The EX1 would be a great upgrade from the XL1s. I did however failed to talk about my HD needs. Preferably 1080p or a very decent 780p. I'm very open to ideas, as I don't really know much about the camera market.

It's 720p not 780p and pretty much all the cameras do 1080 in some form or another. Some are interlaced and others progressive. The camera's list of formats is yet another feature to evaluate against your needs to find the camera that's best FOR YOU.

I recommend you put some work into the decision and not outsource it to others. Go to B&H or another DVInfo sponsor and drill down on the Professional Video -> Prosumer -> Camcorders section. Sort the list by Lowest Price. Then look at each camera in your price range to see the features that are available. Make a short list of the top 5 and do some searches on DVinfo for each. There'll be plenty of threads weighing the plusses and minuses and sometimes an all out war! :-)

Once you have it narrowed down to a couple, then ask some educated questions AFTER searching for that specific issue.

Or, just go buy an EX1R. HAHAHAHA

Hah, 780p, mistype.

Thank you for the advice, I've been doing just that. Tough choice.

Hello,

I am looking to direct a feature film and am looking to buy two cameras: the main camera to shoot the project on and a second, consumer camcorder just to scout locations do casting and things like that.

My budget for the main camcorder is kind of open ended. I have the money to spend $5000 grand or even more but with my skill level I think it would be a bit of a waste to spend that much because I wouldn't come close to maximizing the capabilities of the camera. So I'm looking for something that has the proper manual controls and XLR audio output but not too over my head.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

I also have a few questions related to the camera:

1. How complicated are the prosumer camcorders to properly use with all the manual controls? Is this a skill I can just pick up by using the camera or is it recommended that I take a course?

2. I really want my project to be professional in appearance. Would you guys advise that instead of spending a few grand on the camera and equipment I just hire a proper professional who has the equipment?

3. Am I correct in thinking that to properly take advantage of the DSLR cameras I need to a very skilled photographer/cinematographer?

4. Are there any consumer camcorders that offer XLR audio output? With the style I am going for and the image quality offered by consumer cameras I almost feel like I could get away with just a consumer camcorder but the audio seems to be severely lacking on them.

5. I've read that for video archiving purposes it is a good idea to capture on tape. I would strongly prefer to capture on flash drive because of the convenience. Do professionals still capture on tape or is pure flash drive now acceptable as well?

Responses to any of the questions is much appreciated. Thank you for your time and information.

Regards

"I have the money to spend $5000 grand or even more but with my skill level I think it would be a bit of a waste to spend that much because I wouldn't come close to maximizing the capabilities of the camera."

It is for the first time (at least I never read this before)... someone asking for a good camera in this thread realizes that skills are more important that the camera itself.

For that, I commend you!

On the other hand, though, from your questions it really sounds like there is a steep lerning curve ahead of you. I suggest you sit down and understand first how videography works, before spending money on cameras and supporting equipment - not the other way around.

And one more thing: there is no such thing as "open ended budget" - if you have the resources, you can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars just on a camera, a few good lenses, pro monitors, tripods, etc, etc, etc...

Good luck with your adventure!

P. S. No offense intended... The good news is, you've come to the right place. You may want to spend some time on the indie forum Techniques for Independent Production Forum at DVinfo.net (http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/techniques-independent-production/)

I have the money to spend $5000 grand or even more

$5000 grand! I'm pretty sure you didn't mean that much.

As Ervin says, you're honest enough to admit your lack of experience and I'd have to side with that - if you've never been a stills photographer grappling with the variables of film speed, shutter speed, apertures, dof, hyperfocal distances and focal lengths, then going straight into buying and using an EX1R (say) with its added ND filters, overcranking, audio settings, progressive, interlaced and bottomless menus will be deep-end-stuff, I can tell you.

But to your questions.

1) You won't find the controls complicated if you're familiar with all of the above, but they will take some getting used to. You'll have to know why you're selecting 1/50th sec shutter speed, not only how to. A good basic whole day 1:1 camcorder control course will shave weeks off your learning time.

