so you basically want an XH A1 or V1U...since that's exactly the camera you are describing. but think they're what? overpriced?

we're getting unprecedented feature sets at unprecedented prices. at the risk of repeating myself, we're getting unbelievable $1000 cameras that require a $3000 editing system and a $4000 TV upgrade to watch. oh, yeah and add in a $500 hi-def DVD player...most of us can afford more camera than we can actually afford to view.

i just don't get complaining about the prices of cameras these days. the options are outstanding. if you want value added, buy used from one of our reputable frequent sellers in the DVinfo classifieds. i've bought and sold some great, barely used cameras and gear here at excellent discounts. we're awash in an abundance of riches.

i think the current "it" camera as of right now is the HPX500. if i didn't have a RED reservation lined up, i'd be clutching one right now....oh, but then there's that XDCAM EX looming on the horizon. that's a category killer, for sure.

Thanks for your response. Didn't think I was really complaining, just wishful thinking out loud. No, I don't need all the manual controls and presets and options of an A1 or a V1u. I am not that patient to try and learn it all nor technically gifted enough to understand it all. Nor would I expect a camcorder manufacturer to produce an A1 or V1u type cam for $2000. What I am wishing for is something between the FX7 and the HV20, feature-wise and size-wise, with the fantastic PQ of the forementioned cams, with an XLR included.

To be honest, never gave a thought about purchasing nearly new, used, equipment. Perhaps it is my reluctance to get anything electronic used. Would make me nervous wondering if anything were wrong with the product and what would happen if there was. But thats' just me.

AS for the $4000 TV, my $1600 new Toshiba 42" plasma does just fine. Haven't gotten far enough in my thought process concerning my computer and editing software, not to mention the player. One thing at a time. Right now I am just concerned with capturing material now in HD, before it is gone, and archiving it for future development.

Mike

In HD before it's gone? It's not even completely here yet.

Then again, with the rate of obsolescence in our field, I wouldn't be surprised if they're making us all buy new TV's, cameras, computers, and optical disc players again in another six months for the arrival of UHD (or something).

It looks as if I wasn't clear. It is not that I wish to capture material before HD is gone, but rather capture material before the material is gone. Sorry for the confusion.

Mike

Sorry, Mike. That makes a lot more sense. :)

It's a good point Dylan but I think you have to realize that 98% of all people in the market for purchasing a camera can't go out and buy a wide aray of camera's suitable for all the various shots they want to take. When most go looking for a camera, the question isn't "I'm shooting X,Y,&Z, can you guys tell me the 3-4 camera's I should get to cover this?"

Typically speaking, people are asking the question "I have $X which camera should I buy" and then it becomes something of a debate as to which camera will fit the job *most* of the time.

But I hear your point and I'll go one more further by saying people take the camera way too seriously and should really be spending more time thinking about their shots, angles, actors, scene's, edit points, etc, etc...

Jon

Ah, truth is any of these cameras will do the job 90% of the time or more. Everyone spends way too much time worrying about what camera to get. Many of them fall into the trap of "I need this camera to..." The answer is usualy tied in with visions of grandeur and Academy Awards.

Most of the people here (probably including me, no wait... especially me!) would produce exactly the same results with a 10 year old Canon XL1, or an HV20, or a Varicam. We are gear junkies and pixel peepers by gender.

Oh, and the answer to "I have $x, which camera should I buy?" is...
Buy the cheapest camera you can get away with, and spend the rest of the money on stuff that will actually make a difference... like a tripod, mic, lights, filters, etc...

But if one camera had to cover more bases than anything, under $10k? The Canon XLH1 probably offers the most versitility in one camera. It does everything well. Some cameras do some things better, but other things poorly.
Of course the Canon XHA1 does 95% of what the XLH1 but for less than half the price. That kind of makes it "the camera to get" for a lot of people, unless you have one specific need that demands another tool.

From now on, I'm just going to take a girl with me to the camera store and get her to pick out whatever looks the sexiest. ;)

So what do you do if she picks out the guy behind the counter? You'll go home alone and without a camera. (hehe)

-gb-

On the other hand, it pretty much guarantees me a discount! In fact...
Wait, this might not be a response suitable to the general public... I'll tell ya later.

Don't want to be a party pooper........
 

But will someone, anyone, please put a dignified end to this thread............pretty please!

I have seen people arguing about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin, but this really takes the Oscar for a "go nowwhere conversation".

Just my PO, of course.

Cheers,


Chris

Oh come on, dignity?? Who needs THAT!

On the plus side if you take your girl and she runs off with the guy behind the camera counter, your camera budget just increased <wink>! And don't forget you've eliminated the competition for "edit time"....

Any cam will get a shot in the hands of someone that knows their camera - it may not be perfect, but it's the shooter, NOT the camera - to steal and mangle a cliche - "cameras don't shoot people..." oh never mind...

It's like the Beatles recording on a 4 track - did they "get it right"? Now we have unlimited tracks and mostly unlistenable crap... tell me where the technology "improved" the situation. Technology does NOT = TALENT.

The "camera to get" is the camera you can afford - if it's a second hand, once top of the line cam, now forlorn on Ebay for $100, then so be it, shoot with your heart until everyone including yourself decides you stink at video or you get more budget and more knowledge.

As you get more knowledge, and more budget, keep getting the best you can afford, learn how it works and how to work around any shortcomings (those are ALWAYS going to be present, sorry technology is never PERFECT...)

The "best" camera is the one you are comfortable with and have with you when "the shot" comes at you - it might even be one of those nasty little cell phone cams... but if you GOT THE SHOT, who cares if it isn't perfect? If your fancy "perfect" camera is in the equipment locker when the shot of a lifetime comes along...

Sure, if you have a specific use, and time to plan and research, you can probably optimize the technology to the purpose (hammers people... hammers), but it will never be the same for EVERYONE... and TALENT will beat technology EVERY TIME...

No doubt it's good to discuss what's out there, and it can help one decide where to blow their budget, but "best" is OPINION, cameras are just tools or toys, get what you can afford and enjoy playing/working!

OK, now for the vote... was THAT dignified enough??

DB>)

Excellent Post Dave B...

With all that said......... Just to try and answer with my opinion on the original question asked....

My recomendation for "the" overall best camera for the $$ and "the" one to get would be the Canon XH-A1. At about $3300 for reputable authorized dealers I just don't think there's really anything that this camera can't at least do competently and I think it's a "small" step above others in the price range.

If money were an object though and I had to pick "the" camera to get in the lower price range, I'd go with a Canon HV20. For $1000 you get a solid camera with HDMI output which is an interesting new technology for getting video into the PC.

It's not that I'm a huge Canon fan over the others because I own a Sony and like Panasonic & JVC as well. I just happen to think that right now, for the money spent, those are your best two bets in that mid-tier entry level semi professional world...

Jon

I'm starting to lose interest in the 24P, or I should say I'm less impressed by HV20's 24P mode... so I'm really curious about which camera in the $1500 price range will handle motion the best. We've all seen the "trails" and "blur" from consumer cameras and I was hoping to find the best one for movement and panning.

thanks.

The "best" for movement and panning would be the cam with the highest frame rate. Considering your price point that leaves you with 60i based cams. As far as blurring and trails go, that is strictly a result of shutter speed and nothing to do with "consumer" cam. If you want low motion blur, shoot with a high shutter speed.