Hi, I am currently a film student, and I am starting to get interested in purchasing my first camera. I'm still slightly new to all the technical aspects but I know I'm looking for something that can shoot in at least full HD and that records onto SD cards (or some other digital format that isn't tape or film). I have been looking at the RED Scarlett and am very intrigued but am curious as to what else is out there. I'm looking for a price range around $3000 - $6000 and probably won't actually purchase a camera for at least a year.

What i really want is to know what i should be looking for in a camera, and the strengths and weaknesses of cameras in my price range. I want to use this camera to make independent films primarily, but I am really just looking for knowledge right now, so please enlighten me.

Why not tape? I'm just curious, because digital formats take a lot of space to archive the footage, and tape is way cheaper than a few terabytes of hard drives. Not to dissuade you, but something to consider.

Well, I went tapeless mainly to get away from the potential for mechanical problems with the tape transport mechanism. I've had a few tape and tape/transport problems at very inopportune times and when Canon came out with an AVCHD flash media cam I could live with, I made the change.

So far I haven't seen the need for "a few terabytes of hard drives. A pair of 500GB external USB drives with one "mirroring" the other works just fine, when those get about 75% full I'll pick up another pair (maybe 1TB drives will come down to the price I paid for the other two by then.

because tape is becoming more and more obsolete. The cost of digital storage goes down each day. I just don't like tape for capturing purposes as well as defectability. I would just rather assume to keep it digital from the start, seeing as its all going to end up on my hard drive one way or another. cut out the middle man.

Currently the best bang for bucks is the EX1 or EX3, but if you're not thinking of buying for a year, I'd hold off and look that what's around then.

I wouldn't call tape obsolete for a few years yet, even tapeless production can be required to be backed up by production insurance onto a tape format designed for recording data.

You can get frame drops and other errors using hard drives on shots, so I'd never say defects will never exist whatever means you record on. Although, the larger VT formats are a lot less likely to have problems than the smaller DV tapes.

I think you're referring to data storage rather than digital storage, since all the main tape video formats are now digital.

I would suggest you go out now and buy yourself an el cheapo HD "dinky cam" (any flavour you like) and learn first hand how to work a camera.

Want to know which one? Search the DVinfo forums.

Want to know why so and so doesn't work? Search the DVinfo forums.

Want to know why your editing sucks? Search..................

When you can stitch together something that people can watch for more than 2 minutes without running from the room or throwing up, THEN ask about a "big boys toy".

You have a whole year to learn before that day arrives, use it wisely.


CS

Chris makes an excellent point, better to have a 700-1000 paperweight than a 3000-6000 paperweight.

There's no sense in spending big $ for a camera when you are starting out - the camera does not grant you talent or skill, and you won't develop skill or find out if you have talent unless you HAVE A CAMERA, and use the blooming thing every chance you get. The bigger better gear will likely come to you if you show promise...

Get one of the HF series Canons or a Sony CX12 or better yet an SR11/12 (at least it has a viewfinder...), and start shooting/editing/practicing. You're looking at a 700-1000 investment in a camera that shoots great HD under most situations, and most of the guys around here have one or more of these little critters running around for B cam or crash cam or whatever. You're not waiting around trying to figure out which camera to get (which can be an infinite quest...), and you've got something to start honing your skills without breaking the bank. Worst case you decide you'd rather be a banker doctor or lawyer or something a year from now, and you can sell the cam for most of what you paid for it... or take video of the kids or whatever!

Well i'm not exactly new to the field. I just don't own my own camera yet. I took 3 years of video in high school and i'm currently a sophmore in university. I bought an Aiptek action HD this summer to hold me over until i buy my real camera. I also currently have access to a sony xd cam which is a friend of mines. I'm familiar with basic camera form, and operations and whatnot, as well as editing (I have adobe premiere pro, after effects, and final cut pro 6.0.4) What i'm currently lacking, is all the up to date latest and greatest of the tech talk. What new features are being built into cameras, what should i have my eyes open for. I know that there is no way of actually getting a solid answer as to what camera i will want in a year, but i'm not asking for a clear cut answer, rather just a general fill me in. Perhaps i will need to spend more time lurking this site, however i have done that for awhile, and just have not been able to get it all summed up, i might find a little bit here and there, but no unifying info. So please, educate me in the ways of digital cinema.

