Originally Posted by Les Hamilton (Post 1002643)

Really? How did what I post in any way imply that? I thought I stated straight out that I already had two years of 100 percent committment and sacrifice to this project. How does that translate to just grabbing a camera and start shooting? I've been working on my script for those two years and doing my research on the best possible camera for the price. I've made short films and I'm ready for something more. I'm not some 17 year old that just decided at random to make a movie. Just because I asked a simple question about cameras doesn't mean I don't know what i'm doing.

The only reason I even asked this question here is because during my research I came across the JVC GR-HD1U. It's one I had never heard of before but it's a pro looking camera that sells for under $1000 on Ebay. I thought there might be some other unknown low cost gems out there that people here might be able to direct me to. Money is EVERYTHING on this movie. I have none to spare. I need the best camera for the best price. Same as I need to save money on other things like good sound equipment and all other equipment but those are not the question at hand.

I thank the people who stayed on topic and answered my question straight out. But these other tangents are not welcome. You may think you're being helpful but you're not. It's just as annoying to me to have it implied that I don't know what I'm doing or getting into as it would be for you to hear the same thing.

Originally Posted by Les Hamilton (Post 1002266)

Here's the situation. This up coming summer I'm taking a shot at making a feature length micro budget movie.(A few thousand dollars) I've looked at a ton of sample footage and as for the money the canon HV30 or maybe the upcoming HV40 would be my choice for a camera. Footage from other cameras, even those costing up to two or three times as much, just don't look all that much better. I'm on a limited budget so the lower price of the Hv30 along with it's picture quality would normally make it my choice without a doubt.

Here's the problem. I'll need to strongly promote my movie as a "real film" to get people involved locally. But the HV30 is a consumer level camera and looks it. People will be disappointed, maybe even laugh at me, if I show up with with that tiny camera for my "real film" I've thought of putting a few extra bells and whistles on it but that's not going to do it either.

So my question is this. Does anyone know of lower cost professional looking camera that might meet my needs? I'm willing to go used. Maybe a lesser known camera that's slipped under the radar? I've looked at more well known cameras like the hdr-fx7 and it's not all that impressive at $2000. I need something lower cost that looks pro and produces a good image- if that actually exists.

The movie will take place entirely outdoors in bright sunlight. The film is full of action and I'll be moving the camera a lot. Running with it, dolly shots, crane shots, etc..

My max budget for equipment is about $2000.(I need most of the money I have for the film itself) That's for the camera, sound equipment, and material to build my own dolly, crane, etc... And I can't "just save more for such and such camera'" which is common advice I've seen. I've already been saving for 2 years. I eat the worst cheap crappy food, I never go out, I cut my own hair, and I've started giving plasma for the extra money. You name it I'm doing it in the name of saving money for my film. I want to end up with something good enough for film festivals and it will have some life on DVD.

And renting and borrowing are not options. So, any ideas?