I am taking some film courses. I am interested in making
short films with good production quality. Looking at my
budget and reading thru some good reviews here, I am
thinking of buying a PV-DV852.

It has a 43mm filter ring. What kind of filters do I need to
make decent shorts?
Should I use the native 43mm filters OR step up 43mm
to 58mm and buy 58mm filter sets. Are there any disadvantages
in this method.

Also what is a good mic I can get for this model.

I know it supports cinema mode. But, I would like to here
from people who used the 16:9 mode. I guess, it streches
electronically. How is the quality?

How does it fare in low light conditions?

Thanks for sharing the information.
- Srinivasa

If you can still get hold of a 852, then go get it!

Zoom range is about 35mm to 350mm. (Note that most cams cannot go as wide as 35mm, the newer 3CCD Mx500 is about 40 to 43 mm at the widest angle).

Very good colours (can easily pass off as a 3CCD cam). Graininess is very well controlled even at +12 gain.

Good low lights performance (able to 'see' in 1 lux, but rather gray and grainy at this level, however most other cams go blind below 10 lux).

Filters are 43 mm but do take off the original hood, the threads are inside.

Stepping up to 52, 55 or 58 is wise, allows stacking and prevents vignetting when stacking. Also, 52 to 62 are 'normal' filters which cost less than 43mm 'odd' size.

I used the built-in mic, very good, captures very realistic live sound. I have not tried external mics.

Cinema mode is two black stripes over the top and bottom. fake.

Certainly the best 1CCD cam up to 2002, in my experience and opinion.