Oh wow I saw a pv-dv953 today
 

I looked at a pv Panasonic today! Oh wow. I pointed it to dark store area and I saw sharp video on the screen. The price is very high costing $2400 and something. Should I borrow from the bank or should I use my credit card? Will this gs400 be better? Cost more? I don't know if I should spend all that money but it sure is a nice video camcorder. I also looked at a big Canon but it is too big. I want to run and gun. I'm young and I like to run and record video.

Tom, if you order a PV-DV953 from the states, it'll be around $1000 Canadian cheaper. Here's a great place to order one from:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

The GS400 won't be out for another couple of months. It'll most likely be a better cam and be the same size.

It is that much cheaper huh.

Run and Gun isn't really what it sounds like. It's ENG, street documentary, guerilla , basically hand held stuff is run and gun. Weddings , interviews and the like, not foot races with your camera.

The big canon was most likely an XL1S or a GL2 and they're both ideal for run and gun. Where in Edmonchuk did you see this?

The 953 is a very nice camera but not the best at low light.

Listen to Frank, the camera will be much cheaper in the US. B&H price is $980 ($1325Can) plus shipping

A word to the wise, If you don't need it and can't afford it don't buy it.

Tom, for PV-DV953 reviews, see here:

http://www.dvfreak.com/mx5_go.htm

and a little bit here:

http://www.dvfreak.com/pana_mx5.htm

Note: the NV-MX5000 is the NTSC Japanese version, the PV-DV953 is the NTSC version and the NV-MX500 is the PAL version

Tom, IMHO you should not purchase something for pleasure on credit. Even if you plan on making money with it, you should think about the cost of borrowing, maintenance expenses, and so forth. If you don't have a disposable 2000$ maybe you should consider a cheaper cam.
Or at least wait for a while until GS400 comes out, and DV953 becomes officially obsolete, and it's price should drop. And you should look for a bargain in US since looks like in Canada DV953 will hold on the catalog list for another year.

At the moment looks like the GS400 model will be significantly better, but we have to wait and see. the MSRP is 1499$US, but when dealers purchase large quantities, probably the price may come down a bit maybe to about 1300$, but then again it's still 2 months away... and it is expected that Canada will be spared the good cam, and we have to get it from US. =/

I do not record video for making money. I do not even record too much. I do it for fun. I want to run and gun. I tried it this morning and I had trouble keeping my zr20 stable. It is a lot of work. I do not know how others do it. They must be in better physical shape, and experienced. I think my zr20 does not have a good image stabiliser. If I purchase a new pv-dv953 Panasonic or maybe a gs400 it will be more stable. Interest rates are low from the credit union. I all ready talked to them. Credit cards rates are higher. If I order from the US I will save money as you said. If the gs400 is coming I think I should wait. Should I wait?

You should read the replies thoroughly. While your out running and gunning pick me up a can of striped paint for the last post.

I reread everything over and over to learn about everything. I do not think I am stupid. I am 26 and live in the big city. I am not sure to go for the pv-dv953 or the new gs400. What is striped paint for post a joke? Recording video should be fun but also serious.

I always take a 2nd look at all my posts to find spelling mistakes. I often find 1 or 2 (or 3 or 4 and sometimes more).

Either the PV-DV953 or GS400 should do, but we don't know if this GS400 will be any good. You just never know with cams that aren't yet out.

Tom, Run and Gun doesn't mean running with a camera. It refers to a quick, often handheld news type of videography versus the carefully setup , tripod mounted big production shoots.

I also asked you where you looked at cameras. I travel a lot and as a matter of fact was in Edmonton last week and also 3 weeks before that. If there was a decent video store i'd like to know.

Be very careful about buying a camera on credit.

1. Depreciation is VERY fast. I will pay 50% for a camera 6 months old.
2. Cost is high, 10% on $2000 is $200, which is good for plenty of good meals.
3. Do you use the camera for fun or for some income? If it is only for fun, please refer to the other wise men in this forum. I am not too much wiser, at 30 years old, but I'll not pay interest for something that I am only using for fun. It's like going on holidays by taking a loan ("Now you can take that holiday you deserve and pay later" !!!)
4. Lots of hidden cost - extra batteries, tapes, tripod, stabiliser, filters, bag, microphone, connectors, software, hardware, etc, easily another $2000 which you cannot pay by credit. In any case, $4000 in credit wouldn't be much fun.

I bought my first camera MX8 (similar to the DV852) after saving up for 1 1/2 years. Then I got semi-pro (make some money here and there) and I bought the 3CCD-MX350 (DV952) and still has it today. Sold my MX8 as I just can't afford to keep both cameras. The jobs that I have taken using these cameras have covered the cost after 2 years. And lots of fun along the way.

I buy what I need when I need it, there are many things that I want, like a new DSLR or the DVC100, but that's not what I need...

careful careful guys
someone said that when gs4 comes out the 953 will be obsolete. This could be the case however until the time we find out more about the gs4 then we can not tell. i remember when the vx2100 was all the talk and no one new about it the price of the 2000 here in aus dropped about 1000. when we all found out that the 2100 was not a lot better the prices jumped back up to full price

Justin

My friend told me to think about it and I will and then I can wait to see about the gs400. I have borrowd money before so this does not bother me.

