is best?

Thanks guys.

Hopefully this one is a bit different than the majority.

Heres my situation, I am looking for a high quality prosumer camera that will cost me no more than $1500 CDN. It will be used purely for skateboarding and snowboarding, so I want something that is going to be reliable and can take cold temperatures, some condensation, impacts (hopefully none).

My first though was "HV20" "HC-7" but I don't really want to get into HD right now... so I'm aiming for an SD camcorder.

Now, what I wanted to know, is how good is the SD coming from the hv20 going to be I'm guessing its not what I'm looking for. So I started considering older 3CCD models like GLs VXs DVCs etc, but I really fear the reliability of a used camera.

So basically I'm stuck here, between new or old, cmos or ccd, I'm not in a huge rush to buy anything im expecting to make my purchase late april.

I've talked to a lot of skateboard filmmakers and snowboard and they all are extremely biased, because they use what the "pros" use which is mainly Vx2x00s. Am I really taking a risk buying a 3+ year old camera?

So I ask, to a different group of filmmakers, for my money and situation, what is best?

Thanks guys.

Stick with SD for now.

"Master the tool. Then you can master the craft. It really doesn't matter what camera you own if you can't make adjustments with your eyes closed and still produce quality images". That was a statement made to me almost 40 years ago by Franz Berko, my first photo instructor. Do a search on his name. You will be blown away.

With todays menu driven cameras, whether still or video, making adjustments with one's eyes closed is a bit difficult, but the substance of the statement remains true. In any case, there is no camera that will meet 100% of your needs. Discovering the need for accessories and painfully making those purchases is part of the process.

I don't shoot the kind of activity you are interested in shooting, but I regularly walk by the skate park our community has built and often imagine how to get the "good shots" as skaters allow themselves to seemingly fall into the deep bowls and ride the steel edges of the concrete topography.

You need a lightweight camera with a very wide angle lens to allow you the flexibility to position yourself quickly and easily. The WA lens must allow you to fully use the zoom of the camera's built-in lens. Whatever SD camera you choose, make the purchase of a wide angle adapter absolutely mandatory!

I use Canon Cameras. The GL2 is among the lightest. Coming from a career of using 35mm still cameras and shoulder carried video cameras I feel the GL2 control buttons are all in the wrong places. However, once I reset my mind, the GL2 became very easy to use, and has produced for me some truly amazing shots from the oddest of angles. I've also used the SONY PD 170. It has amazing low light sensitivity. Camera controls are much more logically placed. A bit front heavy compared to the GL2, but easily managed.

Native color balance is quite different between the two. The Canon is inherently warmer, but RGB adjustment is a feature of both. The SONY built-in audio system tends to favor human speech range where the Canon system has a bolder low end.

I can't personally speak for Panasonic or JVC or other brands, but I have seen one of the Panasonic SD cameras on locaton. Very impressive.

Personally, I'd choose SD. HD has too many issues needing resolution and the test of time. Let the dust settle in that regard. I'm guessing you will be more than ready to upgrade in a couple of years. When the time comes, you will have a lot of experience to shape your next purchasing decision.

Hello everyone.
I need help choosing a new camera. I have a Canon XL2 and I shoot dragracing event videos. i am looking to add a new camera this year. But I need help choosing what to buy. I like the Canon but it does not do well in low light. I need somthing that will work well with poorly lit dragstrips. It can be HD or not it doesn't matter as long as it looks good at night.



Thanks in advance
Gene
www.prophotoproductions.com

A Sony PD170

Wow, thanks a lot for the insight Waldemar.

I've actually been considering the GL2 the most out of prosumer DVs. I'm still torn between the idea of new or used. The problem is to buy a new GL2 its going to run me almost $3,000, where a used one will is virtually half of that. I guess it usually depends on the owner and conditions, but I'm still skeptical about buying a used camera.

EDIT: Oh yeah I tried to find some info on Franz Berko with Google, didn't have much luck... could you help me out?

Wow, thanks a lot for the insight Waldemar.

I've actually been considering the GL2 the most out of prosumer DVs. I'm still torn between the idea of new or used. The problem is to buy a new GL2 its going to run me almost $3,000



I'd go with the GL2. And BH has it for $2,300.

Any of the cameras discussed here could work (including the HC7), but if most people doing the same thing are using the VX2000 series then having one of those would make it easier to combine footage.

Yep, Sony PD170 is just about the best you can get for around $3K. Now if your budget is say $100K, that's another story...

