I need a professional video camera for making a wedding, documentary and several shorts films.

I'm clueless when it comes to tech. I'd like to spend between $4,000 and $6 0000 but can spend a little more if it's absolutely necessary.

From what I've read, I think I want a Flash base camera with low light capabilties and able to tackle flashes in wedding.

Idealy if there`s an HD-SDI out for multicam operation it will be great. I dont really care about the form factor (handheld or shoulder)


Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

there are many options.

Here are the one's off the top of my head:

SONY,
NX5
AX2000
EX1R

PANASONIC,
HMC150
HMC40

JVC,
HM100

I think the Pannys are CCD while the Sonys are CMOS not even sure about the JVC

It's a start- look at B&H Pro Camcorder section to get all the details then read up on them here at DVi then spend your money.

Don't forget batteries, charger, lighting, audio and edit suite among other things.

Have fun!

JVC is CCD.

No jello-cam, no CMOS rolling shutter issues with flashes, also poorer low light performance (1/4"CCD) than CMOS based systems

I guess you can't have everything.

The HMC150 does well in low light 1/3" CCDs also means no jello! Love mine but be prepared to purchase an external HD monitor with HDMI as the LCD stinks! Everything else about the camera is great! With all the necessary gear, you will be close to $6k with the Panny.

Is your $4K - $6K budget just for the camera, or for everything you will need to shoot wedding, documentary and several shorts films? Because you will need more than just a camera.

All the Best!

Hi David,

The Budget is for the camera only.

Thanks

Louis, I'm in the same situation as you and trying to decide among these cameras as well for similar uses.
I'm just wondering where you're planning to buy it from. If you're planning to buy from B&H, you can get the EX1R for just a couple hundred more, which most people will say is the best one here because of the larger sensors, manual lens and nicer LCD/EVF displays. So far it seems to be my camera of choice as well for these reasons. The only problem I can see with it being used for weddings is the problem with CMOS sensors and how flashes are displayed, so depending on your shooting and editing, it could be an issue. The reason I ask where you're buying from is because I live in Toronto, and the EX1R is selling for 1000.00 more than it is in the states which would make it too far out of your price range.
If CMOS is an issue, the HMC150 is probably the next best thing unless we see some newer cameras at NAB next month.

hope this helps

Hi Andrew,

I'm at Quebec/Canada, so I'll surely buy it from B&h since price since Vistek can't compete with the price of B&h. maybe I'll wait after NAB too just to be sure :)

Ya, I figured most people here are buying from B&H, was just making sure.

At that price range a RED Scarlet is a potential, however you'd likely be playing the waiting game for a long time.

The Red Scarlet has been on my mind as a potential camera as well - I think a lot of people would go for the Scarlet over the cameras mentioned here or even wait for it if Red just gave us some sort of an idea when it would become available.
Waiting may be an option for some, but for many who can't be without a camera for very long it does not make sense for something that still does not exist or has even been officially announced (in terms of final specs etc).
Personally, the ideal camera for what I do would be the Scarlet, but waiting along with likely being the first to use it with no reviews or previous opinions to go on could be problematic.

I had a look at the scarlet too has it sounds to be the best camera but who knows when we will see it =)

I have purchased 3 cameras since the Scarlet was announced.

Just watch them announce it on April Fools and many will be like LOL, good joke... as the rest of us can't type our credit card numbers fast enough.

I have purchased 3 cameras since the Scarlet was announced.

two here! Someday...

At this point the Scarlet isn't something to be thrown into a serious discussion...

I would, if I were you, consider looking for a nice used Sony Z1U. You get a very nice 3 CCD cam with great low light performance, and you can put the rest of your money toward expanding your kit.

I had a look at the scarlet too has it sounds to be the best camera but who knows when we will see it =)
From what I've been reading if you're going to budget for a RED Scarlet you'd better include a RED Rocket ($4,750) and a RED Breakout box ($1,200) along with it. It kicks the price up substantially.

I'm giving serious consideration to the Sony HVR-Z7U. Interchangeable lenses, both tape and file based (includes a HVR-MRC1), $5,000. Stepping down to the HVR-Z5U and adding the HVR-MRC1 only saves you $100 so there is virtually no reason to go there.