Well, I have some bad news for you.

The breadth of the video market is such that any single responder here on DVinfo would require about 5,000 pages to bring you up to date with everything that is going on out there.

DVinfo houses a good deal of that 5,000 pages, but, guess what?

Yep, you have to read it.

Not that any one person here will, or would want to, write said 5,000 pages.

Start at the top and work your way down, my friend.

There is no easy way to do this unless you want "Do this, Do that, Stop whining"

If you cannot fathom an answer having digested said 5,000 pages, you're either never going to "get it" or just ain't asking the right questions.

Bottom line however, is this:

Cinema is NOT ABOUT THE GEAR!

The first movies were made with equipment not far removed from a Box Brownie.

Stunning movies have been made, and still are, with the most basic stuff you could possibly imagine.

Knowing what the latest bells and whistles are bolted onto/ into the latest video cameras WILL NOT enhance anything you make, if you can make anything worth watching at all.

I strongly suggest you educate yourself and not require others to do it for you.


CS

Peter, you OWN a camera, probably not the best, but you should already know its limitations. There are better "consumer" HD cameras than what you've got, so the upgrade itch has got to be pretty strong...

The problem is that the tech is moving very fast, there has been a BIG jump from SD to HD tha's exploded in the last couple years. New cameras come onto the market every couple months, with new "features" (most probably marketing, but some are "real").

Maybe a methodology for ingesting the info here might help...

Start with the model #'s of the cameras currently available in your price range, read and follow the threads on those cameras for a while - the structure of DVi is very well set up to do that, with logical divisions to price range and brand/model. I guarantee that when something new comes around, if you are reading here, you'll be one of the first to know about it - typically well before anyone else. By the time your projected purchase comes around, there WILL be new choices, either available or maybe worth waiting for.

Spend the time to learn about sensor size and type, lenses, storage formats, and whatever manual controls each camera offers, plus any "special" proprietary features of specific cameras.

Bottom line, there's not a LOT beyond the basics, how each camera performs those basic functions, and the end results. The tech gets better, the images get better, but you can still make drek with it if the nut on the back of the camera is not properly adjusted... try to keep in mind, it's not the camera, it's the operator, and don't get too caught up in WHAT you are shooting with.

It's a hammer, build something with the one you've got. If a brighter shinier hammer comes along and will help you work faster or get a better end result, and you can afford it or otherwise justify the purchase, get it...

Hope that analogy will make some sense and rip away some of the technobabble.

thanks alot dave, that advice really helped. I felt like i didn't know where to start, and what i should be looking at but that definitly gives me a plan to follow at very least and thats really what i was looking for.

There seems to be a lot of talk about just making stuff on poor equipment, and thats good and all, but thats what i'm doing now, and i can tell you its a lot harder to get a production taken seriously when you are working with a handheld camera with no view finder and no mic input (just onboard mic). I appreciate the message behind it, but i'm not looking for help with production, or ideas. But rather information on cameras themselves.

YouTube - Cat Listening - Everywhere (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrY_uyWaNx4)
(sorry its on youtube)
That is a video i did on my Aiptek Action HD, and i am pleased with how it turned out, but it is not real production quality. I could never use this camera to shoot a formal production, the camera has its uses, but I want a camera with full features. I want manual focus, exposure, white balance and zoom (my AAHD only has auto focus and a fairly noisy 3x zoom, and some lousy white balance presets). I want to be able to add modifications and lenses to my camera. I want to invest in a foundation that i can build upon in years to come. I am serious about what i do, this isn't just some fad for me, I'm not looking to go out and by the best but from watching this, you may be able to understand why i want to move up and invest in something that will last me a few years. I am not looking for the top of the top, just something i know i'll be able to get some good use out of and build on top of for years to come.

I hope this better explains my position.

The best advice I ever got was go put one in your hands.

