The gigantic "which camera should I buy" thread!

Jaron Berman · May 20th, 2007, 08:50 PM

I think you have things in the right perspective. Good lighting will make a far better picture than resolution alone. A good tripod will make smoother moves than a cheap tripod with a lot of resolution. And you remembered something I totally blanked on - the upgrade to HD computing ain't exactly cheap, esp. with HDV.

Right now, on broadcast TV there isn't a ton of true HD programming. There's a lot of uprezzed digibeta, etc... and fewer HD channels than content. And even still - content rules. And HD-DVD vs. Blu-ray? I enjoy my gadgets as much as the next guy, but even I'm sitting on the sidelines of this. I'll keep buying my SD DVD's until I know that the machine I buy won't be totally mothballed before I can get discs for it.

Get a second hand SD camera and milk everything you can out of it. It'll probably last you 2-3 years, at which point the camera will probably die, and HD cameras will be in a generation where the kinks are worked out. If you've always loved the XL-2, there are a few for sale on the classifieds here, a couple with the manual lenses. Excellent tools, some of the best bang for your buck available in SD, especially at the prices people are trying to get rid of em!

Chris Ickes · May 21st, 2007, 08:26 PM

Thanks to everyone that responded.

What I am getting from all of this is that it is probably more important to surround my camera with good gear (lights, microphone, tripod, etc.) than the exact camcorder model.

I definitely will not need HD and will avoid that route.

Thanks again. If anyone still wants to weigh in on a certain camera model, I'd love to hear it but my budget will definitely be under $2500.

Jim Rog · May 27th, 2007, 06:02 PM

Hello

I have the FX1 but want a small handheld for carrying around as most know the FX1 is pretty big for everyday use

Want another HD camera that is cheaper then the FX1 and will give the same sharp HD pictures as the FX1 does so I can match them in when editing

Make doesn’t really matter as long as it’s top quality HD pictures and can be mixed in with my FX1 footage on the timeline

Something that also records onto tape rather then built in hard drive

Thank you for the help

Chris Soucy · May 27th, 2007, 08:09 PM

Guess that would be the Canon HV20 then. Ticks all the boxes, has the cutest little "ding" when you power it up and seconds as a dinky paperweight when not in use to boot.

Cheers,

Chris

Chris Barcellos · May 28th, 2007, 01:54 AM

I have FX1, and agree that the Hv20 is a great companion camera for it. Actually will be able to match up with FX1 if you handle things right, and shoot both in 60i. Be forewarned, you will find yourself picking the HV20 up more and more, and the FX1 less.... It really has stunning image capability.

Alex Wren · May 29th, 2007, 04:51 AM

I have about £2000 ($4000) to spend on a new/used camera and would really appreciate some input from forum members.

I currently have a Canon XM2 (GL2) which is excellent and will be kept as a backup/second camera, however I do need something a little more professional.

My main requirements are:

- Will be used mainly for interview/documentary work
- Prefer interchangeable lenses
- Need progressive option as most work is to be used on the web
- Shoulder mounted option is required
- HD is not essential at this stage

I was really aiming to get a JVC GY-HD110 but this is currently out of my price range. I have been considering second hand including...

Panasonic AG-DVC200E - http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/publi...nic_ag-dvc200e

JVC DV500 - http://www.bblist.co.uk/database/ind...tail=;daysnew=

Panasonic AJ-D400E - http://www.bblist.co.uk/database/ind...tail=;daysnew=

Sony DSR-300PK - http://www.proav.co.uk/product_info....aaa3b6aa813d5e

I would appreciate any feedback on my suggestions and maybe some other alternatives if you can. If anybody knows any other good UK used equipment web sites please post them.

Failing that I will keep saving for the 110...

Many thanks

Alex Wren · May 29th, 2007, 07:05 AM

Sony DSR-250P - http://www.mandy.com/1/class3.cfm?v=22279753

Panasonic AG DVC-200 - http://www.mandy.com/1/class3.cfm?v=22140625

Alex Wren · May 30th, 2007, 01:01 AM

Sorry I guess I have posted a much asked question.