Wow, thanks a lot for the insight Waldemar.

I've actually been considering the GL2 the most out of prosumer DVs. I'm still torn between the idea of new or used. The problem is to buy a new GL2 its going to run me almost $3,000, where a used one will is virtually half of that. I guess it usually depends on the owner and conditions, but I'm still skeptical about buying a used camera.

EDIT: Oh yeah I tried to find some info on Franz Berko with Google, didn't have much luck... could you help me out?

Purchasing a used camera always has its risks. You can mitigate this by purchasing from a reputable dealer that offers a return policy.

Regarding Franz Berko. I did some searching this morning. "Franz" was a nickname. I went to high shool with one of his children and always knew him as Franz. His given first name was "Ferenc". A native Hungarian, he was a contemporary of Edward Weston and other well known contemporaty photographers of the 1930's. He is best known for work done in France, India, and Aspen, Colorado. I found quite a lot of historical references to his name and collections, but few images on line.

Honestly (and this might be controversial) but I think the DVX is your best bet if your looking to invest in a good SD cam. GL2 is great has the longer zoom, but compared to the DVX I think the panny will leave you happier in the long run. GL2 is stuck in 60i too while DVX can give you the 24p. Idk I think its the smarter choice if your in the market for a decent SD cam. The prices on them right now are also great after the rebate. Just my 2cents.

You can find a good DVX100a for the price of the Gl2 im sure. I suggest you look.

- Kyle

I'd go with the GL2. And BH has it for $2,300.

$1500 CDN is looking more like Panasonic GS line, in SD, or the newer low end CMOS HDVs, by Canon and Panosonic-- which, by the way, should produce great SD, too.

IF you are going $2,300, go a bit more with Sony VX2100 for ruggedness in your skate board environment

Matt, if you have $3000 to spend on a camera, I would wait and save a few hundred more and get the Canon A1. It's HDV (and DV as well). Image is the same as the XLH1 (best resolution and image quality under 10k right now). It's 24f feature is the same as 24p - no difference. The A1 will smack the pants off the DVX (not that I don't like the DVX as I have one).

Matt also consider the new Sony HDR-FX7. It's around your budget and a very good camera. Try it out if you can. It's HDV and DV as well.

Stelios

I'd look at a good used Sony FX1. The image is fantastic, and you can shoot SD or HDV. You can probably get one on this board for $2300 or so. It's my second camera (Canon H1 is my first).
Good luck.
Bruce S. yarock
www.yarock.com

Thank you all for the great replies! A virtual wellspring of information and helpful suggestions! Taking the many ideas here, I'm going to probably take a bit more time to save and then nab one of the better models then I was previously considering. Thank you all for the help!!

Get a Canon XL2 and don't look back!

Mike

Go with what feels right in your hands. Touch them, use them, play with all the buttons and settings. Use only authorized sellers. Don't buy used.

I think you'll be happier that way.

I am looking to buy a camera that can be used to shoot weddings, interviews, some small budget commercials etc. It has to look good and even be able to have tv quality. What is the best camera for this? My school uses a jvc prohd100. I have also used canons. what are a lot of freelancers using and what are my price ranges i guess. any help would be greatly appreciated.

I think the number one question here is, what is YOUR price range? How much can you comfortably spend on a camera? There are a lot of nice cameras out there for all kinds of price ranges.

i am willing to spend up to 6000. it will be a multi purpose cam. sports and weddings and whatever.

yeah, get the JVC HD-110 - Comes with an IDX battery steup right now for just over $5000. The extra $$ you can use for a nice case, tripod, etc.

How about the Canon A1? It's around $3500, looks professional, great quality, and you can spend some of that other money towards accessories. Plus, you should even have enough money left over for a smaller B camera, like the HV10, HV20, or HC7.

I got an A1 2 weeks ago and am very happy with it. Nice lens, manual ring iris and endlessly customizable. If you've got an extra 2500 to spend you could think about a really nice tripod and some lights, wide angle converter etc. You could also go the Panasonic HVX route, but by the time you got your P2 cards and laptop etc you'd be lucky if you could afford a decent tripod. this was the debate that went round in my head for some time before i went with the Canon, but i think i made the right choice.
Good Luck
D

I'm 17/18 and I'm just about to start my gap year in the UK before I go on to do a degree in either Media Arts or Film/TV Production. During my gap year my intention was always to get some practical experience both with companies and by purchasing a camera and making a short or two, which leads me to my dilemma; which camera to get.