When I started looking for my first camera I went to every major store and did just that. These sales guys aren't used car sales guys. Most of them are techie minded. They want their camera in your hands. Feel it baby, yeah!

Before I went to the stores I surfed over to cnet dot com. They provide side by side spec comparisons. Wonderful tool. Then surf over to some on-line sales web sites and see how their prices compare to the camera you think you want. Now you have a nice round figure so call around your local retailers and ask for in store demos. Then go try them out.

amen pete :)

I am in a similar position to you.

For the past month or so I have spent hours just about every day on this forum, other forums, and production sale websites (bhphotovideo.com is a pretty good place to get info on products) and it has really helped me out.

This is a REALLY great forum. I really encourage you to take advantage of it's google search function at the bottom of the page as well as the many wonderful, knowledgeable people here.

Look stuff up. When you come across ANY term that you don't quite understand...look that up as well until you have a pretty good grasp on it and then move on.

This market literally changes like....every two weeks or something. It's crazy, so you have to develop a habit of research to catch up.

I am no where near "caught up" so it takes a while....but the great thing is that you've got a year. Don't stress yourself out...but be disciplined.

This forum already has answers to so many questions. I have only started about 4 threads despite my thousands of questions simply because I search the forum before making threads.

Good luck on your journey!

-Mikes

thanks alot dave, that advice really helped. I felt like i didn't know where to start, and what i should be looking at but that definitly gives me a plan to follow at very least and thats really what i was looking for.

There seems to be a lot of talk about just making stuff on poor equipment, and thats good and all, but thats what i'm doing now, and i can tell you its a lot harder to get a production taken seriously when you are working with a handheld camera with no view finder and no mic input (just onboard mic). I appreciate the message behind it, but i'm not looking for help with production, or ideas. But rather information on cameras themselves.

YouTube - Cat Listening - Everywhere (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrY_uyWaNx4)
(sorry its on youtube)
That is a video i did on my Aiptek Action HD, and i am pleased with how it turned out, but it is not real production quality. I could never use this camera to shoot a formal production, the camera has its uses, but I want a camera with full features. I want manual focus, exposure, white balance and zoom (my AAHD only has auto focus and a fairly noisy 3x zoom, and some shitty white balance presets). I want to be able to add modifications and lenses to my camera. I want to invest in a foundation that i can build upon in years to come. I am serious about what i do, this isn't just some fad for me, I'm not looking to go out and by the best but from watching this, you may be able to understand why i want to move up and invest in something that will last me a few years. I am not looking for the top of the top, just something i know i'll be able to get some good use out of and build on top of for years to come.

I hope this better explains my position.

Glad that I could add perspective.

Offhand after looking at your video, I'd say you need something with better low light capability ASAP <wink> - I wouldn't wait a year... step up incrementally as soon as you can scrape up the cashola.

If you're shooting club type stuff, the AAHD ain't going to cut it, you probably knew that already. BUT, you might be able to get something just slightly larger and not all that much more expensive that would do a LOT better. Perhaps some on-camera light, but in clubs, you'd be better to try to pull off an ambient light shoot... I can't say for sure as I haven't shot this scenario, but I'd bet any of the sub 1K Canon and Sonys would be significantly better, even if the manual control is pretty limited and trickier to access.

The second thing you need to address is stabilization - and that's not a camera issue per se, but with any HD cam, it's far more critical than SD. Handheld/seasick inducing video can be done with virtually any camera... (Bourne anyone?) there's a good DVi forum section on camera supports - read that as needed.

If you can't afford a good tripod, and/or want mobility, consider a monopod, a shoulder support of some sort, or even a little monopod like the Sunpak/Quantaray "compact monopod" that has a combo design with a belt clip and neck lanyard - for around $20 (eBay) you can make a HUGE improvement in your production quality - I've got a couple in my kit of miscellaneous support gear, along with a belt holster thingy I picked up at Home Depot for use with some other mini-monopods I've got (BiggLugg 2 <sp?> is the name of the thing), it was for holding tools, but the socket fits most monopods rather nicely, and it's a sturdy thing. I'm a bit wobbly with it, but still far better than handheld. A taller monopod can be pretty good once you get the hang of it too.