For Bryan, why do you want to know where I see video camcorders? In Edmonton we have many stores. You should know this if you come to visit.

Tom
I couldn't find any stores with prosumer video gear. I know Calgary has a few like Vistek. I thought you'd be helpful and tell me where you saw the bigger cameras. I told you were you could save $1000 .

For the big canon but not to big I saw it here. 10805-107 ave. Why do you want to buy a big canon from Edmonton? You live in the east. I know why because your taxes are to high hahahahaha. Edmonton is bigger then Calgary. Edmonton is the capital city. Always check the yellow pages Bryan when you are in Edmonton. It is easier this way.

Tom
I don't particularly want to buy anything in Edmonton but if there is a decent high end store it's a good place to waste time when I'm not working. I have a choice, sit at the Mayfield Inn bar, go over to the Crazy Horse or find some interesting place to waste time. The West Edmonchuk Mall doesn't float my boat.

Edmonton may be the capital but Calgary has more to offer camera wise. If you have a chance stop by Vistek in Calgary, it will impress you. I used to live in Edmonton and Namao and it's been a regular part of my territory for the past 30 years. I travel from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland

I did go through the Edmonton yellow pages and found nothing. That's why I asked you where you saw the Big Canons. usuallyonly serious video retailers stocik cameras like the XL1S or GL2.

The taxes may be higher here but i'll wager I pay less for my gear in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver than you would in Edmonton.

I am having my morning coffee because I start work at 15 minutes to eight. I am glad I took a look here before I left. I do not know why you are saying to me being a liar. I said this place has the big canon but not the biggest. If you do not believe me go to Mcbain for yourself and check it out. I all ready gave you the address and street. Edmonton is a better and bigger city over Calgary. Open your eyes.

YowCH, do you have video-related jobs?

Tom, no need to get defensive or attack people, both of which you have done. Many people have offered sound advice and you have either ignored them or basically said they are wrong. Maybe you need to mature a little more or think about what you are saying before posting any further.

The PD-DV 953 is a great camera. I got it for 869 US via a B&H special 2 months ago. It is small enough to manuever while still giving great picture.

I did value all the advise including from my friend who told me to wait. I do not like being said I lie and make me feel stupid from one person and now two - and how come there is so much gs400 stupid information?. I am not stupid and I do not lie. I do not say bad thngs. I am a regular crew here and looking for information for help.

No one should be demeaning anyone here, Tom. Just let it go and please feel free to post as a "Regular Crew". :-))

Thank you, except for Bryan because he has not told me good advise. Now I can keep posting knowing I am doing the correct way for asking questions and not let anyone thinking I lie and I am not seriuos. I just want to know if I should wait or buy the dv953 now because it is a good deal now at B&h. It is hard for me to know. I hope I am getting my point across.

I'm sure most of us are wondering the same thing, but we don't lose any sleep over it. Personally, I only care about whether the GS400 will be better than a 953 or black mamba, but I bet it will be better by just a bit, and probably on par with the 1-year-old mamba. My cams are working, and any new cam I may fancy will not effect me in the least. Sure, I wouldn't mind "this and that," but I now most of the this and that will only end up collecting dust. If this GS400 will really be "better" than the 2 last Pana's I mentioned, and the low light thing gets licked---Houston, we have lift-off. But will Pana come through? I doubt it. At best it will have PDX-like LUX requirement. So these days I don't lose any sleep.

I can not wait any longer. If no gs400 information is out next week I am going to buy the dv953 and right a review to let everyone know what I think. Thank you for every one helping me with good advise.

I think the PV-DV953 is a very good cam, just keep in mind its LUX requirements.

Tom i notice you have only been on here for a month and i think as a new user you really aren't trying to make new freinds. You must respect bryan because he is only giving you his opinion and that is what these forums are all about. surely you can come to ur own conclusion from all that everyone has told you. Work with everyone not against them
Justin

I'm not that drunk yewt but this thread is making me more so.

<<<-- Originally posted by Young Lee : YowCH, do you have video-related jobs? -->>>

Every now and then, people come to me for their weddings. sometimes product launch or training videos. I do documentaries and advertisements for my church for free.

I'm the guy in between professional fees and cousin/uncle.

Professionally I am a lowly paid civil and structural engineer, with focus on infrastructural works such as bridges, tunnels and train stations.

I see Yow Hoe you are a profesional. It is good to have you for advise. I work in stocking shelves at great Canadian Superstore. It is good excersize but pay is not good. I drink beer only because I like the taste and feeling sometimes. but only once every few weeks. My girlfriend drinks beer more. I will wait one more week for gs400 information and then I will decide what I will do next. Most everyone is a great help for me for helping me with deciding with is better run and gun small Panasonic with ois.

Yes, be cautious, and don't test the PV-DV953 waters too soon. There will always be one waiting for you. Hold off one more week to see if the GS400 will be happening sooner rather than later, or later rather than sooner. Decisions bring difficulty and difficulty develops strength (or death). Now, if you were to ask me what you should do, and you haven't, I would tell you to do nothing but keep using your Canon ZR20 for run n gun and peeka-boo. :-))