The JVC is in a higher price class than the DVX100 (or the XL2 for that matter). I've never actually used it, but larger sensors generally have better low light performace. You'll also need to consider the cost of a lens and tapes which will cost more than they would for a miniDV camera.
I've used both the DVX100 and the XL2 and I think they're both awesome cameras - the DVX100 for its compact size and excellent manual lens, and the XL2 for real 16:9 and unmatched telephoto reach. Pick the camera that suits your needs better, image quality between these 2 cameras is very similar. Like I mentioned, if the JVC is still an option, I think it would be better because of the larger sensors.

The thing with the JVC is, I found a used (it was used as a presentation model) camera for a pretty decent price, and it comes with a 14x lens. And yeah, the 1/2" sensors really appealed to me. Also, about the tapes, this particular model accepts both standard DV and miniDV. And, I was looking at some of the tech specs, it looks like the JVC offers 800 lines of horizontal resolution compared to the 500 lines that the DVX offers. It just seems that the JVC model is in an entirely different league than the DVX. All the reviews I've read on the DV5000 have been entirely positive.

-Matt

To the best of my knowledge, the DV5000 is basically in the next league up from a DVX100. You wouldn't get progressive shooting, image stabilization or auto focus from the JVC, but you should get a higher quality image (1/2" CCDs, options for much better lenses, and probably quite a few more manual control options for image acquisition).

I thought the JVC does shoot progressive?

I'm using one currently at my university and we have to edit and export using progressive settings.

Correct me if I'm wrong? But other than that, the JVC's are nice, a little heavy after a while but overall good image. You can see some of the video of it at www.aggieblvd.net/videos/TheParty.wmv

All shot with the JVC (and compressed).

The DV5000 is a real straight forward, high quality, SD 4:3 60i camera. The HD100 shoots progressive (HDV).

what camcorder do you advise me to buy.....
 

i am looking for a cam under $2000 that is both great for shooting a movie, and also great for shooting at night. The AG-DVX-100 and the Sony VX2000/2100 arwe the ones im considering...

Backpacking Europe. $4000-6000 CAD for camera. What to get?
 

Hello Everyone, Thanks in advance for your advice on this subject.

I'm leaving for London on April 24 for a 4 month backpacking trip around Europe. When I get back I hope that I'll be accepted into the Film and TV - Broadcast program at BCIT in Vancouver, BC.

I'm basically at a loss of what video camera I should get. When I was going to purchase a prosumer DV camera a couple years ago there weren't as many models out there and things seem much more complex now!

I've been looking at the Sony HDR-FX1 for the fact that it's HD, but I haven't been keeping up with other HDV models so maybe there's something better? I have a 27" WS LCD so I've learned the joys of HD content.

But then there's the option of buying an SD camera that does good WS footage... Like a Panasonic dvx100?

Or I just buy some $400-1000 consumer DV camera and use that and save the money for a better HDV camera down the road when I'm at school.

Like I said, I don't really know what to get and time is running out to get the camera into my hands! I really like the idea of shooting my travels in HD, but if the quality is bad( for the cameras in budget range ) I guess I could settle for something else and save some money. I live in a remote community right now so there really isn't an option to play with any video cameras in the $1500-6000 range....

Thanks again for your help!
-Paul Alberts

Hey Paul, good to see another B.C'er wanting to get into film production. My 2 cents would be for you to purchase a smaller consumer camera, something that u can easily carry around Europe, ESPECIALLY if you're backpacking.. you wouldn't want a bulky cam nor would u want something that's THAT expensive in your backpack, believe you me.

Whether HD or SD, if you have compelling enough footage from your backpacking travels, the format wouldn't matter.. sounds like a fun time so i reckon any small SD consumer cam would suffice.. maybe if you have the coin to spare, get one of those 3 CCD panasonic models- otherwise i'd save my $ and get the SOny HD or the Panny HD down the road.

Either way, have fun and looking forward to seeing yer footage.

Cheers

Paul,

If compact is what you want, and would like high def, check out Sony's new compact HD camcorder HDR-HC1. I saw it at Circuit City and was blown away by its form factor and size. Don't know much about its performance, but it's worth a look:

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...ycam_Camcorder

Kevin

Ditto what Kevin said about the HC1, or the more professional A1U. Most DV cameras can't shoot true widescreen video, and they obviously don't offer the opportunity to produce HD output. With HDV you can shoot one format and deliver your choice of HD, widescreen SD or 4x3 SD output, and have it look good in all of those outputs. Start with something like an HC1 and you can add an FX1 or better later to have a two-camera HD setup; buy a DV camera and you're stuck 50 years in the past.

Backpacking? Travel with a small light and inconspicuous camera that doesn't scream "STEAL ME!"
I'd go with the Sony HDV as well.

So I downloaded some video from a HC1 and it doesn't look to bad.