Outboard gear can be as much or more important than the camera, especially when it comes to light and support!! Probably just pointed you in a completely different direction, but it's probably easier on the budget short term!

Outboard gear can be as much or more important than the camera, especially when it comes to light and support!! Probably just pointed you in a completely different direction, but it's probably easier on the budget short term!

I read somewhere that cameras come and go, but a good tripod, while expensive, will last forever. This is true with most other outboard gear, as Dave said. Companies are constantly coming out with new fancy HD cameras, but the best tripods I've found have been around for quite a long time (Vinten, Sachtler, Cartoni.) Invest in a decent camera, but don't skimp on the tripod or you will be sorry.

I was reading this thread and one other bit of advice occured to me. Know what YOU want to do. That sounds dumb on the face of it, but if you are going to try turning video into a $-making career, you might be doing a lot event stuff at the beginning. Look at what concerns event guys, like low light capabilities, long recording times, ease of handling. If, OTOH, you are a budding film maker, a camera with interchangeable lenses, 24p and a larger imager for shallower DOF might be your thing.

I do corporate stuff and for me, the 'clear scan' feature, the ability to fine tune the shutter to keep the horizontal rolling bars from showing when shooting a computer monitor, was a make or break feature for me. So knowing what you want to shoot can give you some clarity as to what features are more/less important than others.

I do some freelance commercials here and there. Car shows, car electronic commercials etc. But I sold my GL2 at the beginning of this year because I needed the cash. Well now I have an offer on the table to shoot a good video. Problem is things have really changed since I last looked.

The last time I knew the DVX100B was the one to get. That might have been the last time that I logged in. :) But now there are all these HD camcorders going around. So, I have a few questions that may be dumb but I have to ask.

1. Is HD better than 3ccd? I assume it is.
2. How do such small cameras get optical zooms at 34x but if I spend a 2k on a DVX or something it does not come with a zoom like that?
3. Are the consumer cameras now almost just as good as any other camera? EX: If I want HD quality do I need to spend 3k or will 800 or so camcorder do the same job minus some features?

Thanks, Jason

As always go with your budget, but we all know "you always get what you paid for"
1) HD can be 3CCD, or 3CMOS, or Single CMOS (but I wouldn't go there if you want to "shoot good video"), HD is a screen resolution, 3CCD or 3CMOS are the imaging devices;
2)don't know, don't care, I'm trying really hard not to touch that zoom thing at all;
3) if you want a "good video" you probably need to spend a bit more than 3K,
but if that's the number in your mind, and you used to have GL 2 go with XH-A1, you won't be disappointed.
As a second thought, if you want to shoot flowers in the park on the sunny day, you can have great quality HD video for less than $800 (HV20/30)
it all depends on your needs, and again - budget,
good luck!

I’m in the process of upgrading to a new camera. I have a SONY DCR_VX2100 which has been a good work horse for me. And will probably get another SONY. One of my question is, I was thinking about a HVR_Z1U or HVR_ViU (MINI DV) in the budget range of $5.000.
Any other suggestions on cameras in this range?

But the question that puzzles me is, should I rethink and go hard drive instead of MINI DV.
I want to be able to download right off the cameras HD to my computer/FCP. And not need to use a 3rd party software to download. Since I have little experience with HD cameras, would someone let me know the scoop.


Thanks, Ron

Rather than the V1U or Z1U, I would look at the pending new model the Z5U which is supposed to be out in December. More bang for the buck and B & H has it listed at $4299.00 when it becomes available. Of course the price is probably subject to change by the time it is actually released, but that number should still be in the ball park. There is also an optional MRC1 memory recording unit which uses compact flash cards of sufficient speed to record HDV. B & H has it listed for $845. And it is compatible with all of the above models.

I have an offer on the table to shoot a good video.

If you want another job after this one, you need to put some serious money down on your camera. If you show up with an HV30, you won't get any audio for all the laughing from the dreaded client.