Anyway I think I have now narrowed it down to either the Panasonic AG-DVC200E or the JVC DV500. I believe the 1/2" chips have to be worth it for a little extra DOF.

I realise that neither of these cameras are progressive. Does anyone have any comments on de-interlacing vs progressive for the web?

Of course if anyone has any alternative cameras that I might consider I am very interested.

Alex

Ervin Farkas · May 30th, 2007, 06:35 AM

There are some smart deinterlacers out there, that project movement and compensate for that. You say you will be working for the web, so I assume you will resize your video to something like 360x240 - at that resolution you will be perfectly fine no matter what you used for filming. So concentrate on your main format and make sure the camera suits your needs for that.

Alex Wren · May 30th, 2007, 06:51 AM

Hi Ervin,

Thanks for your response.

I am now down to choosing between:

New @ £3K - JVC GYHD110 (which I don't actually have the money for)

Pro's - New, full warranty, extra features, has battery

Con's - 1/3" chip, more expensive, will lose value quicker?, no tripod plate

Used @ £2k - Panasonic AGDVC200 (which I can afford - considering http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/publi...nic_ag-dvc200e)

Pro's - 1/2" chips, comes with bag , rain cover, tripod plate, should hold value better than new item?

Con's - doesn't come with batteries, only get 90 day warranty, not as upto date as JVC, second hand

now I am not sure which way to go...

Alex

Dennis Robinson · June 3rd, 2007, 06:22 AM

Hi,
I wonder if anyone can help with advice on a camera that I can use to mount on the dash of a small aircraft to take vision of passengers reaction while taking a joy flight. I have recently bought a triple chip Panasonic which records on DVD but it keeps stopping. The only thing I can think of is because of the vibration. Any ideas? It is great except for the stopping. As a budget i didnt want to spend much more than $1000.

Curt Talbot · June 3rd, 2007, 06:49 AM

You might consider the Sony DCR-HC96. It is a MiniDV and has a 1/3 inch chip so the low light performance is not bad. It also had a RGB primary colour filter so in decent light the picture is pretty good. It is reasonably compact as well. You can also purchase a Sony highgrade wideangle lens for it.

It also takes 3.3 megapixel images.

It is not HD though and with your budget that is probably something you could consider.

Dennis Robinson · June 3rd, 2007, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curt Talbot

You might consider the Sony DCR-HC96. It is a MiniDV and has a 1/3 inch chip so the low light performance is not bad. It also had a RGB primary colour filter so in decent light the picture is pretty good. It is reasonably compact as well. You can also purchase a Sony highgrade wideangle lens for it.

It also takes 3.3 megapixel images.

It is not HD though and with your budget that is probably something you could consider.

Thanks Curt,
I need the camera to take 16.9 and SD is fine as it has to match other SD footage for cutaways etc. Have you had any experience with cameras recording on disc. It keeps shutting itself off and i feel the vibration must be doing it. Also the $1000 I mention is A$ not US.

Curt Talbot · June 3rd, 2007, 11:58 AM

The only experience I have had with cameras that record on mini DVDs is editing which was a pain both in getting the footage onto my machine and editing as well (I edit on Sony Vegas).

I have a DCR90 and it has a wide screen option with the press of a button. I assume the newer DCR96 has the same feature. Whether it is 'true 16:9' I will leave for others to answer.

Mark Kenfield · June 8th, 2007, 02:05 AM

Hey Guys,

Just after some opinions. A whole bunch of old broadcast cameras (betacam SP, DVcam) have popped up on ebay (Australian version) recently, at very competitive prices to the new prosumer HDV cameras.

I've also notice that on the program for a local film festival (St. Kilda Film Festival) the majority of the films have been shot on Betacam SP - and from what I can see they look considerably more professional and film-like than most of what I've seen from HDV cameras. Is that simply the result of larger 1/2" and 2/3" sensors regardless of the resolution?

I understand the old-tech/new-tech argument. It's just that to my eye, the old pro cameras seem to produce more professional looking images than the new prosumer cameras (please correct me if I'm wrong on this, the best camera I've been able to work with thus far is a Canon XL1s).