My budget is probably £2000 give or take a bit but that alone is sooo much to be paying for a camcorder when I don't have a fulltime job yet and from only ever using £350 cameras so far. I hate being limited by small dinky auto cameras though so it's an expense I need to take on.


Now my options are probably xh-a1 at the upper end, dvx100 and the pd150/170. Maybe the XL2 but that's kind of xh-a1 pricing territory - all three cameras are roughly in my price range. So anyway, my major questions.

Which one would hold its value best? I intend to sell it on in a years time
Is it worth buying used or is it a bit too risky? (only really applies to the pd150)
Should I really buy an HD camera? (I don't have the equipment in my house although my PC should be able to cope but I just don't see it being that worthwhile if I'll only have the cam for a year)
And finally, should I even buy a camera this expensive? Might the HV20 do for example (harder to sell used though, I'd expect - no real pro demand)?


Best prices I've found for the cams are
XH-A1 - £2180
DVX100BE - £2000
PD150 (used) - £1500
XM2 (used) - maybe? - £1150

Hi Edward

Not an easy one... Most people would say that for longevity you should buy HD, and that's probably good advice. That said, the UK is a little way behind the US, and SD is still popular. I would suggest that for learning, something which allows full manual control is essential. Don't know much about the Canons and Panasonics, but I have a PD150, and various Sony DSR's including a 450, and have always found the 150 a bit fiddly to manually - no iris ring, and most features only accesible from menus.

One big point though is to budget for all the extra bits you'll need like a tripod (you'll struggle with any camera on a bad tripod), batteries (plenty of them!), cables, tape etc. etc

Hope this helps

Yeah, with SD v HD it's a complicated decision. My house certainly is all SD and I'd need to upgrade my PC for it to be able to edit HD well (although I'm doing that anyway). On one hand SD should probably do me fine but I don't want HD to take off and to be left with a lump of electronics. Similarly, I want to get used to something that's going to be around when I'm at uni and afterwards. SD will be completely gone by the end of my degree.

I'd agree on the manual control thing. I can't cope at all with things being done automatically and I need to be able to manipulate the camera as best as I can if I'm learning and generally being experimental.

I've pretty much factored everything into a budget but that said I'm bargaining on buying lights and stuff used and selling most of the stuff on for not a considerable amount less than I bought it.

I'm 17/18 and I'm just about to start my gap year in the UK before I go on to do a degree in either Media Arts or Film/TV Production. During my gap year my intention was always to get some practical experience both with companies and by purchasing a camera and making a short or two, which leads me to my dilemma; which camera to get.

My budget is probably £2000 give or take a bit but that alone is sooo much to be paying for a camcorder when I don't have a fulltime job yet and from only ever using £350 cameras so far. I hate being limited by small dinky auto cameras though so it's an expense I need to take on.


Now my options are probably xh-a1 at the upper end, dvx100 and the pd150/170. Maybe the XL2 but that's kind of xh-a1 pricing territory - all three cameras are roughly in my price range. So anyway, my major questions.

Which one would hold its value best? I intend to sell it on in a years time
Is it worth buying used or is it a bit too risky? (only really applies to the pd150)
Should I really buy an HD camera? (I don't have the equipment in my house although my PC should be able to cope but I just don't see it being that worthwhile if I'll only have the cam for a year)
And finally, should I even buy a camera this expensive? Might the HV20 do for example (harder to sell used though, I'd expect - no real pro demand)?


Best prices I've found for the cams are
XH-A1 - £2180
DVX100BE - £2000
PD150 (used) - £1500
XM2 (used) - maybe? - £1150

Gap year. What a wonderful concept & tradition. Wish it existed here instead of "hit the grindstone and make something of your life!".

I think the decision depends upon where you INTEND to see your work presented in the final form. I recently watched a video on the subject of a blind American jazz musician who learned Tuvan throat singing on his own and then traveled to Tuva to participate in that country's national singing competition. The whole thing was shot on SD cameras and later mastered for film. The feature got the producers (not much older than you) an Oscar Nomination.

Any one of the cameras you are considering will produce the quality you need. What do you believe you can accomplish in 12 months with your camera purchase? How much of it's cost can you recover? 75%? 50%? 25%? How much revenue can you produce with it that will offset your living expenses? How long can you expect to use it to support your financial and creative needs before upgrading?