HD or SD is your decision. If you're only going to shoot local spots for TV, you can probably get away with SD. But, if you're going to shoot almost anything else (weddings, wildlife, docos, Web content, etc.), you'll need HD. Full stop.

CCDs are not better than CMOS. Nor is the reverse true. They are very different and have different strengths and weaknesses. Google "rolling shutter" to see why. Get the one that works best for your situation.

Unlike Jason, I care very much about zoom. For nature, motor sport and many other events a long zoom is a great boon.

Since you're familiar with the GL2, I'd recommend you start looking there. Sony have some prosumer CMOS cameras, but I know nothing about them. Just be prepared to reach into your mattress and bring out a wad of notes.

I have a GL2 and a Canon HV30. Here is what I know and perhaps this may help. Keep in mind i am still pretty new to video, but i htink i may have some helpful info.

I started with a GL2, The video is awesome and i shoot mainly for corporate videos and the material is used on the web.

I travel to China often, and got tired of carrying the GL2 half way around the world so i picked up a Canon HV30, I liked its size, and the fact it had HD, even though i didnt know much and I still dont about HD. the first thing i wanted to to is put the camera in MAnual mode, Guess what... NO MANUAL MODE in HV30. That is the only downfall i have with this camera.

I have shot some video in HD, the files look great, but are overkill for what i need as an end result. I still need a DV camera with tape as i archive the tape. The HD rendering takes MAJOR puter horsepower.

The footage is a bit grainy in low light situations on the HV30

the built in Mic picks up some motor noise on the HV30

So overall, my first choice for a local job is to grab the GL2, but when its travel by air, the HV30 is my workhorse.

If you need fast downloads i would also look at the HF10, i am told the files are just as good as the HV30 and you dont need to render as the footage comes in from the SD card.

Hope this helps.... Technology is moving so fast!

Keep us posted

David I got rid of my GL2 for the same reason. I was not going to pay to an extra baggage check every time. I had it in a large pelican case.

I have been looking at all kinds of camcorders and one thing that I do want to do is get away from the tape. So I was looking at the HV100. Is it any good? A guy local is selling one brand new for just around 570.

Tripp I do worry about audio. I have not even looked to see if there is an audio in on this camera or some of the others. I am still trying to figure out all the formats.

Thanks Greg, I’II check the Z5U out. But I need to buy the camera by the end of this Nov.

Ron

Canon XHA1 if you can afford it. Great camera. I started with a GL1, then to an XL2. Now I shoot with an XLH1 and the XHA1.
Bruce Yarock
yarockvideo.com

Personally, I'd go for the V1U over the Z1 as it is a newer camera, the Z1 is a workhorse alright (favourite of film schools) but is getting long in the tooth - hence it has at least a couple of replacements out (see Z7).

What are your uses for the camera?

Oh, and don't go hard-drive based. I know you can get an official sony add-on for the V1, but as I recall it has some serious reliability issues. Stick with tape. Solid State cameras are getting better but still a no-go if you're doing event videography without a data wrangler or space on your HDD is at a premium.

Hi all. Lots of interesting reading, lots of people in different places.

So here's my situation:

I'm in film school, so I have access to a wide range of lighting equipment, tripods, and sound equipment, but no digital cameras.

I plan on filming a few narratives this summer (I'm planning ahead), but would like to get a camera in March/April to run it through the tests. I would like the final distribution to be festivals, but that's more of a pipe dream than anything.

My budget is in the $3000-$4000 range. Originally I was looking at some of the ProHD cameras from JVC, but the 16x lens seemed to have a lot of breathing and CA problems, and buying the 17x put me out of budget. I'm playing with the idea of a 35mm adapter, but I feel like I don't necessarily need the DoF. The 2/3" Scarlet looks great, but it won't get to me in time, and will also probably be out of my range, though on my radar for the future.

Thanks everyone.

The JVC HD100 has not gotten much play. Its footage is just as goos as the HVX but half its price when you find a used one.

For my first prosumer camera, I'm bombarded with a TON of options, but I'd like to have something that can emulate a more cinematic feel, rather than documentary. Trying to keep to around $2000 or less, I'm hit with a few options.