Which choice is going to allow me to produce the most professional looking short films? (that's pretty much what I'm after)

May 27th, 2007, 06:02 PM	#1338
Jim Rog Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: PAL Zone Posts: 188	Best HD handheld camera can you recommend Hello I have the FX1 but want a small handheld for carrying around as most know the FX1 is pretty big for everyday use Want another HD camera that is cheaper then the FX1 and will give the same sharp HD pictures as the FX1 does so I can match them in when editing Make doesn’t really matter as long as it’s top quality HD pictures and can be mixed in with my FX1 footage on the timeline Something that also records onto tape rather then built in hard drive Thank you for the help

May 27th, 2007, 08:09 PM	#1339
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,689 Images: 18	Hi Jim....... Guess that would be the Canon HV20 then. Ticks all the boxes, has the cutest little "ding" when you power it up and seconds as a dinky paperweight when not in use to boot. Cheers, Chris

May 28th, 2007, 01:54 AM	#1340
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	I have FX1, and agree that the Hv20 is a great companion camera for it. Actually will be able to match up with FX1 if you handle things right, and shoot both in 60i. Be forewarned, you will find yourself picking the HV20 up more and more, and the FX1 less.... It really has stunning image capability. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

May 29th, 2007, 04:51 AM	#1341
Alex Wren Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: UK Posts: 161	£2000 ($4000) to spend on camera - appreciate your ideas I have about £2000 ($4000) to spend on a new/used camera and would really appreciate some input from forum members. I currently have a Canon XM2 (GL2) which is excellent and will be kept as a backup/second camera, however I do need something a little more professional. My main requirements are: - Will be used mainly for interview/documentary work - Prefer interchangeable lenses - Need progressive option as most work is to be used on the web - Shoulder mounted option is required - HD is not essential at this stage I was really aiming to get a JVC GY-HD110 but this is currently out of my price range. I have been considering second hand including... Panasonic AG-DVC200E - http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/publi...nic_ag-dvc200e JVC DV500 - http://www.bblist.co.uk/database/ind...tail=;daysnew= Panasonic AJ-D400E - http://www.bblist.co.uk/database/ind...tail=;daysnew= Sony DSR-300PK - http://www.proav.co.uk/product_info....aaa3b6aa813d5e I would appreciate any feedback on my suggestions and maybe some other alternatives if you can. If anybody knows any other good UK used equipment web sites please post them. Failing that I will keep saving for the 110... Many thanks

May 29th, 2007, 07:05 AM	#1342
Alex Wren Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: UK Posts: 161	A few more second hand options Sony DSR-250P - http://www.mandy.com/1/class3.cfm?v=22279753 Panasonic AG DVC-200 - http://www.mandy.com/1/class3.cfm?v=22140625

May 20th, 2007, 08:50 PM	#1336
Jaron Berman Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 439	I think you have things in the right perspective. Good lighting will make a far better picture than resolution alone. A good tripod will make smoother moves than a cheap tripod with a lot of resolution. And you remembered something I totally blanked on - the upgrade to HD computing ain't exactly cheap, esp. with HDV. Right now, on broadcast TV there isn't a ton of true HD programming. There's a lot of uprezzed digibeta, etc... and fewer HD channels than content. And even still - content rules. And HD-DVD vs. Blu-ray? I enjoy my gadgets as much as the next guy, but even I'm sitting on the sidelines of this. I'll keep buying my SD DVD's until I know that the machine I buy won't be totally mothballed before I can get discs for it. Get a second hand SD camera and milk everything you can out of it. It'll probably last you 2-3 years, at which point the camera will probably die, and HD cameras will be in a generation where the kinks are worked out. If you've always loved the XL-2, there are a few for sale on the classifieds here, a couple with the manual lenses. Excellent tools, some of the best bang for your buck available in SD, especially at the prices people are trying to get rid of em!

May 21st, 2007, 08:26 PM	#1337
Chris Ickes New Boot Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 15	Thanks to everyone that responded. What I am getting from all of this is that it is probably more important to surround my camera with good gear (lights, microphone, tripod, etc.) than the exact camcorder model. I definitely will not need HD and will avoid that route. Thanks again. If anyone still wants to weigh in on a certain camera model, I'd love to hear it but my budget will definitely be under $2500.

