The gigantic "which camera should I buy" thread!

Dylan Couper · April 1st, 2003, 09:02 AM

THat's an easy one.

JVC GY-DV500

I'm not sure if it's still in production, or just out of, since it's been replaced by the DV5000, but the last I heard the DV500 was selling for close to the same as an XL1s. Of course, batteries and other accessories will jack up that price.

Nathan Gifford · April 1st, 2003, 11:30 AM

JVC GY-DV500 or DSR-250.

Steve Patterson · April 1st, 2003, 11:57 AM

Thanks for the input, everyone! I can't say I have made a decision yet, but there are a couple front-runners. It seems like going with a 1/2" 3 CCD camera is definitely within my budget range, and the suggestions you folks have made have a camera body with the "professional image" the client is looking for. Thanks again! I'm still looking for suggestions, so if anyone has a favorite among the ones suggested so far, or knows of something else entirely, I'm all ears!

~ Steve

Jeff Donald · April 1st, 2003, 04:31 PM

The JVC 500 is still in production and was not replaced by the 5000. They have different features and different price points. The 500 would be an excellant choice, as Dylan point out.

Harry Settle · April 1st, 2003, 05:53 PM

I think it's kind of funny. I've seen several XL's lately on the news, downtown Bagdad, and nearly downdotown bagdad. Obviously they aren't very professional.

Steve Patterson · April 1st, 2003, 06:13 PM

Dear Harry,

I know exactly what you mean. I love my XL-1. And it's the person using it that makes it professional, right? I am not looking forward to going to an on-the-shoulder style again, but the cameras everyone has recommended so far seem very good and surprisingly affordable.

Steve

Don Berube · April 1st, 2003, 06:25 PM

Check out the PANASONIC AG-DVC200. This is a very good camera if you are looking for 1/2" chips.
http://www.panasonic.com/PBDS/subcat...ag-dvc200.html

JVC also has the GY-DV5000U, which is in the same price point and with somewhat better specs and it could be said is a better deal.
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/Attributes/f...l_id=MDL101367

Both offer 4 hour recording capability. Remember, it all boils down to what lens you put in front of it, so get the best lens you can.

- don

Dylan Couper · April 2nd, 2003, 01:16 AM

Pros/Con's on some of these cameras.

The DV5000 is considerably more expensive than the DV500.
It does have a lot more features, but is still a 1/2" chipper.

The DSR250 is only a 1/3" chipper, but still in the price range of the 1/2" chip DV500, I think. Plus the DSR250 is a fixed lens camera, unlike all the others we are discussing.

The Panny DVC200 is pretty nice, but in the higher price range of the DV5000 and DSR350 I think. Still pretty nice.

The DV500 has got to be the best bang for the buck out of all of these. I've seen used ones going for less than $3000us including batteries.

Don Berube · April 2nd, 2003, 05:09 AM

It wouldn't be under any warranty though, and I have heard nightmare stories about a couple of these failing after warranty and the cost to fix was e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e.

I think it might make sense to shoot for a new DV5000 with a warranty. You'll be able to do a LOT with that camera. If you don't mind the limited (read: very limited) lens on the DSR250 and the 1/3" chips, you can get these for cheaps.

"Reasonably-priced" - I would definately place the DV5000 under that category. Remember, there is still a certain cost involved when you bump up the form factor to the classic "BetaCam" shoulder mount style. Bigger and more expensive batteries, better yet still more expensive viewfinder, better and more expensive lens, etc.

- don

Steve Patterson · April 2nd, 2003, 06:17 AM

Thanks again for all the input! I am leaning toward the JVC DV5000. It combines several features I like a lot, but is available at a reasonable price. The 1/2" CCDs are a big plus over the Sony DSR250. I have to work as a one-man band pretty frequently, and the color LCD screen on the DV5000 would be very convenient for checking your shot quickly while the interview is happening. Plus I've seen good reviews online.

I'd say the Panasonic AG-DVC200 is a close second.