2) Is a really good idea if you haven't much time to learn. Video is a great teacher (instant feedback, accurate, tireless, repeatable, cheap) but it's time you need, and lots of it. People hire me to shoot for this very reason.

3) There's no difference between a cinematographer using a DSLR and a camcorder, it's just experience you're paying for. If a stills man has never made a movie with his DSLR he starts at the bottom like everyone else.

4) No, but lots at the $2500 price point have audio input.

5) Tape is dead, but only from the acquisition standpoint. Capture to flash memory from now on.

tom.

Thanks Ervin and Tom. Much appreciated.

Just a couple of follow up questions:

While I read up on videography I'd like to buy a consumer camcorder to play around with just to get familiar with the basics. Is there a consumer camcorder that would be a kind of good intro to the prosumer stuff?
If not, do you guys have a recommendation on just any consumer camcorder that is worthwhile?

Also, Tom you mentioned that tape is only dead from an acquisition standpoint. What is tape still used for?

Thanks again for your time and information.

A really good camera to get you familiar with all the manual controls is a used Sony PD150 or 170. You might fancy a Panasonic DVX100A or a Canon XL1. All these are 4:3 cameras that will shoot 16:9 with resolution losses, but they'll sure teach you a lot about manual controls, ND filters, XLR inputs, gain levels and so on. These can be had really cheaply now as the world moves from 4:3 to widescreen and from tape to card.

Alternatively you might want to save the money and put it into something that will shoot hi-def onto card, like a Sony NX5. But this is an expensive step, so the second-hand route will let you decide and give you time to see if you want to go into the big chip territory (Panasonic AF101 or DSLR) or medium chip (EX1R) or small chip (NX5).

A very good consumer camcorder is the three-chip Panasonic TM700 or 900. Lots of manual controls but they require touch-screen menu digging rather than having knobs and buttons as on the cameras I've mentioned here. These consumer camcorders give strikingly good footage but they won't let you use 'proper' mics without Beechtek boxes and the like. And I'll tell you this - pictures is easy; sound is hard.

Tape is a wonderful back-up medium because it's reliable compact and cheap.

tom.

Thanks again Tom.

This is my first time purchasing a digital video camera. My main use is going to be videotaping soccer games. Looking to stay under $500.

My main requirements
- Long Battery Life (at least 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Good Outdoors, bright sunlight and when clouds are out
- Good Zoom

I don't know much about cameras so not sure how much zoom I would actually need. Or if I can't get lengthy batteries, how much is it generally to purchase a spare battery?

Two I've found..

Canon VIXIA HF R10 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder (Black) 4387B001 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=671649&is=REG&si=rev#anchorToReadReviews)
SENSOR | 2.39 Megapixel 1/5.5" CMOS
ZOOM | Optical: 20x Digital: 400x


Canon VIXIA HF21 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder 4060B001 B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=682488&is=REG&si=rev#anchorToReadReviews)
SENSOR | 3.89 Megapixel 1/4" CMOS
ZOOM | Optical: 15x Digital: 300x




What do you guys think, would either of these cameras be okay for filming, or should I keep looking?

Yes, either camera would be ok. Me? I'd pick the 15x zoom HF21 because it uses a chip nearly twice the size of the chip in the R10. 15x zoom will be all you can hand-hold, even with Canon's Super OIS on your side. You have money over for a computer trhat can handle the AVCHD files? An external (and directional) microphone? Tripod? Kit bag?

Bigger batteries are available, no problem.

tom.

Hmm, did a search and Pinnacle Studio 11 Ultimate seems to be the solution. Wouldn't be a problem I suppose.

Hmm, I'll look up the price on the batteries, but the ones that comes with the Camera, how long do you think it can record up to? Cause I don't see a length on the specifications.

What about this one? How much difference is in this one vs. the HF21. Specifications seem to be the same.

Canon VIXIA HF M300 Flash Memory Camcorder 4357B001 B&H Photo

Except the Recording media is SD/SDHC Up To 32GB Video/Image. How much difference does that make, is that the DUAL FLASH MEMORY? Will this affect the recording length a lot?

You won't go wrong with any of the cameras from Canon, Sony or Panasonic, but the more you pay generally the better the results will look (especially in the dark) and the more manual control you'll be able to exert.