I priced it out and I should be able to get it for $1600-$1700 with tax, new. Which is decent, I think. I guess I will go with a HC1 unless anyone can argue with me not to get it ;)

You have a few more professional benefits with A1U. Though I have the FX1, the Prosumer version of the Sony Z1, in this case, I think you can pick up the A1U for a small difference. Therer was a $500 rebate on it that got you to $1999 at BH, but that may be gone

By the way, I may be lazy, but I think FX1 at about a foot long is a bit large to back pack around Europe. But that's just me.

Yeah I think the FX1 would be too big as well. I plan to have a day pack with my video camera and my digital rebel ( I think I'm going to bring it ) and a pocket PC. I also might take this future camera skydiving and the FX1 would be too big for that too.

I priced out the difference between the HC1 and the A1U and it's $700 CAD (that's with the $500 rebate). That's if I get it shipped to Seattle and a relative brings it over the border for me avoiding customs... Otherwise it would be even more with customs... So are the extra features worth that much?

If you are on a tight budget? No.
You planning on adding an external mic? Get an XLR to miniplug adapter for $20.
Otherwise, you are rocking. Not sure if you want a tripod at all (I wouldn't if I didn't have to)

I have the Z1 and you'd be amazed by how light it is. I think it weighs something like 4.4 lbs. If you do go with one of the Sony HDV cameras, the ability to shoot HDV/SD and downconvert is one feature you'll really come to appreciate down the road!

I went looking for a thread that covered differences. Here it is:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...hlight=A1U+HC1

I copied this out of post 10 on that thread:

For $500, you get:

XLR inputs on an amazing audio module (at least $250)
A pretty decent microphone ($200)
Better lens hood w/ auto lens cap ($70 for the A1's lens hood)
Traditional shoe adapter (priceless)
Black Stretch
DVCAM
Peaking
B/W EVF
Full scan mode
CinemaTones
CinemaFrames
Excellent timecoding
and much, much more...

There are over 40 features that the A1 has over the HC1, making $500 a small price to pay.

However, it all depends on your needs. What do you need the camcorder for? If all you're doing is family videos, save the money and buy some accessories. If you plan on doing some indie-filmmaking, I would definetly go for the A1 as XLR will be essential

Thanks for digging up that post for me, and all the other input guys.

My friend that would be able to get the camera at cost + 10% is unable to now, so that makes the price difference a little less. So I think I just may go with the A1U seeing as I can justify spending the extra money now other than kicking myself in 6 months because I didn't get the extra features.

Now hopefully I have some relatives that are going to cross the border in the next month and then I'm set!

Now I need to figure out what batteries to get.

The HC-1 is pretty nice. I believe Douglas had mentioned something about a hack that will turn a HC-1 into a A1, features wise, not hardware.

And no, he did not give out specifics on where the link is. Do a google search is all I can say. Supposedly someone in Finland and Germany have done it.

Now, I just need to find a hack for the fx-1 to a z1.

If you are traveling, I say worry more about getting a larger battery for your camcorder, you'll never know when you'll need to record and the battery is low. Also, a power converter for your camcorder and other electrical equipments.

You'll also want a bag for the camcorder that is waterproof if you'll be backpacking throughout Europe.

Good luck, and have fun recording your trip. Check out stevengotz.com for some ideas on travel and hdv filming. His site also list some sites you can make money on HDV stock footage. You might as well make some money on your trip.

Another trip site is the intrepidberkeleyexplorer.com. Get some ideas on how to shot your travel for fun.

Thanks for the links John, I'll check them out!

best camcorder for indoor sports, aka FX1 vs PD170 part 17
 

My wife and I have started a weekend hobby business filming dog agility - basically people and their dogs running around an obstacle course. Speeds are comparable to filming a soccer game, and I have to pan to track the action, so using a faster shutter speed is desirable. In our area about half the events are held indoors, typically at indoor soccer fields, horse arenas, or expo centers. So the lighting isn't great, think of a high-school gymnasium and you get the idea (I’m guessing 60 lux). Of course, I also want a camcorder that can handle the same job outdoors. To make the scenario even more taxing, I'm typically filming 300-400 one minute clips a day, and need a fast cycle time between stop and start (1 second or less at times).

I've been using a Panasonic GS250 to start (we had no idea what the typical weekend gross would be, so I had to stay cheap), but the GS250 doesn't cut it indoors. Its also already in the shop, at 4 months old and about 25 hours on the heads. Indoors I'm typically running the GS250 (rated at 12 lux) wide open, 1/60th shutter, gain at +12 to +15 dB, which gathers enough light but is still a murky image.