Does anyone have additional thoughts regarding these two cameras? Advice, cautions, recommendations from anyone who has one of these cameras?

By the way, Don, I attended a course you taught at the NYDV Expo. That is, if you are who I think you are. :-) It was very informative. Thanks!

Sam Looc · April 2nd, 2003, 06:36 PM

Can anyone recommend a cheap but still decent dv camcorder. I would expect to spend under $450. I want to use this camcorder to do my editing with so my main camcorder wont wear down its head. I have the dvx100 for filming but I would like a cheap dv camcorder to do most of its playback and transfering to computer and use it as a grab and go camcorder. Thanx for any suggestions.

Chris Hurd · April 2nd, 2003, 06:47 PM

Hard to beat the Canon ZR60, shouldn't cost more than $499. One of the least expensive DV camcorders you'll find.

Bill Pryor · April 3rd, 2003, 11:34 AM

There's also a Panasonic that's under $400 these days. I can't remember the number.

Bryan Beasleigh · April 3rd, 2003, 07:42 PM

The panny dv53 is under $400. It has 1/4" 680k CCD which isn't at bad for light sensitivety. B&H has free shipping and there's talk of a rebate.Panasonic wrotr the book on low cost value cameras. they've taken serious aim at that market niche with theri sister company JVC.

Alex Kamm · April 4th, 2003, 03:06 AM

Personally Canon video tends to have a satured look for those little ZR's. It sort of looks like a MTV candid camera look. Did you know MTV uses PD-150's and VX-2000's for broadcast

April 1st, 2003, 09:02 AM	#181
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	THat's an easy one. JVC GY-DV500 I'm not sure if it's still in production, or just out of, since it's been replaced by the DV5000, but the last I heard the DV500 was selling for close to the same as an XL1s. Of course, batteries and other accessories will jack up that price. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

April 1st, 2003, 11:30 AM	#182
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	JVC GY-DV500 or DSR-250. __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here

April 1st, 2003, 11:57 AM	#183
Steve Patterson New Boot Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sunbury, PA Posts: 6	Thanks! Thanks for the input, everyone! I can't say I have made a decision yet, but there are a couple front-runners. It seems like going with a 1/2" 3 CCD camera is definitely within my budget range, and the suggestions you folks have made have a camera body with the "professional image" the client is looking for. Thanks again! I'm still looking for suggestions, so if anyone has a favorite among the ones suggested so far, or knows of something else entirely, I'm all ears! ~ Steve

April 1st, 2003, 04:31 PM	#184
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	The JVC 500 is still in production and was not replaced by the 5000. They have different features and different price points. The 500 would be an excellant choice, as Dylan point out. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

April 1st, 2003, 05:53 PM	#185
Harry Settle Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bemidji, MN Posts: 276	I think it's kind of funny. I've seen several XL's lately on the news, downtown Bagdad, and nearly downdotown bagdad. Obviously they aren't very professional. __________________ "DOH"!!!

April 1st, 2003, 06:13 PM	#186
Steve Patterson New Boot Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sunbury, PA Posts: 6	The XL-1 Dear Harry, I know exactly what you mean. I love my XL-1. And it's the person using it that makes it professional, right? I am not looking forward to going to an on-the-shoulder style again, but the cameras everyone has recommended so far seem very good and surprisingly affordable. Steve

April 1st, 2003, 06:25 PM	#187
Don Berube Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Boston, MA (travel frequently) Posts: 837	Check out the PANASONIC AG-DVC200. This is a very good camera if you are looking for 1/2" chips. http://www.panasonic.com/PBDS/subcat...ag-dvc200.html JVC also has the GY-DV5000U, which is in the same price point and with somewhat better specs and it could be said is a better deal. http://pro.jvc.com/prof/Attributes/f...l_id=MDL101367 Both offer 4 hour recording capability. Remember, it all boils down to what lens you put in front of it, so get the best lens you can. - don __________________ DONALD BERUBE - noisybrain. Productions, LLC Director Of Photography/ Producer/ Consultant http://noisybrain.com/donbio.html CREATE and NETWORK with http://www.bosfcpug.org and also http://fcpugnetwork.org