You can't stretch to the Panasonic TM700? This is the camera that's getting all the thumbs up, and from me too. I was bowled over by it's capabilities and performance. Go have a look Oni.

tom.

You can't stretch to the Panasonic TM700? This is the camera that's getting all the thumbs up, and from me too. I was bowled over by it's capabilities and performance.
I'd second that, amazing camcorder, I'm sure you can find it now some places under $700

Had a look at it and it certainly looks good.

Honestly, I really want to splash out and buy it, but I'm debating whether it's really worth it if the other cameras I've mentioned will still work well. And I might end up having to buy a spare battery which is gonna cost more.

Anyone with experience using the HVX200a want to weigh in with pros and cons?
The same would be appreciated for the XH-A1s as I'm trying to decide between the two at the moment.

thanks.

I'm in the market to buy a full HD camera. I work as a trainee camera operator for a TV production company. I use a Panasonic P2 HPX500.

I'm interested in taking on more freelance work.

The work I aim to produce on this is camera would be web based, exhibition and gallery content and corporate.

My budget is around £4,000 - £5,000, although I have been reading about the Canon XF105 (thoughts?)

My post workflow is in Final Cut Studio 3, using mostly FCP, Motion, Colour, Compressor and DVD Studio Pro.

I have a Canon 7D as a B camera, for the pretty/shallow stuff.

I'm looking at the Vinten Vision Blue sticks too...

Thanks in advance,

Richard Collins

Hello ladies & gents. Total newbie here, looking for advice (right, because you've never heard THAT one before). I've been searching the net for weeks for information on compact, entry-level semi-pro/high-end consumer video cameras, and my head is just spinning with all of the available information. I'm trying to narrow down my search list to 4 or 5 cameras, but every time I turn around, there's another one to add to the list. I'm hoping you all would be so kind as to point me towards a handful of video cameras that might suit my needs.

Currently, I'm using a JVC Everio and iMovie to create my videos, which has worked fine 'till now. I've landed myself in a position where I'm the "official" photog/videographer for my Taekwondo club. Among other things, I've been asked to shoot some video for the club that will be posted to their website. I'm thinking I now need to go HD at the very least. Not that this is a hardship ... hubby and I are both complete gadget freaks, so any excuse to get a new toy is fine by us. ;)

- I'm usually shooting in less than ideal lighting conditions...think school gyms, industrial lighting on high ceilings with fans rotating beneath them, or large windows back-lighting all the action.
- I need something with a really good zoom feature, as a lot of the time, I'm shooting from elevated stands down onto the (again, poorly lit) arenas, or through the plexi-glass/protective netting around a hockey rink, through and around lots of moving bodies (doesn't that sound like every videographer's dream?).
- I'm not a fan of tapes, and would rather have a handful of SD cards in my pocket.
- My days are usually 12 hours long, with shooting happening in 2 minute spurts with some sleep time (for the camera, not for me) in between and no access to power outlets, so some high-capacity batteries are probably a must.
- Audio may also be a bit of a consideration. While I usually delete audio when filming tournaments (because all you hear are the shouting parents anyway), I will soon be shooting testimonials, and may be asked to do a low-budget wedding next year as well.
- I'll be trying out Final Cut Express, so something that transfers well to FCE would be a good idea.
- Budget! I'm hoping to stay below $1,000, but would consider going a few hundred higher for the perfect machine.

So sorry for the long thread, but I figured more information is better than less when asking a question like this one. :)

Thanks for your patience! Looking forward to learning a whole bunch of stuff so I can start contributing to the threads!

Vicky,

Welcome to DV Info, its really a great community and a great place to learn about video gear.

First off I recommend Final Cut Pro X. Apple is not selling or supporting Final Cut Express anymore.

FCP X is just $299, and its very easy to use. It should be a real delight for someone like you to use.

Don't worry about the backlash against it by "professional editors." They are mostly worried about things that won't concern you for a long time, if ever.

As far as a camera ... I may be the wrong person to help you out. I usually shoot narrative feature films and news - I spend my time on the other end of the market from you.