So what's the best camera for the job? I'm fairly narrowed down to the Sony PD170 vs. FX1, and keep agonizing over the low light vs. resolution issue. I've read all the threads comparing these two cameras, but haven't seen any discussion on filming indoor action shots. I don't see myself going HD for another 2-3 years at least, but I've read the FX1 gives a higher res image even in SD mode (I'm using another camera to import, so I would stick with recording in SD). I would like to go tapeless in a year, to reduce wear and tear, so performance with a Firestore or Citidisk is important.

So here are my questions:
1) What's my better bet for a good picture, inside? The FX1 looks to be 2 stops more sensitive than the GS250, so inside maybe I could go to 1/100th and +9 dB (still wide open). The PD170, at another 1.5 stops more sensitive, would potentially let me go to 1/200th and +6 dB (or close the aperture a stop, but that’s just dreaming). So what’s better for action shots, the faster shutter speed or overall resolution? Will either camcorder get rid of the murky colors inside?

2) I assume the FX1 will give a phenomenal picture outside. What about the PD170 – everyone talks about it in low light, but what about when light isn’t an issue?

3) Any thoughts about reliability of the two cameras, especially with all the starting and stopping? Will the camera last longer if I run one continuous shoot and break the clips up while importing?

4) Anyone know of a store in the Baltimore/DC area where I can try these cameras?

And some specific questions about the FX1:
1) will the FX1 run a Firestore tapeless with the on-camera record button?

2) I’ve seen reference to a 1/2 second or 2 second delay between the action and the Firewire-out signal (at least in HD). Is this true, and does it create complications with using a Firestore? It would be horrible if I had to break for at least 2 seconds before starting the next clip.

3) I’ve read of Z1U’s (and presumably FX1’s) sometimes taking as much as 5 seconds to cycle between record stop and start. Has this bug been fixed?

4) There’s a cryptic reference to the FX1 having problems in bright light on camcorderinfo.com’s review of the Sony HC1. Anyone have any problems in full sunlight?

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the length. The community on dvinfo.net is fantastic, and I’m looking forward to your thoughts on this issue.

-Terence

The FX1 is clearly a better camera, unfortunately this doesn't help make your decision. Indoor sporting events are really going to be unforgiving on a camera if it doesn't have great light sensitivity. The FX1 isn't bad, but you won't be able to use a moderately-fast shutter with minimal gain like you could with the PD170. I have used both, and I would say that the PD170 is a full 2 stops different than the FX1. If this content will never be delivered on HD, the PD170 will do a better job for now. If you were shooting outdoor sports or independant movies where you control the light, I would tell you to get the FX1 with no hesitation. Events with minimal light not in your control are the realm of the PD170.

If they had put 1/2" CCDs in the FX1/Z1 to give it equivalent light sensitivity as the PD170, the cameras would be worth twice the price. Unfortunately, some situations require the best light sensitivity possible. Don't forget that if you zoom tight to your subject, you are reducing the light gathered by the lens since the f-stop numbers increase automatically.

The FX1 (belonging to a friend) that I used went dead and needed a new mainboard. I haven't heard much about PD/VX cameras going bad when fairly new like some FX1 stories. I think the drums always turn when the camera is on, so reliability probably won't change with stops and starts. Shutting off the camera and probably removing the tape to shoot without recording will reduce drum hours.

I don't think there is a bright light problem with the FX1. There are ND filters built into the camera that can be used in bright sun.

Outside, the PD170 looks like a decent video camera. The FX1 also looks like video, but the increased resolution in HD looks nice. It may also have a slightly better exposure range. It seems easier to keep detail both in the highlights and shadows simultaneously.

The FX1 is a superior camera largely because of better secondary features like the focus and exposure control. The flip-out monitor is also better and in a more useful location.

Thanks Marcus. Overall I guess its impressive that the FX1 is as sensitive as it is given the price. There probably isn't much they can do to improve the sensitivity of the CCDs at this point (there are methods used to improve quantum effiicency in scientific cameras, but they all require vacuums, cooling, and more power than is practical in a portable camera). So getting the sensitivity of the PD170 would require a 0.58" chip (3x the area), along with a bigger lens, which isn't going to happen at this price point. So we have to accept the compromises.

Does anyone know how widespread the FX1/Z1U motherboard failure problem is? I've read about the potential links to power spikes, and advice to only run off the battery, but I'd like to be able to plug in at times. Has there been any signs that Sony has fixed this problem in new units?

-Terence

Perhaps another option...
 

Even though you are looking in the sub $3000 category, I HIGHLY recommend the JVC 500/5000 (or 550) cameras.

1. The BEST low light performance I've seen since...tubes... in a sub $10,000 camera.

2. If you want Firestore, the JVC's (500 and 5000, cant on a 550, ) has an option to mount (pretty much permanantly) a modified FS-3.

You might be able to find a used 500, and pay a JVC servicer to mount the Firestore, probably not exceeding $7000, with the Fuji 14:1 lens. It isnt the best lens, but does the job. Later on, you can upgrade the lens.

