Best Camera under 1k ?
 

Hey there, i want to buy a new DV camera, under 1k... please any sugestion so i can compare ?

Well first you should figure out your needs (dictated by what you need to shoot) and then figure out the features you need and then the camera that has the most of those features in your budget.

Make sure you take into account extras like tripod, tape, case, and external mic (I'd recommend one if you want good sound).

That being said...

This Japanese site has some image comparisons to make some objective comparisons between cameras: http://babelfish.altavista.com/babel....html&lp=ja_en
Check out the "29 type comparison"- 1CCD and 3CCD cameras galore. The images are resized down so you don't get to see differences in resolution with accuracy, but there are some full-size images of resolution charts on that site.

There are some limitations with that test. Differences in white balance might not be as irritating as in a side by side comparison. The test may not give you a full idea of video quality.

My opinions:
The GS70 looks hot. Great looking pictures and decent low light.

The TRV19/22 has amazing low light, but its pictures has flaws in some situations. I've used it so I can tell you its resolution is not amazing, it gives false colors in some situations, and the camera will overexposure in stage (high contrast lighting situations while manual controls are difficult. The picture is very contrasty and saturated which a lot of people like. This effect is lessened a lot when exposure is decreased though. Keep in mind I'm kinda picky.

According to camcorderinfo (http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...der-review.htm) the Panasonic PV-DV53 is a good low end cam, but it has no accessory shoe.

Some old models are really good if you can find em. The Panasonic MX3000/PV-DV951 looks good.

Unfortunately most of these cameras I have not used. People at the dv.com cameras forum and at camcorderinfo.com forums will have reports on these cameras.

On a sidenote, the whole Panasonic line is looking great right now (from the DV53, GS70, DV953[3CCD for $1600ish], DVX100, to the SDX-900[near digibeta quality at $25k]).

Here's some info on the dv953.

http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_18256.htm

If you want good answers - not that the ones you've got are not - you should provide more info. What do you use your camera for? What in a video is important to you?

Agus,
Both Glen and Tor are absolutely correct, you really need to provide more information on what needs you have for the camcorder. In addition, if you use the "search" feature in this forum you will find a great deal of information regarding comparisons between camcorders.

Having said all that, if you want a good camcorder for under $1K USD, and are looking for a bargain, then you should look into the Panasonic PV-DV852 that is being sold at B&H (one of the sponsors of this forum) for $569 USD. I don't know what the shipping and customs duty would be for Guatemala but if you are going to import that would be a cost no matter what camcorder you decide upon.

I understand from reading on this forum that the PV-DV852 is similar to the DV-953 that both Glenn and Shawn mention in their posts.

Good luck with your search, Nick

If you use a price comparison service you should be able to find the PV-DV953 for under $1K, I think I paid $1008 for mine shipped. :)

I am planning to use the Camera for my motorsport tv show, i also have a steadytracker that i still want to use, and a 35mm lens adapter that i made. I currently own a TRV18, and it is a great camera, but perhaps i can get better quality with 1k than my current one.

Maybe optical stabilization will help a lot. From what I hear Canon optical stabilization is the strongest (from Adam Wilt's review of the XL1 versus the VX1000).

The Panasonic PV-DV953, PV-DV852, Canon optura 100MC and some of the other Canon cameras have optical image stabilization I believe. The PV-DV852 looks like a great deal. It has bigger chips than the 953. Can't say I used it though.

I recommend that you skip all normal single chip camcorders. You've done the single chip thing, none of them radically stand out from one another. You can do much better for a thousand dollars. Your choices, however, become very limited.

Panasonic dv953 : 3ccd - 3.5"LCD - optical image stabilization - $1100


Panasonic gs70 : 3ccd - 2.5"LCD - electronic image stabilization - $800


I hear that the Canon Optura Xi's rgb ccd produces color that is almost as good as 3ccd s. I say almost is not good enough. I say that the only worthwhile $1k cam out right now is the dv953. I say your choices are too limited in this range to compromise the cam by figuring in all of the $upporting gear at the outset. Get the best cam you possibly can with your grand, and pick up the other stuff as you go.
Good luck!
Regards,
Shawn

I really dont mind about camera stabilization, cause i use a 35mm adapter... i just want low noise, great audio and great picture quality (who doesnt)

dv953 and gs70 seens like the best in the market for less than 1k, trully amazing.

Anyone know what are their diferences besides the lcd screen side ?

Then you'll want the PV-DV852 from B&H. Great cam, great price - deal of the century. Don't miss out!

The DV852 seens like a really good value price, but it seens not to have all the manual options like the dv953, which is also a 3 ccd camera.

You don't have any other 3-CCD options with full manual controls for under 1K unless you buy used. And the 852 does have low noise as you wished for. There may be another option, though. Contact B&H to see if they still have the Pana AG-EZ50U for under 1K.

The dv953 seens superior to the AG-EZ50U, what do you think ?

Actually i am thinking of spending 2k,

get a dv953, a Dv852, and good video walkman, or deck...