What I would warn you against is using a DSLR as a video camera, or other "large sensor" cameras. Those are great systems when used properly ... but they are hard to keep in focus. (I use a crew member, called the first assistant camera to keep those cameras in focus.) These cameras are very "hot" right now, but they are not right for your use.

I did search B&H Photo Video, which is a sponsor of this site. I frankly think B&H is the best place to start your internet shopping. I also suggest you go to your local camera store. Many will match prices, even with internet sales, of the same product.

What I found was, as usual, discouraging. The cameras in your price range lack features I think are important. These are separate focus, zoom and iris controls and 1920x1080 recording. You also need audio input with XLR connectors. The camera should also offer 24p recording, although you will mostly use the 60i recording mode for sports I'd think. I also picked cameras that can use SDHC media, because its cheap and readily available.

The cameras I found start near $2000.

In addition to these cameras, I do recommend you get some lighting. Most of the places you sound like you are going to shoot will have adequate light, but when you stop shooting the action a lot of times it gets dark fast, so an on camera light will help with any spontaneous interviews. A single stand mounted LED light will give you enough light for darker areas, perhaps a locker hallway or a party ... places that are not adequately lit. Don't spend a mint, for your application you should be able to get both lights for under $500.

One warning about shooting hockey ... if you use the auto modes the camera will get tricked into making the image too dark by all the very white ice. You pretty much have to use the manual exposure modes and set the image so the ice is very white, but not glowing. (On pro cameras, I set the zebras for 95% and 105% and try to make sure all the ice is always in the 95% zebra range.)

Anyone with experience using the HVX200a want to weigh in with pros and cons?
The same would be appreciated for the XH-A1s as I'm trying to decide between the two at the moment.

thanks.

Well, I am really late to the party here Jimmy.

I wouldn't select either of these cameras at this point. I've shot with both- they aren't bad cameras, but their day is past.

I'd have a look at the Sony EX series with their 1/2" sensors. Gives you a bit extra shallow DoF and excellent light sensitivity. My complaint is the 8 bit 4:2:0 recording.

Canon has a great value on their hands with the XF series. This is a great 1/3" camera, but it still uses 8 bit recording. The upside is that its 4:2:2, with a higher bitrate than the HVX200/DVCPRO HD.

Another camera of interest is Panasonic HPX 250. This is a real successor to the HVX200 cameras, and offers AVC Intra recording at 10 bit 4:2:2, which is by far the best in camera codec under $10,000 USD.

I'm in the market to buy a full HD camera. I work as a trainee camera operator for a TV production company. I use a Panasonic P2 HPX500.

I'm interested in taking on more freelance work.

The work I aim to produce on this is camera would be web based, exhibition and gallery content and corporate.

My budget is around £4,000 - £5,000, although I have been reading about the Canon XF105 (thoughts?)

My post workflow is in Final Cut Studio 3, using mostly FCP, Motion, Colour, Compressor and DVD Studio Pro.

I have a Canon 7D as a B camera, for the pretty/shallow stuff.

I'm looking at the Vinten Vision Blue sticks too...

Thanks in advance,

Richard Collins

If you already have the Canon 7D, then I recommend holding on for a bit and just trying to get the work with the 7D. See if you can't strike a deal with your company to rent their HPX500's, which as you know are great cameras.

Now I mentioned waiting because Red will soon release their Scarlet cameras. I've gotten a chance to play with one, and its going to knock your socks off. They should come in at your price point, and they'll give you image quality unmatched by any 2/3" sensor camera anywhere.

If you need to buy right now the Canon XF series is a good value, but if you've been training on HPX500, I think I'd rather point you a bit upmarket at the Panasonic HPX 370. It's still a budget camera, but it has a full shoulder mount like what you have been using, and excellent 10 bit recording.

I'd also point you at the Sony XDCAM cameras on the low end, but you may want to consider an outboard recorder like the AJA KiPro, which gives stunning results from the XDCAM series of cameras.

@Vicki: Take a look at the Panasonic TM900 camera. It should serve your requirements well and fit your budget. For the low budget wedding, add a Rode Video mic.

