The gigantic "which camera should I buy" thread!

September 18th, 2002, 09:35 PM

Thanks guys, lol on the warranty! I was just standing there filming and the thing just fell apart. honestly

Jeff Donald · September 19th, 2002, 08:20 AM

Ritz Camera sells an extended warranty that covers water damage. They call it a Damage Protection Plan and it covers all defects and abuses except fire and theft. It's pricey but offers a good value if your putting your camera in harms way. It is available for terms of 1 to 5 years and at the expiration, the plans are yearly renewable. I know of many people who have collected new cameras under the plan.

Jeff

Frank Granovski · September 19th, 2002, 06:15 PM

Ugh.

Re: "Thanks guys, lol on the warranty! I was just standing there filming and the thing just fell apart. honestly"

Jeff Donald · September 19th, 2002, 07:18 PM

Frank,

I take it you've had bad luck with the Ritz Camera warranty or your just expressing a personal opinion and not a fact. I doubt you'll find a better warranty in the industry. Ritz is a large merchant and faces it's own problems as such. However, they do try hard and they mean well. Overall they are a positive force in the camera industry. They are not going to provide the level of service that an advanced amateur or professional (such as your self) needs. But they do fill a vital role. As a point of reference they are the largest Nikon dealer in the world and probably the largest Minolta dealer in the world. They didn't get there by providing terrible customer service.

Jeff

September 20th, 2002, 01:14 PM

Hi all-
I'm looking to buy a camera to do some light DV editing and such for a relatively large church (about 300 persons). Right now I am stuck between the Sony MiniDV camcorders and the JVC MiniDV camcorders. Any advice on which one I should buy? I'm looking for best image quality for under $1000.

Thanks so much!
Derek Snyder

Chris Hurd · September 20th, 2002, 02:42 PM

If you are going to use the camera seriously, as in recording a church service or some other event, you probably know you'll want to mount it on a tripod. When you do, you'll notice the *biggest* single problem you'll have is making smooth, slow, nice looking zooms. Bending over the camera with your fingers on the zoom rocker is not the way to do it. What you'll want to do is use a remote zoom controller (see www.varizoom.com and similar manufacturers).

The JVC camcorders have no provision for remote zoom and focus control, but all Sony and all Canon DV camcorders do. The controller plugs into the LANC jack on these cameras. Trust me, this is a big deal and if you want my advice, you should base your decision on it.

If you're not going to shoot from a tripod, then maybe it's no big deal. Under $1000 all that really matters is, how does the camera feel in your hands. If you can get down to Manhattan, walk into B&H, the largest camera store in the world, and definitely try before you buy. Personally I think you'll be happier with a Sony or Canon. Hope this helps,

Dylan Couper · September 21st, 2002, 12:31 AM

If you really want to impress the church-folk, take some of that $1000 and invest in a wireless mic setup so you can pull in some good quality sound. It doesn't matter how nice the picture is if they can't hear what's being spoken.

Since you are going to be staring at the LCD screen for hours on end, I'd also suggest getting the one with the biggest screen.
The vari-zoom controller is a good idea. Being hunched over the camera with your fingers on the zoom rocker is extremly hard on the back after 30 minutes.

Frank Granovski · September 21st, 2002, 05:17 PM

Consider the Panasonic PV-DV702. Then with the money left over, buy an extra battery, a UV (protective) filter, a cheap protective bag/case (Lowepro Vidcam 2), and a tripod/head.

Stick with 1 brand/type of miniDV tape
(www.dvfreak.com/tape.htm)

Your total would then be about $1000.

www.dvfreak.com/buyersguide.htm

Frank Granovski · September 21st, 2002, 05:23 PM

Jeff,

I wasn't referring to Ritz. I was referring to this fellow's need for a good warranty because of what he is going to do with a cam. "Ugh" was meant as a response to the dropped cam, an expression.

And thanks for the little bit about Ritz. I'm actually looking for some Nikon odds and ends for my FM2-T. Really. I'll check them out.

Jeff Donald · September 21st, 2002, 05:33 PM

Sorry Frank, I misunderstood the Ugh. I don't work for Ritz or am related to anyone who does. But they do serve a role in the camera industry. They can move product. In most markets Ritz has what they call a Nikon HQ store which will stock most of the odd ball items. They also have regional warehouses with inventory and they can transfer between stores. If they are ever out of a product they will ship N/C also. However, small items, in stock, are what the smaller merchants can excell at.

