I'm looking to move up to a more advanced video camera, to gain better control over exposure and focus and to get some of the features that can only (currently) be had on a video camera. I currently have Sony HD-HC1, Canon HV30 and a Nikon D7000. I like the picture quality of the D7000 but still find it more cumbersome for shooting with less setup (kids sports, events).

I'm looking in the $2500 to $3500 (absolute max) range. Thus far I'm considering AC130 (would like 160 for overcrank but it breaks the budget). Also considering the Canon fx100. Any thoughts about these 2? Any others I should consider? I am strictly an enthusiastic hobbyist. Image quality is my highest priority, then good controls with good ergonomics.

I currently have Sony HD-HC1, Canon HV30 and a Nikon D7000. I like the picture quality of the D7000 but still find it more cumbersome for shooting with less setup (kids sports, events).

The FX100 is smaller, which will make it less cumbersome. The AC130 has a significantly longer zoom, which is good for events. Currently the AC130 is on sale to make way for the AC130A.

Also take a look at the Canon XA10, great camera and at a lower cost then the XF100 or AC130. I have both the AC130 and the XA10 and the picture quality on both is very good. The XA10 is better in low light. The XA10 is too small and the AC130 is to big. :) The AC130 is wonderful to use where the touch screen on the XA10 is not the best for me.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for your response. Yes it helps, I was considering the XA10 but I want readily accessible controls. I do like to form factor of the xf100, but I like the ring controls on the ac130. I've been trying to find some downloadable raw footage so I can compare clips from each camera.

Also, thanks to the previous poster who also provided some input.

Once you have 3-rings, you won't know how you ever survived without them and won't want to ever go back. Canon isn't really in this market anymore whereas Panasonic, JVC and Sony have several models to choose from. There's no place to go after the XF100 unless you are ready to jump to the $7k range XF300. If you haven't looked at JVC, they recently announced some new cameras

I agree Les!!

Besides I do not like touch screens anyway!!! I even curse using my Android phone!!

With my AC-130's I have made up a simple aluminium rail system under the cam with an offset shoulder pad and two grips in front on handles and voila ..I have a shoulder mount camera!!

The EVF on most cameras seems to be a tiny 0.45" and I just cannot focus well with such a tiny screen so I have a loupe on my LCD which gives me a huge EVF to use...it really works well either handheld or tripod mounted.

If you are a auto-focus person then just beware that for long extended periods at fixed focal distances the 130 needs to go over to manual otherwise it gets "bored" and starts hunting for no reason!!! However if you are moving and changing subject the AF is awesome!!!

Chris

I'm leaning towards the ac130 because the man reason I'm considering a "real" video camera, vs getting another DSLR is because I want real video controls. The only thing holding me back is that I'm trying to find footage that shows what the camera can do. Thus far, most of what I've found are test clips of limited value to me. Can anyone point me to footage (preferably something minimally compressed that I can download) that shows what the camera can do?