Thanks, Alexander and Les! I like what I've been reading about the Panasonic TM900. Hubby has come home today with an ad for a Canon HFG10 for $1000, used but only a few months old and with the full warranty (minus 3 months) still intact. From what I've been reading, the HFG10 is better in low light, but the TM900 shoots 60p, correct? How does that translate into layman's terms (please forgive my newness)? What about the Sony MC50U? How does that compare to either of these cams? I like the idea of going with a smaller, less "scary looking" camera, since I'll be dealing with a lot of small children who might be intimidated/distracted by a big "professional" rig.

Vicky - I'd back Les on this one. The TM (or better value SD) 900 is THE camera to beat - not only at its price point but at price points double its asking price. It is indeed an astoundingly competent camera.

Alexander is so right in all he says, but to get you into the game the SD900 will give you full manual control and some very clever intelligent auto modes as well. It's stabilisation beats my Sony NX5's hands down, and it has a far better, bigger and brighter side-screen.

tom.

Vicki.... these conversations can end up in camera wars. I hear the HFG10 is a fine camera. I didn't mention it because it only has a 10x zoom. The same is true for the MC50u. Both of these are single chip sensor designs whereas the Panny is 3-chip. Also, I had a TM700 (predecessor to the TM900) and I know it delivers what it claims.

The TM900 shoots 60p as you say and it has a longer zoom which you mentioned. Without getting all technical, 60p gives you smooth motion and it's the latest video format that pretty much sets the bar for the cameras to match. Panasonic was early in the game with it and the TM900 is their 2nd generation of it. It's good stuff.

Don't forget you have some accessories like a couple extended batteries and a shotgun mic to buy with that budget. You'll need a tripod or mono pod to shoot those long zoom shots you mentioned. Handheld won't cut it at long zooms without serious investment in vomit bags for your viewers. You can save some bucks by getting a used or leftover TM700.

At this point, you need to do some searching and reading on the cameras on your shortlist. Don't outsource the decision. These couple of posts have narrowed the field. Now you should read up and decide according to what's important to you. Every camera has tradeoffs and if you find a special deal on one, it changes the cost/benefit for you.

Hi all. Yes, I realize that asking a question like "which camera is best" is kind of like asking "which car should I buy." Brand loyalty and strong opinions exist in every neck of the woods. I've seen some heated arguments occur over brands of dog food! But you all were extremely helpful, for which I am grateful.

We had placed videos produced by both the TM900 and the HF-G10 side-by-side on our screen. I'm sure in a few years, I'll be able to pick apart a video for clarity and quality. At this early stage of my "career," I honestly couldn't see the difference.

As it turns out, our local camera shop had both a TM900 and a HF-G10 in stock, so we drove out to manhandle both models to see which one felt better. I'm not a "dainty" woman. The Panasonic felt a little more breakable in my hands. The Canon just had more oomph to it. The focus ring felt more robust than that of the Panasonic. The controls were easier to manipulate, and we liked the larger lens.

So we bought the Canon, and I tried it out last night at one of our belt gradings. I have to say, the picture was amazing, even on full auto, and the sound produced by the on-board mic was incredible. I can't wait to get to know this little camera better!!

Thanks again for all your help. I'l sure you'll be hearing a lot from me! :)
Vicky

Howdy.

I have a Canon 7D, and I'm happy with it. But I do most of my shooting on the Canon HG20 that I got a few years ago, mostly because the shallower depth of field and seamless autofocus helps me shoot a lot of run-and-gun stuff that I'm only going to get one shot to take.

I was thinking about upgrading the Canon HG20, but I don't know what's out there. My price range is <$1200. I was hoping for a price drop on the NexVG10, but I already have an investment in Canon lenses.

Vicky, I'm also very new to this but one thing you also might want to consider for the low lighting conditions is getting on-camera lighting. They range from $35 on up. One thing the video I saw mentioned is make sure the light projects..not just light the immediate area where your standing.

I have a budget of $4,000 or less (preferably less!)

I need a camera for filming indoor white screen, green screen, white board presentations, video training, etc. type situations... So camera does not need to be portable. All video will be for Internet and maybe some DVD.