Jeff

John Lee · November 5th, 2002, 01:42 PM

I'm a film student and I have basically no budget to shoot on, but I've done a lot of work with hi-8 cameras and obviously I'm dissappointed with video quality. I primarily use premiere, and I have decided to purchase a miniDV camera to use. I've noticed that most semi-professional users go with the XL1s and the canon GL1 I think, but those models are way above my price range.

What I'm looking for is a miniDV camera for under $1200 with high image quality and decent sound. I'd also like to get a camera that is easy to accessorize, so that in the future (when I can afford it) I may be able to attach a wide angle lense etc. The market is a bit confusing because I don't know much about how these cameras perform in the real world. Some cameras, for instance, boast a higher resolution than others, but others cost more. I'm really looking for best bang for the buck.

I'd appreciate any recommendations you have. Thanks.

Zac Stein · November 5th, 2002, 05:33 PM

If i was in your shoes, i would be looking for a used sony trv-900. They are really nice cameras, and yield great results, they should fall right into your price range and very easy to find addon parts, and small and light enough to stick a cheap tripod with.

kermie

Adrian Douglas · November 5th, 2002, 10:58 PM

Or, now that the GL2 is out you might find some GL1's floating around if you look hard enough.

John Lee · November 5th, 2002, 11:56 PM

Actually, $1200 is a bit too expensive. I've been looking more in the 700-1000 range at new cameras from sony and canon. From what I've seen, there really isn't a triple CCD camera I can afford. It's a pain because I can't scrape enough money together to get a really good DV camera. I'd settle for something like the Sony PC120 or the Canon Optura200, but I'm not sure how good the picture quality on those models is.

Zac Stein · November 5th, 2002, 11:59 PM

Kurt i know of a PAL trv-900 right here on sale for around $1000 USD, You would have to spend at least another $1000 on sounding it and putting it on a tripod, but it would be a fantastic package.

kermie

September 20th, 2002, 01:14 PM	#110
Derek Snyder Posts: n/a	Can't decide which camera to buy! Hi all- I'm looking to buy a camera to do some light DV editing and such for a relatively large church (about 300 persons). Right now I am stuck between the Sony MiniDV camcorders and the JVC MiniDV camcorders. Any advice on which one I should buy? I'm looking for best image quality for under $1000. Thanks so much! Derek Snyder

September 20th, 2002, 02:42 PM	#111
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	If you are going to use the camera seriously, as in recording a church service or some other event, you probably know you'll want to mount it on a tripod. When you do, you'll notice the biggest single problem you'll have is making smooth, slow, nice looking zooms. Bending over the camera with your fingers on the zoom rocker is not the way to do it. What you'll want to do is use a remote zoom controller (see www.varizoom.com and similar manufacturers). The JVC camcorders have no provision for remote zoom and focus control, but all Sony and all Canon DV camcorders do. The controller plugs into the LANC jack on these cameras. Trust me, this is a big deal and if you want my advice, you should base your decision on it. If you're not going to shoot from a tripod, then maybe it's no big deal. Under $1000 all that really matters is, how does the camera feel in your hands. If you can get down to Manhattan, walk into B&H, the largest camera store in the world, and definitely try before you buy. Personally I think you'll be happier with a Sony or Canon. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

November 5th, 2002, 01:42 PM	#116
John Lee Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 152	Recommendations for a DV camera I'm a film student and I have basically no budget to shoot on, but I've done a lot of work with hi-8 cameras and obviously I'm dissappointed with video quality. I primarily use premiere, and I have decided to purchase a miniDV camera to use. I've noticed that most semi-professional users go with the XL1s and the canon GL1 I think, but those models are way above my price range. What I'm looking for is a miniDV camera for under $1200 with high image quality and decent sound. I'd also like to get a camera that is easy to accessorize, so that in the future (when I can afford it) I may be able to attach a wide angle lense etc. The market is a bit confusing because I don't know much about how these cameras perform in the real world. Some cameras, for instance, boast a higher resolution than others, but others cost more. I'm really looking for best bang for the buck. I'd appreciate any recommendations you have. Thanks.