April 2nd, 2003, 01:16 AM	#188
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Pros/Con's on some of these cameras. The DV5000 is considerably more expensive than the DV500. It does have a lot more features, but is still a 1/2" chipper. The DSR250 is only a 1/3" chipper, but still in the price range of the 1/2" chip DV500, I think. Plus the DSR250 is a fixed lens camera, unlike all the others we are discussing. The Panny DVC200 is pretty nice, but in the higher price range of the DV5000 and DSR350 I think. Still pretty nice. The DV500 has got to be the best bang for the buck out of all of these. I've seen used ones going for less than $3000us including batteries. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

April 2nd, 2003, 05:09 AM	#189
Don Berube Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Boston, MA (travel frequently) Posts: 837	It wouldn't be under any warranty though, and I have heard nightmare stories about a couple of these failing after warranty and the cost to fix was e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e. I think it might make sense to shoot for a new DV5000 with a warranty. You'll be able to do a LOT with that camera. If you don't mind the limited (read: very limited) lens on the DSR250 and the 1/3" chips, you can get these for cheaps. "Reasonably-priced" - I would definately place the DV5000 under that category. Remember, there is still a certain cost involved when you bump up the form factor to the classic "BetaCam" shoulder mount style. Bigger and more expensive batteries, better yet still more expensive viewfinder, better and more expensive lens, etc. - don __________________ DONALD BERUBE - noisybrain. Productions, LLC Director Of Photography/ Producer/ Consultant http://noisybrain.com/donbio.html CREATE and NETWORK with http://www.bosfcpug.org and also http://fcpugnetwork.org

April 2nd, 2003, 06:17 AM	#190
Steve Patterson New Boot Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sunbury, PA Posts: 6	DV5000 Thanks again for all the input! I am leaning toward the JVC DV5000. It combines several features I like a lot, but is available at a reasonable price. The 1/2" CCDs are a big plus over the Sony DSR250. I have to work as a one-man band pretty frequently, and the color LCD screen on the DV5000 would be very convenient for checking your shot quickly while the interview is happening. Plus I've seen good reviews online. I'd say the Panasonic AG-DVC200 is a close second. Does anyone have additional thoughts regarding these two cameras? Advice, cautions, recommendations from anyone who has one of these cameras? By the way, Don, I attended a course you taught at the NYDV Expo. That is, if you are who I think you are. :-) It was very informative. Thanks!

April 2nd, 2003, 06:36 PM	#191
Sam Looc Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Oakland Posts: 49	Cheap, but still decent dv camcorder? Can anyone recommend a cheap but still decent dv camcorder. I would expect to spend under $450. I want to use this camcorder to do my editing with so my main camcorder wont wear down its head. I have the dvx100 for filming but I would like a cheap dv camcorder to do most of its playback and transfering to computer and use it as a grab and go camcorder. Thanx for any suggestions.

April 2nd, 2003, 06:47 PM	#192
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Hard to beat the Canon ZR60, shouldn't cost more than $499. One of the least expensive DV camcorders you'll find. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

April 3rd, 2003, 11:34 AM	#193
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	There's also a Panasonic that's under $400 these days. I can't remember the number.

April 3rd, 2003, 07:42 PM	#194
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	The panny dv53 is under $400. It has 1/4" 680k CCD which isn't at bad for light sensitivety. B&H has free shipping and there's talk of a rebate.Panasonic wrotr the book on low cost value cameras. they've taken serious aim at that market niche with theri sister company JVC.

April 4th, 2003, 03:06 AM	#195
Alex Kamm Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: SANFRANCISCO, CA Posts: 74	Personally Canon video tends to have a satured look for those little ZR's. It sort of looks like a MTV candid camera look. Did you know MTV uses PD-150's and VX-2000's for broadcast __________________ RACESAUCE DOT COM \|Equipment: PD-150\|