The Canon XL2... It's a bit over though, but it's got that 16:9, something like 24p, and long lens which might get me some DoF?

Theres the Panasonic DVX100b, which I also hear good things about. Anamorphic 16:9 mode, right? I think it's around the same price?

And then there's the Canon HV40, coming out soon. About $1000, plus 35mm adapter and 50mm lens, that'd run to $2000, and give me that 16:9 and 24p film look. But is it better quality than the others?

I really just want to get a camera, and stick with it. But it's hard not to flip flop when there's so many options!

Thanks for any insight!

Hi all. Lots of interesting reading, lots of people in different places.

So here's my situation:

I'm in film school, so I have access to a wide range of lighting equipment, tripods, and sound equipment, but no digital cameras.


My budget is in the $3000-$4000 range. Originally I was looking at some of the ProHD cameras from JVC, but the 16x lens seemed to have a lot of breathing and CA problems, and buying the 17x put me out of budget.

Thanks everyone.

Thats funny. Thousands of us use the JVC with stock lens to make a living and you are starting off and concerned about the CA and breathing problems? The camera works for me.

The Canon XL2... It's a bit over though, but it's got that 16:9, something like 24p, and long lens which might get me some DoF?Theres the Panasonic DVX100b, which I also hear good things about. Anamorphic 16:9 mode, right? I think it's around the same price?And then there's the Canon HV40, coming out soon.

Kyle - you're sure mixing and matching! An XL2 in your left hand and an HV40 in your left? An ancient 4:3 DVX100 with lossy 16:9 (don't go there) and 35 mm adapters? You need counselling :)

The XL2 will no more limit your dof than the other cams you mention as they all employ 1"/3 chips, but you can attach long focal length lenses to it. The HV40 will be scorchingly better than the other two in my view, but the 35mm adapter is no run 'n' gun plaything - have you had a look at one? Are you prepared to accept the HV40's diddy-cam manual options vs the XL2's big chunky buttons?

tom.

Well, like a lot of people here probably did, I spent most of my childhood and teen years making short films on their parent's crappy camcorder, so I haven't really ever been able to shoot on something that gives any real DoF. I know how to do lighting, how to frame, all that fun stuff... but it's been on a pretty limited system.

But you think I'd be best served by a HV40? I've never used a camcorder with big chunky buttons, so I might not know what I'm missing (besides reading up on the specs). I thought that the 35mm adapter would compensate for the lack of more manual-oriented controls?

I mean, personally I wish there was just one camcorder out there, like some sort of old Soviet Union car, that everybody had. But when I'm hit with so many options... it's overwhelming. I'm not looking for something like the RED camera, just a stepping stone up into the more prosumer camera world, something I can work with for a few years.

I started with Canon XM2 (GL2) 4 years ago and there are samples of my efforts at this link ... except the golden eagle clips which were taken with XL2 on a tripod from a hide

Brendan Marnell | the Internet Bird Collection (http://ibc.lynxeds.com/users/brendan-marnell)

... not good quality shooting, I know, but I would not find much fault with either machine; XL2 is too heavy for more than 10 minutes run 'n gun at age 69.

Sorry, if it matters, the golden eagle clips are here ...

http://birdcinema.com/my_video.php
http://www.vimeo.com/

I’m an amateur that likes to make low budget indie films in my spare time. I have been using the Canon XL1s, but want to get a newer updated camcorder and I'm considering upgrading to HD. I have looked at a lot of the HD prosumer camcorders, but don’t want to spend that kind of money. If I get a HD handycam such as the Canon HG20 or 30, will the picture quality be comparable or better than the XL1s, and are these camcorders typically used for low budget indie films? Also, any recommendations on camcorders would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Hi Rick, just about any Canon consumer HD camcorder will produce a better image than the XL1S, however I would not say that they are commonly used for low-budget indie films (usually those are within the realm of the DVX100 for standard definition, and three-chip HDV camcorders for HD, as a starting point -- but we're living in an age when you can make anything with anything, so the important thing is to start shooting no matter what camcorder you have).