November 5th, 2002, 10:58 PM	#118
Adrian Douglas Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Chigasaki, Japan. Posts: 1,660	Or, now that the GL2 is out you might find some GL1's floating around if you look hard enough. __________________ Adrian DVInfo.net Search for quick answers Where to buy? From the best in the business...DVInfo.net sponsors

September 18th, 2002, 09:35 PM	#106
Certified Drunk Posts: n/a	Thanks guys, lol on the warranty! I was just standing there filming and the thing just fell apart. honestly

September 19th, 2002, 08:20 AM	#107
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Ritz Camera sells an extended warranty that covers water damage. They call it a Damage Protection Plan and it covers all defects and abuses except fire and theft. It's pricey but offers a good value if your putting your camera in harms way. It is available for terms of 1 to 5 years and at the expiration, the plans are yearly renewable. I know of many people who have collected new cameras under the plan. Jeff

September 19th, 2002, 06:15 PM	#108
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Ugh. Re: "Thanks guys, lol on the warranty! I was just standing there filming and the thing just fell apart. honestly"

September 19th, 2002, 07:18 PM	#109
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Frank, I take it you've had bad luck with the Ritz Camera warranty or your just expressing a personal opinion and not a fact. I doubt you'll find a better warranty in the industry. Ritz is a large merchant and faces it's own problems as such. However, they do try hard and they mean well. Overall they are a positive force in the camera industry. They are not going to provide the level of service that an advanced amateur or professional (such as your self) needs. But they do fill a vital role. As a point of reference they are the largest Nikon dealer in the world and probably the largest Minolta dealer in the world. They didn't get there by providing terrible customer service. Jeff

September 21st, 2002, 12:31 AM	#112
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	If you really want to impress the church-folk, take some of that $1000 and invest in a wireless mic setup so you can pull in some good quality sound. It doesn't matter how nice the picture is if they can't hear what's being spoken. Since you are going to be staring at the LCD screen for hours on end, I'd also suggest getting the one with the biggest screen. The vari-zoom controller is a good idea. Being hunched over the camera with your fingers on the zoom rocker is extremly hard on the back after 30 minutes.

September 21st, 2002, 05:17 PM	#113
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Consider the Panasonic PV-DV702. Then with the money left over, buy an extra battery, a UV (protective) filter, a cheap protective bag/case (Lowepro Vidcam 2), and a tripod/head. Stick with 1 brand/type of miniDV tape (www.dvfreak.com/tape.htm) Your total would then be about $1000. www.dvfreak.com/buyersguide.htm

September 21st, 2002, 05:23 PM	#114
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Jeff, I wasn't referring to Ritz. I was referring to this fellow's need for a good warranty because of what he is going to do with a cam. "Ugh" was meant as a response to the dropped cam, an expression. And thanks for the little bit about Ritz. I'm actually looking for some Nikon odds and ends for my FM2-T. Really. I'll check them out.

September 21st, 2002, 05:33 PM	#115
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Sorry Frank, I misunderstood the Ugh. I don't work for Ritz or am related to anyone who does. But they do serve a role in the camera industry. They can move product. In most markets Ritz has what they call a Nikon HQ store which will stock most of the odd ball items. They also have regional warehouses with inventory and they can transfer between stores. If they are ever out of a product they will ship N/C also. However, small items, in stock, are what the smaller merchants can excell at. Jeff

November 5th, 2002, 05:33 PM	#117
Zac Stein Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 730	If i was in your shoes, i would be looking for a used sony trv-900. They are really nice cameras, and yield great results, they should fall right into your price range and very easy to find addon parts, and small and light enough to stick a cheap tripod with. kermie

November 5th, 2002, 11:56 PM	#119
John Lee Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 152	Actually, $1200 is a bit too expensive. I've been looking more in the 700-1000 range at new cameras from sony and canon. From what I've seen, there really isn't a triple CCD camera I can afford. It's a pain because I can't scrape enough money together to get a really good DV camera. I'd settle for something like the Sony PC120 or the Canon Optura200, but I'm not sure how good the picture quality on those models is.

November 5th, 2002, 11:59 PM	#120
Zac Stein Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 730	Kurt i know of a PAL trv-900 right here on sale for around $1000 USD, You would have to spend at least another $1000 on sounding it and putting it on a tripod, but it would be a fantastic package. kermie