May 30th, 2007, 01:01 AM	#1343
Alex Wren Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: UK Posts: 161	Sorry I guess I have posted a much asked question. Anyway I think I have now narrowed it down to either the Panasonic AG-DVC200E or the JVC DV500. I believe the 1/2" chips have to be worth it for a little extra DOF. I realise that neither of these cameras are progressive. Does anyone have any comments on de-interlacing vs progressive for the web? Of course if anyone has any alternative cameras that I might consider I am very interested. Alex

May 30th, 2007, 06:35 AM	#1344
Ervin Farkas Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta/USA Posts: 2,515	There are some smart deinterlacers out there, that project movement and compensate for that. You say you will be working for the web, so I assume you will resize your video to something like 360x240 - at that resolution you will be perfectly fine no matter what you used for filming. So concentrate on your main format and make sure the camera suits your needs for that. __________________ Ervin Farkas www.AtlantaLegalVideo.com

May 30th, 2007, 06:51 AM	#1345
Alex Wren Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: UK Posts: 161	Hi Ervin, Thanks for your response. I am now down to choosing between: New @ £3K - JVC GYHD110 (which I don't actually have the money for) Pro's - New, full warranty, extra features, has battery Con's - 1/3" chip, more expensive, will lose value quicker?, no tripod plate Used @ £2k - Panasonic AGDVC200 (which I can afford - considering http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/publi...nic_ag-dvc200e) Pro's - 1/2" chips, comes with bag , rain cover, tripod plate, should hold value better than new item? Con's - doesn't come with batteries, only get 90 day warranty, not as upto date as JVC, second hand now I am not sure which way to go... Alex

June 3rd, 2007, 06:22 AM	#1346
Dennis Robinson Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 250	advice on camera for in aircraft cockpit shots Hi, I wonder if anyone can help with advice on a camera that I can use to mount on the dash of a small aircraft to take vision of passengers reaction while taking a joy flight. I have recently bought a triple chip Panasonic which records on DVD but it keeps stopping. The only thing I can think of is because of the vibration. Any ideas? It is great except for the stopping. As a budget i didnt want to spend much more than $1000. __________________ Dennis Robinson G5, , 30 inch display, FCP6 Studio 2, JVC-GYHD111

June 3rd, 2007, 06:49 AM	#1347
Curt Talbot Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Regina, SK Canada Posts: 104 Images: 1	You might consider the Sony DCR-HC96. It is a MiniDV and has a 1/3 inch chip so the low light performance is not bad. It also had a RGB primary colour filter so in decent light the picture is pretty good. It is reasonably compact as well. You can also purchase a Sony highgrade wideangle lens for it. It also takes 3.3 megapixel images. It is not HD though and with your budget that is probably something you could consider.

June 3rd, 2007, 11:58 AM	#1349
Curt Talbot Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Regina, SK Canada Posts: 104 Images: 1	The only experience I have had with cameras that record on mini DVDs is editing which was a pain both in getting the footage onto my machine and editing as well (I edit on Sony Vegas). I have a DCR90 and it has a wide screen option with the press of a button. I assume the newer DCR96 has the same feature. Whether it is 'true 16:9' I will leave for others to answer.

June 8th, 2007, 02:05 AM	#1350
Mark Kenfield Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 470	Used pro SD camera or new prosumer HD camera? Hey Guys, Just after some opinions. A whole bunch of old broadcast cameras (betacam SP, DVcam) have popped up on ebay (Australian version) recently, at very competitive prices to the new prosumer HDV cameras. I've also notice that on the program for a local film festival (St. Kilda Film Festival) the majority of the films have been shot on Betacam SP - and from what I can see they look considerably more professional and film-like than most of what I've seen from HDV cameras. Is that simply the result of larger 1/2" and 2/3" sensors regardless of the resolution? I understand the old-tech/new-tech argument. It's just that to my eye, the old pro cameras seem to produce more professional looking images than the new prosumer cameras (please correct me if I'm wrong on this, the best camera I've been able to work with thus far is a Canon XL1s). Which choice is going to allow me to produce the most professional looking short films? (that's pretty much what I'm after)