It'll cost more, but an almost true professional camera, XLR, excellent low light, better lens than any handycam, and shoulder-stability.

But if you are cut down between the FX1 and 170, go with the FX. You have HD capability, and might pick up a few clients with it. Not too many people I know want anything on the 170 anymore...

I love the FX1, but for the purpose you described a PD170 or VX2100 might be a better choice for now. The best reason to get an FX1 would be if you want to try to offer prints from video, which works a lot better than from any SD video camera. Can you rent or borrow an FX1 to see if it would work for your purposes before making a buying decision?

think of it as a death sentence for the tape drive... been there done that.

the drag racing and surfing that i shoot typically requires long pauses between shots, and/or a bunch of those really short shots back to back.

i would get a good used camera, but do the video recording with an fs-4 in tapeless mode... put your money into the fs-4, instead of wearing out the tape drive of a brand new camera... so you'd be getting in as cheaply as possible, then run that setup for a year or two, before thinking about stepping up to an hd format... by then the technology will be more mature, and the pricing will have dropped as well.

i assume that you are doing it to sell dvd's? have you considered re-purposing it for internet use at the same time? if you have some 'net skills, there is money to be made with advertising dog-related products, and you'll never need an hd camera to do it... how are you as a webmaster?

Best camera for around $2600
 

I've been thinking of buying the Canon XM2 .. I would just like to know if there are any other serious contenders at this price point?

A bit more and you have a Sony FX1, with true 16:9 CCD's, superb 16:9 LCD screen, better manual control, High Def option, etc. etc. Worthwhile the bit extra dough..

If you're anticipating any low light situations, with a little effort you can find a Sony PD170 for about that price. Great all around camera.
Got one off EBay a couple of months ago for 2300 that had hardly been used.

And a new VX 2100 may come in under that prices somewhere. But if you bump up about $ 400, you can get FX1 with superior imaging for about $3k at BH. Beware of lower price internet retailers... I've heard horror stories. PD or VX gets you superior lowlight performance, but FX1 gives you a lot more to work with in terms of picture quality in most situation.

Does anyone have any comments about the video cameras that record straight to DVD? Has anyone used one before that can tell me about the pros and cons???

Hi Tom,

although I actually think you should ask your question in a new thread, I'm going to try to answer your question shortly:

I think if you're serious about video, there is no reason to go with a camera that records straight to dvd.
It's designed for people who make birthday videos and can instantly watch it with their dvd player.
But the cameras themselves aren't that good (there are no real prosumer cams who film on dvd) and it's much more a pain to edit then straight minidv.
So: mostly cons, only pro's if you are uncle Joe filming a birthday or something - with all respect.
Best regards,

Camera Help
 

I'm looking for a smaller (handheld) MiniDV camera $1,000 or less that has the following:
S-Video In/Out
A/V In/Out
Headphone Jack
Good in Low-Light

I've read a few reviews that have led me to the Sony DCR-PC350 and the Panasonic PV-GS400. Any other recommendations?

I can only tell you that the GS400 is discontinued, so if you want one - and many people want one, because the new version, the gs500 seems to be not as good as the gs400 - you'll have to buy one second hand from someone from these boards or on ebay or something.

Best regards,

Camera help
 

We used the 350 with a wide angle lens for close up hand held shots of faces of African children in a doc a year ago. Mostly shot with XL1s, after post (FGP 4) we had wonderful results.

Rand

BEST camera under $1500??
 

Hi, I was wondering what the BEST camera under $1500 was??
My best buy has 2 HDR-HC1's left, because they've been discontinued, and i'm still confused on what to get.
NO, I cannot stretch the budget.
I would LIKE for the camera to be BIG, not nothing like palm camcorders, I want to look professional.
I will make videos to post on the internet, and make home movies also.
I want also, nice manual capabilities, WITH a headphone and microphone jack.

Thanks!

First post here!

if your just doing it for the net and urself, why does it have to look professional?

GS400 is small but great and very cheap

Hi Mel,

welcome to the boards.
There are many cameras to choose from, but in your budget, they are almost all small. But that shouldn't really matter, it's what they are capable of.
Also, define 'small'?

A GL2, even a HVX200 looks like a (bigger) palmcorder to me.
Only XL models and the HD-100 from JVC look like 'bigger' camcorders.

A GS400 is a good camcorder for it's price, but it looks a bit like a palmcorder, and it's discontinued, but you could look for a used one.
You can look maybe for used models, like a VX2100, GL1,...
Unless HD is really important to you.
I think you should primarly tell us what you are planning to do with the camera.

Welcome to DVinfo Mel. This recent thread might interest you: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=65237

I don't have any experience with it, but the DVC7 which Derrick chose is a larger camera that might look "professional" and it's in your price range:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search