Thanks Chris for the info. If I were to spend the money on a prosumer HD camcorder, do you think the XH A1 is will get me the best bang for the buck for a low budget indie film? Also, if I were to use a prosumer HD cam, such as the XH A1 and a handycam HD cam such as the HV20 in the same production, would the picture quality be noticeably different between the two cams? I am assuming that they would be.

thanks again
Rick

In very low light you'd tell them apart - in all other conditions they'll match beautifully. And if you forget to flick in the NDs on the XH, the HV will give sharper footage.

... do you think the XH A1 is will get me the best bang for the buck for a low budget indie film?
There's no question the XH-A1 is a stellar performer; its users love it and I don't think you can say anything bad about it.

But in terms of pure bang for the buck -- that is, most capability for least amount of $$ -- then there's nothing close to the Sony FX7. Not that the A1 isn't a better cam --- it definitely is -- but you pay a high premium for a little more ability.

Check them both out at B&H, and then you can decide if the extra features are worth $1,000 to you. Note that as a CMOS cam, the FX7 will likely match better with your HV20.

The HV40 will be scorchingly better than the other two in my view, but the 35mm adapter is no run 'n' gun plaything - have you had a look at one? Are you prepared to accept the HV40's diddy-cam manual options vs the XL2's big chunky buttons?
What about a XH A1 versus a HV40 with a 35mm adapter? Would I be able to get better footage out of a HV40+something like the Letus35, or would the lack of 3ccd compromise the quality too much? It seems like I'd be saving $1000 and gaining good DoF, but I know there's pitfalls to having 1CMOS sensor against 3 CCDs. Would picture quality completely collapse under low light conditions? Are the two camera packages remotely in the same league?

I see a lot of good reasons that the FX-7 may fit my purpose. I am asking if you pro agree.

I know little to nothing about this stuff, I know business well and am interested in making videos. So I figure if I can make some money doing something fun then I will never have to "work" another day in my life.

What I am looking to do is start out by making videos, video ads, and short news segments for the internet. I would like to also if no immediate need graduate to doing these type of things for local TV. Filming both in a small studio (will be addressed later) and outdoors.

As for the small studio, I realize this is off topic but.... What is the smallest studio one could use to achieve some of the things mentioned above? I am going to be building a new building to house some of my other businesses this spring and would like to try and build a very small studio into it.

I currently have the Adobe CS3 Master Suite as I develop websites, this kit include all the video and audio software. Is this all of the software one would need to record a little news segment and edit it for both internet and TV?

I guess as I am sort of going in blind is there any other equipment that you guys would recommend to get rolling right away.

So I guess my questions are:

1.) Would the FX-7 be a good starter camera for my needs (fits my price range)?
2.) Is there a minimum size that one should think about for a small studio?
3.) Is the Adobe software CS3 Master Suite all I will need to edit and produce my videos?
4.) Is there any other equipment you would recommend to get going right away?

Again I apologize for my video ignorance but any help would be greatly appreciated.

I see a lot of good reasons that the FX-7 may fit my purpose. I am asking if you pro agree.

I know little to nothing about this stuff, I know business well and am interested in making videos. So I figure if I can make some money doing something fun then I will never have to "work" another day in my life.

What I am looking to do is start out by making videos, video ads, and short news segments for the internet. I would like to also if no immediate need graduate to doing these type of things for local TV. Filming both in a small studio (will be addressed later) and outdoors.

As for the small studio, I realize this is off topic but.... What is the smallest studio one could use to achieve some of the things mentioned above? I am going to be building a new building to house some of my other businesses this spring and would like to try and build a very small studio into it.

I currently have the Adobe CS3 Master Suite as I develop websites, this kit include all the video and audio software. Is this all of the software one would need to record a little news segment and edit it for both internet and TV?

I guess as I am sort of going in blind is there any other equipment that you guys would recommend to get rolling right away.