I definitely don't want tape. I'd like the easiest way to film and go straight to computer to edit with Sony Vegas.

I also have a 2nd camera I will use for 2nd angle shots to help with editing out mistakes, etc... I will probably do black and white or something on this camera for effect so I don't have to worry about color matching, etc... It is a canon vixia hf s10

I will use an XLR mic such as a Sony lav mic or an Octavia on a boom...

I will be using Daylight LED lights 5600k...

I hope that's all the info you need to make a recommendation! I know a lot of new cameras have come out so I'm excited to see your response!

Thanks!

Sony NX5U
Bruce Yarock

Thanks Bruce!

How does the NX5U compare to the panasonic AG-HMC150?

just get the JVC HM100 or 150.

Thanks Bruce!

How does the NX5U compare to the panasonic AG-HMC150?

From a feature point of view, the NX5u is more expensive but it has several nice features for that money. How important they are is a decision for you to make. Those extra features are:
Longer lens (20x vs 13)
SDI output
Flash Memory Unit extendability built in
Higher AVCHD recording (FX mode)
Hi res LCD
GPS

I think the hi res LCD is important to understand. Having it gives you a much much better estimate of exposure and focus.

There's plenty that's been written up about these cameras. Use the search feature on DVinfo.

Thanks for the replies!

I was talking to BH today and they recommended a camera that is 422? So they suggested the Canon XF100, Panasonic AG-HVX200A or the JVC GY-HM150U. What are you thoughts on these compared to what has been suggested? BH also said that these cameras create a better file to work with than AVCHD based cameras. They also suggested the Panasonic AG-HVX200A, said it was memory based using P2 cards and would be a perfect choice... Now I'm more confused! arggg!

I will be filming white screen, whiteboard presentations, interviews, green screen ... 100% indoor with LED lights and 99% of footage will be for web.... So the easiest process to go from shooting to sony vegas to web would be ideal! Awhile back, I also bought Sorenson Squeeze to make the videos small as possible, i don't know if that was a bad idea or not? I guess it's still needed to compress even after editing in vegas?

For what you are doing, 4:2:2 is completely unnecessary and overkill. The bottom line is that all of these cams are great and you won't be sorry with any of them. While B&H is a great place -- the *only* place, as far as I am concerned -- to buy, they obviously want to sell you the most expensive cam possible.

Each of the cams mentioned has fans and detractors, and anyone here who uses a given model is likely to be a bit partisan, if only because we know and are familiar with the features of our models and their brethren. So take anything you hear here with a grain of salt. While some here do have different cams of different brands for comparison, many of us have stuck to a single brands so as to use the same accessories, because we like and/or are familiar with the ergonomics or feature set that certain brands emphasize, or just out of inertia.

Knowledge is the enemy of confusion. Spend some time looking at the specs of all your candidates at the B&H website. If you come a cross a term you don't understand, Google it and read until you are thoroughly comfortable with it. At that point you will know whether it is a feature you need or not (i.e. "422").

As has been said many times before (on this thread and elsewhere), there is no best cam, only what's best for you.

[But please don't do your "B" cam footage in B&W; it will only be annoying and distracting and will make your viewers want to gouge their eyes out with a spoon. It's a pretentious affectation done only by first-year film students in junior high.]

And don't forget: you're going to need a pretty beefy, up-to-date PC to edit all this stuff. See the post production forums for advice there.

Thanks for your input!

I'm leaning toward the Sony NX5U or the Canon XF100 but I just discovered that the sony has 3 chip where canon has 1.. how big a deal is that?

I know lighting and audio are 90% of video, but if I'm gonna buy a nice camera, i want one that I will use for a long time and not have any regrets...

I'll take your advice Adam on b&w.... thanks for the input!

The computer I will be using for editing is a i7 with SSD hard drive for main, dual 1TBs in raid 0 for secondary, 12gb ram.... I was hoping it should do fine... I'd love to have a Xeon though!

The way I see it, I don't think the XF100 offers much value for you. In fact I think for what you are talking about, it offers less value for you. Is there a reason you aren't looking at the Panasonic AC130? For what you describe and your budget, I would be looking at the Panny AC130, HMC150, Sony AX2000, Sony NX5U.