My preference (mostly based upon familiarity) is Canon XM2. Its 16x9 is impressive, as are manual adjustments. The Panasonic viewfinder is really nice! The PD 150 can perform miracles in low light. The Canon HD camera only suffers in light sensitivity when compared to the others you mention, which is an expected trait of the higher data volume of HD. HD acceptance here is slow. A similar trend seems (based upon other comments to your post) apparent in your area.

In the end, owning the camera is the most important element. An expensive camera sitting on the shelf gathering dust is the best incentive I know when matched with the need to pay bills. Next is mastering the camera. Master the tool. Master the craft (Ferenc Berko).

Good adventure! I hope my opinions will be or service to you.

Hello Everybody,

I am new to this forum, and in anticipation of receiving some much needed help I want to say thank you for any recommendations/comments posted. After reviewing B&H's web site, more specifically their professional video section, I'm more confused than ever. With all the different formats and camera functions/features available, I'm finding it very difficult to determine just what if fact it is that I'm looking for.

I'm primarily interested in finding a professional quality video camcorder, one that can deliver the type of quality seen on your typical television/cable program. I'm not at all interested in broadcasting over the internet, producing CD's, etc.

I recently worked with a Florida based production company that uses the Sony CineAlta HDW-F900 1080/24p – 1080/60i Camcorder. I took a look on the B&H web site and nearly fell off my chair when I read the price tag, $90,000.00. Way out of my budget. Upon searching further I came across the Sony DCR-VX2100 3 CCD Mini DV Camcorder, which sells for a bit over 2,000.00. The reviews were very positive, with some mentioning that they had even used if for low budget TV programs. Which leads me to my question.

What are the functions and/or features that are required of any video camcorder to produce TV quality videos/programs? The Sony CineAlta HDW-F900 1080/24p – 1080/60i Camcorder costs nearly 45 times more than the Sony DCR-VX2100 3 CCD Mini DV Camcorder. If the same scene were recorded with both camcorders and projected on TV, would there be that much of a difference between the two? I guess what I'm trying to determine is just how much does one have to spend on a camcorder in order to use it for TV quality broadcasting? $4,000, $10,000, .....? Are there specific features or functions that are required?

I'm not asking for a long answer, I realize the subject matter is complex. But, if somebody could mention or point me to the least expensive Sony, JVC, or Panasonic camcorder that they feel could produce TV quality output, that would be a huge help. I could then investigate things myself. Or even, if somebody could point to a particular web site that might offer insight into this issue, that would also be great.

Anyway, hope I've asked the right questions. I am a professional photographer and feel quite comfortable discussing digital cameras, but video camcorders seem to be much more complex, and thus more difficult to grasp.

Thanks again.

Regards,

Mark

P.S. If this helps, I'm most interested in recording outside, during daylight hours. I'm not particularly concerned with low light functions (perhaps sunsets). I just want high quality output, that's all.

Mark, I suggest that you just start reading this site as much as you can.

Your question, even though I know you think you might have narrowed it down a bit, still leaves too much up in the air.

Even then, many people are going to chime in after me recommending this camera or that, and chances are they will be decent enough suggestions for knowing next to nothing about what you want to do. Television programs have been aired using all manner of cameras, from $1k to $100k. What is acceptable to one person is not acceptable to another. Therefore, you will get a huge range of responses.

But I suggest, given the state of your knowledge, to sit down every night for a couple weeks and read, read, read. Think of this as insurance against plunking down $3k for a camera, and then finding out 2 months down the road that you really wanted/needed another, and the experience costing you hundreds (or, potentially, over a thousand).

Nate, thanks so much for your reply. I totally understand. Really. I just came across this site, http://www.mediacollege.com/ and I'm finding it very helpful.

Thanks so much for your imput.

Regards,

Mark

I guess what I'm trying to determine is just how much does one have to spend on a camcorder in order to use it for TV quality broadcasting?

That depends what network you're dealing with and what requirements they have for source footage. Almost anything can be broadcast if the content is important enough, but in general the networks want high-quality stuff to make sure they deliver the best quality to viewers. If you plan to do a lot of network shooting you might take a look at the Panasonic HVX200 as a good starting point, with a price starting at ~$5200 for the bare camera. (Plus you'll need some expensive P2 memory cards if you want to record in HD rather than DV.)

Thanks so much for pointing me to that particular camcorder. At least I can review its features and use it as a starting point. Much appreciated.

