have the chance to get a jvc-gy5000u camera (w/ low drum hrs-cheap!!) it comes with a canon yh16x7krs lense..what can anyone tell me about this camera...dependable? good in low light? is this a fairly 'wide lense'?? any help would be appreciated...thanks.

We have two of them (same lens too).

As far as low light- they cannont be beat. We use them for weddings and events as I am contiuously astounded by what they are able to do in low light. I grew up on Sony DSR-300's- while not as durable (or heavy) the image quality is the same.

The lens is not very wide- but for weddings- it has not been an issue.

How much?

camera body,lens,tripod plate and viewfinder(apparently a lot of these are sold without a viewfinder, so the seller made a point of 'stressing' this) anyway, complete:$3,000.00...very clean.low drum hours...seem like a fair price to you??

camera body,lens,tripod plate and viewfinder(apparently a lot of these are sold without a viewfinder, so the seller made a point of 'stressing' this) anyway, complete:$3,000.00...very clean.low drum hours...seem like a fair price to you??

I would say that is a very fair price. We bought ours in mid 2005 for about $7K each. The only downside is that they are 4:3 only. They will shoot in letterboxed 16:9 but who does that?

Also- you will want to replace the mic with something better. The supplied mic, as with all pro cameras, is really just a place holder. That said- it is functional.

thanks for the input...i already have an hd-110 for the better shoots...just need something like this for quick stuff and renting out..

hey justin ...do you know what the filter diameter is on the canon lense?? 72mm? 88mm? just curious..check you're email..im going to send you a lengthier message, if thats ok..

Here's a very positive little story from a user of this camera:
http://www.studiodaily.com/studiomonthly/tools/casestudies/5341.html

very cool jack...thanks for the read...i just posted a new thread on the sight concerning lense width..take a peek...any knowledge you might have in this area would be greatly helpful..you responded to an earlier post of mine in the area today..thanks

I've had that lens. I believe it's just 72 mm diameter. A GY-DV5000 for $3000 is a steal if it's in good condition.

These cams are always with viewfinders, but the VF-116 viewfinder is a lot better than the 'standard' VF-115. Perhaps the seller meant to say there's a VF-116 on it?