Keep reading and searching for answers to questions. Read reviews on the above cameras and hopefully you will get answers on what these features are for. They you'll be equipped to decide what's important for you and not be dependent on a sales person or, for that matter, anyone here telling you what to buy. You have gotten solid unbiased advice by some good people here.

Thanks Les... I agree with you on the XF100... I think I'm much better off picking one of the other cameras mentioned.

After reading this: CMOS Rolling Shutter (http://dvxuser.com/jason/CMOS-CCD/) I'm leaning toward the Panasonic AG-HMC150 over the Sony NX5U... I was considering the Panasonic AG-HVX200A but I will be compressing the videos for web anyway and figured it would be a waste? I dont minde the expensive P2....

EDIT:
Actually, I just read that the Panasonic AG-AC130 is the "update" to the AG-HMC150... Do you think the AC130 is a smarter choice over the HMC150? But doesn't it have a CMOS instead of CCD though?

Thanks for all your input!

I bought the AC130!

I am a little concerned about the auto focus issues the AC130 has been noted as having as well as the "card door open" error and the skewing issues that have been reported. I'm hoping these are isolated issues and not bugs since it is such a new camera! The HMC150 was very close 2nd but from what I gather, the AC130 is everything the HMC150 is, plus more... I'm hoping that's true!

BH gave me a great deal on it... They originally quoted me the camera at $3,500 if I bought the $350 extended warranty. I changed my mind on the warranty since it would only cover accidental stuff and not theft, etc. like insurance would. BH wanted to mark the camera back up when i decided not to get warranty, but after some squabbling back and forth on the phone BH finally kept their original quote of $3500 and I thank them for that!

Additionally I purchased the Pearston battery, is it as good as the Panasonic battery? I also bought two 32gb Sandisk SD cards and a Lexar USB 3 dual card reader...

Thanks for the update. You can always get help climbing the learning curve here:
Panasonic AVCCAM Camcorders Forum at DVinfo.net (http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/panasonic-avccam-camcorders/)

SInce the HMC130 is new, you may be able to help others that follow in your footsteps.

Long term, as you strive to shoot better and better stuff, you'll be turning off auto-focus and using manual more. At least that's how it was for me. YMMV

B&H is a great place -- the *only* place, as far as I am concerned -- to buy, they obviously want to sell you the most expensive cam possible.

I've bought cams from B&H but also from Full Compass and recently from Markertek. Both Full Compass and Markertek were great to deal with and have solid reputations. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one from Amazone either. Not knocking B&H, just that there are other options too.

I've read through the posts on this thread and am still in need of help. I'm totally new to video and am buying my first camcorder, with the main purpose of recording interviews in mostly indoor settings. The recorded interviews will be for clients so the image and sound quality need to be good. I've been considering the Canon XF100 or JVC 150 camcorder which are about what I want to spend (though I'd love to spend less). Does anyone have thoughts about these 2 cameras or others that might be more appropriate for my purposes? Thank you so much for any help you can provide. Trying to choose is a bit overwhelming to me since I know so little!

Why not get a used AF100 with a Tamron 17-50mm and/or a 50mm prime so you can blur the background on the interviews and really make the subjects pop. Not quite as versatile as a fixed lens camcorder, but if you're just going to be doing interviews, seems like a good choice. The bigger imaging chip will help with providing clean video indoors as well.

...I'm totally new to video and am buying my first camcorder, with the main purpose of recording interviews in mostly indoor settings. The recorded interviews will be for clients so the image and sound quality need to be good....

Remember to budget a microphone that you can get close to the talent. A wired shotgun on a boom stand like an AT875 or Rode NTG1 or 2 or even a wired lavalier are inexpensive ways to get the audio required for corporate video.

There's also a tripod and some basic lighting gear required.

Nate & Les, thank you for your responses.

-I saw a used Panasonic AF100 at B7H & will investigate that option.
-B&H recommended the Rode NTG2 used within 6 feet of the subject, so it's good to get confirmation of that suggestion. I previously used lavaliers though they weren't recommended on another website due to potential noise...
--B&H also recommended for a tripod the Manfrotto 701 with 190 legs and the Sunpak LED 96 for lighting. Any thoughts on those? In my basic lighting workshop, they discussed 3 point lighting, so I am hoping to use the LED with window/home lighting.