Regards,

Mark

You could compare the Sony Cine Alta as the equivalent of a Mercedes compared to the VX2100 which might be the equivalent of say a go kart. They both might get you around the block and sometimes the Go Kart will be more fun than the Mercedes but the Mercedes will be more durable and useful in situations the Go Kart would fail in.
If you are trying to determine what is Television quality you do have to pick and choose your television. Many small documentaries and reality shows have been shot with DV cameras but the standard concept of Televison video has been 2/3 inch cameras using a variety of formats including Digibeta, DVCPRO, Betacam Sp on. These range in price from 10K on up to 50K for Standard definition. You can definitively see differences on the way up some of which are worth it and some you may not care about.
The standard has been changed by the smaller cameras but they haven't completely changed the equation. High definition is also something which is changing the equation. You probably should look at getting something like a Panasonic DVX-100B for SD or Panasonic HVX-200 for HD to get in on the low end of TV but don't think you are getting the equivalent of the 90K HDCAM. Check out anything you are interested in in person and see if you like the way it works.
Fact is this is a pretty expensive business to get involved with even on the low end. I have radio mics which cost almost $3000 for one full unit and there are even more expensive models.

It's pretty much a dying out tradition here as well, most of my friends are going straight into their film/tv degrees. My intention was ideally to take out a year and work to raise some money for uni and then do a bit of filming as well to build up some sort of portfolio and get a bit more experience than I've got from the two small projects I've done during my a-level course.

Also, I can get hold of a brand new XM2 for £1180 new and I've found the XH-A1 for £100 cheaper so maybe factor that in.

Another consideration is that I'm going to my friend's house in Florida over the Summer and I could bring back one from there although it'll be NTSC and I'm sure that might provide a few pitfalls if I want to connect up to a TV for example, and almost certainly when I want to sell on.



Anyway, as a more detailed response. I'm not really aiming incredibly high as for my first short at least I intend for it to be a bit of a learning experience. That said, it'll need to be a solid portfolio addition and if I'm pleased with it, it's possible I'll send it off to film festivals. I don't really intend to make any profit or money off it though, I intend to cover that through my job. The likelihood is that I'll buy all the equipment and then sell it off at the end for about 75% of what I've initially purchased it for, with the rest and some more being covered by my graphic design job.

I'm also considering possibly getting some kind of 35mm adapter because depth of field and such has always interested me so much ever since I got a project to copy a film that we couldn't do on account of our budgety cameras and their lack of it. How are they for resaleability?

Thanks for your help by the way, the XM2 certainly looks good - I'm just worried that it's becoming outdated technology. That said the £800 saved could go on some rather good stuff.

Hi Edward,

Not wishing to confuse things...HD is a way off yet and I very much doubt any camera you get will be useless in the next 3 or 4 years...

However 16:9 is pretty much the standard format now so if I were you my choice would lean towards a native 16:9 camera.
Also for me audio is as important or more so than video so good XLR audio inputs would be a must...

From your list I'd go for the A1 as it has all of the above..plus HDV is you decide you need it...it is head and shoulders above the rest in all but low light...unless you shoot night clubs or theatre... you can add light.

all the other cameras are already from the last generation...so yes they are cheaper but if the future is a concern I personnally wouldn't buy a 4:3 SD camera now..

Finally as you're in the UK.. don't even think of getting an NTSC camera..it'll be more trouble to you than it's worth. The only camera worth getting in the States right now in your bracket is a Z1, as it does both Pal and NTSC.

Just my 2 Euros worth

Gareth

Thanks for your replay. I fully realize that there are unlimited options, which complicate things, but one does have to start somewhere, and you, like the one before, mentioned the Panasonic HVX200, so it's probably a good start. There are so many accessories, both hardware and software, that I'm sure you could go broke in a hurry in this industry, so I'll just have to start off slowly.

Thanks again for your time.

Regards,

Mark

You might also be interested in the Sony XDCAM cameras, ranging from about 18 kilobucks to 30 kilobucks, depending on camera model, lens, etc

Hello Everybody,

I'm primarily interested in finding a professional quality video camcorder, one that can deliver the type of quality seen on your typical television/cable program.

"Typical" right now is standard definition (that will change in a couple years). Do you want standard definition or high definition?

Sorry back now, internet died on me for the last few days. Anyway, the XHA1 looks awesome, really it does. It's probably the perfect camcorder for me, it's just at the top of my price limit and as such it's a much larger investment and I'll need considerably more money in the first place. On top of that, it doesn't leave me with an incredible amount of money for other things - probably £900-£1000 at the most.

Thanks for the advice about NTSC. Also, how much would you expect a used XH-A1 to go for in a years time?