So I guess my questions are:

1.) Would the FX-7 be a good starter camera for my needs (fits my price range)?
2.) Is there a minimum size that one should think about for a small studio?
3.) Is the Adobe software CS3 Master Suite all I will need to edit and produce my videos?
4.) Is there any other equipment you would recommend to get going right away?

Again I apologize for my video ignorance but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Peter,

no one will be able to make these decisions for you. Yes, the FX7 is good, and CS3 will edit all your video. Unfortunately though, there is a ton more that goes into a video business. Lighting, backgrounds, tripod, microphones, editing computer with adequate storage, etc, etc.

But most of all: KNOWLEDGE. Keep browsing, searching, reading on this forum and make sure you understand what you're getting into first! Providing video for a television station might prove to demand a lot of experience I am sure you will soon acquire.

Good luck,

I currently use an old (2003) Sony "Handycam" DCR-HC20 ($500 time of purchase). I want to move up to a "Pro-consumer Professional" HD camcorder and have been looking at the Canon line (+$2,500). I have read all of the specifications from the Canon web site.

I will be making film shorts (5-10 mins) indoor and out in all types of lighting and sound conditions. For now, interchangeable lens is not important to me, mostly because of cost AND I am just getting my feet wet.

Can you shed some of light on the MOST important features/things that I should consider/look for before making an expensive purchase? Any helpful suggestions are MUCH appreciated.

XH-A1s /HDV, HMC151E/AVCHD on SDHC, FX1000 / HDV (has no XLR), JVC GY-HM100U / QT with mpeg2 with long GOP like HDV (or older Z1, FX1 and XH-A1 or more expensive Z5 or HPX200 with P2).

What a nice group .-) .

Ervin

Thank you for the response. I agree that my biggest hurdle is learning more of the business. And as far as for television is concerned that is for way in the future I am sure. And I am talking about a tiny little area type station not a major one. I am more or less just looking to get a nice starter pack together so that I can start shooting which is what seems to be rule number one in learning SHOOT LOTS.

But anyways thanks again, and I will definatly continue to look around this forum, it has a wealth of information on this topic.

Thanks,

Peter

Important issues to consider:

The content of your business case/business plan.
Your budget!
What video formats do you need to deliver?
What capture and storage formats do you need?
The ability of the gear you are considering to perform adequately in your anticipated shooting situations.
What other video gear do you have or need to match.
The ergonomics of the gear (does it fit you and do you feel you will learn to use it effectively in an acceptable period of time).

Keep in mind that what works for someone else may not be a good match for your needs, and buying a capability or feature you never use may be a waste.

Read a lot, take all things you read with a grain of salt, and if you can, try before you buy.

Gregory,
I agree with Don. Maybe Scott can help you out with a test drive. He is in your area and a DVinfo Supporter, give him a call.

Scott Cantrell
Sales Manager
Tapeworks Texas, Inc.
4930-B Dacoma
Houston, TX 77092
866.827.3489 Toll Free
713.688.3830 Direct Line
713.688.2509 Fax
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net
TapeWorks Texas (http://www.tapeworkstexas.com)

No need to point people to other web sites or rehash the common questions. Here's your starting point:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/open-dv-discussion/29995-gigantic-camera-should-i-buy-thread.html
Lots of reading there.

Thanks everyone for your replies. Each reply was helpful.

Are you set on a Canon?
We use a Canon XHG1 which I have always considered fine for what we do until last week! a colleague of mine and I were doing some 'messing about' shots - mainly because he wanted to play with his new toy the Panasonic AGHMC151 - wow! what a camera! it is way superior in just about everything as far as I could see from what we shot which was indoor/outdoor low/high light moving objects mixed lighting etc etc.

The clarity and sharpness and colour was superb with just the right amount of contrast (all tweakable in an easy menu system). We had to tweak the settings a little to improve on certain aspects but nothing more than we do on the XHG1.

It uses MPEG4 AVC/H.264 codec and completely tapeless recording onto SD card - a 16gbHD card will give about 90min on full HD progressive mode.

It sems to have everything the G1 has (including time code stamping) and a much smaller price and no tempramental transfer connections to your PC and you can burn direct to Blu-ray - I'm crying into my wallet :-)