camera recommendations

[Geoff Swartz]

I started shooting video for our company a number of years ago using Canon HV20s. It is mainly corporate style videos (software training, management interviews, etc) but there are some times when I need to shoot some B roll where I want some nice DOF. I couldn't get that with the HV20s so we got a 5D Mark II. That worked great for DOF but in video mode, I have no autofocus which has caused issues when I've tried to use it as my main video capture source. One of the HV20s is about to die and we want to get away from tape anyway, so I am in the market for 2 new camcorders.

I guess I need to pre-plan my shots better and figure out which ones will need DOF and which will need autofocus and use the cameras that offer that. But, while I'm looking for a new camcorder, are there any that you could recommend that have good DOF? Thanks.

[Donald McPherson]

I'm guessing you are on a low budget. So have a look at the Sony pxw-x70 or ax100 both have 1 inch sensors.

[Geoff Swartz]

The budget is around $3000 or less per camera if possible. Thanks. I'll take a look at those.

[Geoff Swartz]

Originally Posted by Donald McPherson

I'm guessing you are on a low budget. So have a look at the Sony pxw-x70 or ax100 both have 1 inch sensors.

After reviewing the cameras, they both look pretty good but also both have some drawbacks. Since both are below my budget, are there any others with a large sensor like that that you'd recommend? I was really liking the PXW-X70 until I read so many reviews about how bad the auto focus was on it. If that wasn't the case, I think that one may have been a great choice.