Thanks for helping a total beginner!

That's a photo tripod. It will basically work but a video tripod has a bowl at the top and a head that fits in it. You level the head by loosening the head, swivel it until level and tighten. No leg length adjustments.

While this is probably over your budget, the Sachtler ACE, FSB4, Vinten Blue and similar are examples. There may be a cheap bowl system the same price as what they recommended. If you stay with video production very long, you will get a good one eventually.

A window, an LED and a reflector will let you experiment with 3-point lighting. I always recommend starting out small and actually doing lighting....then you know what else you need.

The Rode NTG-2 has a battery compartment. As long as your camera has phantom power (the af-100 DOES), the battery is unneeded and making the thing bigger than you need.When you go to mount it on your camera someday, it'll start to get in the way. The NTG-1 is smaller (I have one) and the AT975 is even smaller (I wish I had one).

Also, if you have time to wait, you can monitor the Classified Listings section of DVInfo. It's a great way to get good stuff as sellers and buyers reputations are at stake here... FWIW.

If I may play devil's advocate here... Is an AF100 really the best first camera for someone totally new to video?

It may be a fun thing to learn for experienced photo/video people, but some starters may find it terrifying (not least trying to work out what lens is needed for what occasion).

Carla, I'm not saying that it's not a good camera for you, just to give it lots of thought. The two cameras you named (the JVC HM 150 and the Canon XF100) are compact, reasonably easy to use, do a good job on auto, and are more than ample for web videos etc. They both offer phantom power and enough features to make good interviews. Picture quality would be crystal clear, and I dare say not many clients would complain about the background not being too blurred.

Sure you won't get that good shallow DOF you get with a lens on an AF100. But is it really what you need?

That's a photo tripod. It will basically work but a video tripod has a bowl at the top and a head that fits in it. You level the head by loosening the head, swivel it until level and tighten. No leg length adjustments.

While this is probably over your budget, the Sachtler ACE, FSB4, Vinten Blue and similar are examples. There may be a cheap bowl system the same price as what they recommended. If you stay with video production very long, you will get a good one eventually.

A window, an LED and a reflector will let you experiment with 3-point lighting. I always recommend starting out small and actually doing lighting....then you know what else you need.

The Rode NTG-2 has a battery compartment. As long as your camera has phantom power (the af-100 DOES), the battery is unneeded and making the thing bigger than you need.When you go to mount it on your camera someday, it'll start to get in the way. The NTG-1 is smaller (I have one) and the AT975 is even smaller (I wish I had one).

Also, if you have time to wait, you can monitor the Classified Listings section of DVInfo. It's a great way to get good stuff as sellers and buyers reputations are at stake here... FWIW.

OK, great information. I will try to find a cheaper tripod system to start and will keep those other ones on my list. I am just starting a business and don't want to sink too much $ into it yet. Thanks much for the other suggestions and for explaining things at my novice level.

If I may play devil's advocate here... Is an AF100 really the best first camera for someone totally new to video?

It may be a fun thing to learn for experienced photo/video people, but some starters may find it terrifying (not least trying to work out what lens is needed for what occasion).

Carla, I'm not saying that it's not a good camera for you, just to give it lots of thought. The two cameras you named (the JVC HM 150 and the Canon XF100) are compact, reasonably easy to use, do a good job on auto, and are more than ample for web videos etc. They both offer phantom power and enough features to make good interviews. Picture quality would be crystal clear, and I dare say not many clients would complain about the background not being too blurred.

Sure you won't get that good shallow DOF you get with a lens on an AF100. But is it really what you need?

Thank you, Mike, I think you are right. I am not a very technical person so I do need something that is more user friendly, especially as a novice. I took a workshop and borrowed a Sony Z5 from my community media center and it was a bit intimidating for me. I will be interviewing people in order to preserve personal and family histories so good image and sound quality are important, but perhaps I should work up to a more sophisticated camera like the AF100.