You won't be disappointed - bought my used from someone moving up to HD. Took it to Africa for a safari. Quality blows me away every time I look at the footage - recorded everything 16:9.

FWIW, I've shot XL1 and PDX10 footage side by side, and while the PDX10 footage might be a little sharper is isn't even in the same league as the XL1, 16:9 or not. Of course, you can't fit an XL1 in your pocket so I guess it all depends what you need it for. :)

Why not think about the Sony A1U?

If I was going to spend just a bit more...maybe up to $2000, what would you recommend? I just keep thinking if I am going to make a decent investment, I would rather it go straight towards something more high end...I don't want to buy something and not be happy or outgrow it rather quickly.

I have been looking at the Canon GL2, can anyone give me some good background on this camera? Whats good, whats not? It is an older model? I don't know much about it, but it looks like a good camera.

Would appreciate any input...

That's funny Chad, because your new "bit more" budget is actually double your "if justified" budget :)

Anyway, the GL2 is a very nice camcorder indeed. The only drawback to the GL2 for me is that it does not shoot native 16:9 (even the lowly $400 Optura does that now). This stems from the fact that its just a very old model now and came out when native 16:9 was pretty much unheard of in consumer cams. You know, if you can live with a 4:3 cam then you could actually look at XL1 or possibly even XL1s used in the 2 grand range. You'll definitely look like a pro to the average joe if you've got one of those.

Now, if you REALLY want to get into some hobby short film type stuff, you might want to up your budget even a "bit more" and look at a used Panasonic DVX100. You can use it on typical paying gigs like weddings and shoot 60i, then go for 24P when working on your hobby projects. Caveat, its also 4:3, but otherwise a really nice camcorder.

But wait, there's more! You could invest $2500 into a Sony A1U HDV cam (B&H price). It comes with a $500 rebate that puts you at 2K. You'll have very good manual controls, XLR mic inputs and a pretty good HD picture. This is a nice cam and probably the route I'd go if I had the money.

Of course you can go with its cheaper cousin, the HC1 for about $1350 at B&H. Still a very nice HD picture and solid manual controls. If I had $1500 and needed a cam right now, this is the one I'd get.


Hmm.. you know my honest opinion though, is still to recommend the Optura 50. At $400 its just so cheap that you can invest in other items like a quality tripod, a good mic or two and some lights. Then learn proper framing, lighting and technique with the Optura. Give it 6-12 months and there will undoubtedly be more and better HD cameras to choose from. At that point, start shopping around again if you're still serious about video. Best part is, you'll be able to put all your funds into the cam at that point, because your accessories (tripod, mics, etc..) will move right on over to the new cam. And you still have your little Optura as a backup or B cam. Heck, use it on your short film products as audio aquisition.

End of rambling.

www.philipwilliams.com

Chad,

I hope you're checking out the comprehensive reviews at http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ Check out the GS500 and compare. It's a little more expensive, but it's 3CCD and has one of the best imaging systems ever in a consumer camcorder. Lacks a mic in jack, though.

Josh

I got a TRV50 off ebay for $250!!! Perfect working condition. (Worth $1000+)

I only needed it for the flip-out LCD to replace the faulty one on my PDX10. (Buying a replacement LCD was going to be about $400!)

So, sometimes, it pays to keep an eye on ebay auctions.

Just a thought....

Thanks again for the recommendations and keeping me on track. I can sometimes get all wrapped up in things and end up spending way too much :)

I decided I am going to go ahead and get the Optura 50 from B&H. I would actually like to film a project this weekend, so I need to order ASAP to get it here, but...if someone could recommend the following I would greatly appreciate it.

I would like to get:

- Shotgun/Boom Mic (very important)
- Tripod w/ Controls (if they make one)
- Light Meter (if necessary)
- Second battery (how in the brand 'Impact' that B&H sells?)
- Wide Angle Lens (how is the Canon one?)
- Lighting (whats a good cheap light I can use...1 or 2)?
- Anything else you think I may need (I figure a cleaning kit, case, UV filter, etc)

Please respond ASAP as I am waiting to order...thanks everyone! Especially Philip...lol...

For a nice starter mic...I like the Audio Technica ATR55 at $50.

Tripod, something solid and fluid head that gives you nice resistance and has some meat to it. This is a good place to spend a little of your budget.

If you get a cam with zebras, you can normally forgo this expense.

I've had excellent success with my battery I got from http://www.ebatts.com

I've got a Sony Screw-on wide angle for my little JVC GR820 that works like a champ.

GE Softwhite Flourescent (GE has good quality control, so the temps of the bulbs will be the same) screw in bulbs and ACDelco clamp lights (this brand has clamps that won't fall apart) will run you $15-$20 per fixture. You can get cheap light stands on ebay.

We just finished a 48 hour film last weekend and used a piece of foamcore spray painted shiny silver more than any other piece of lighting gear just about. We used it to bring light from one side of a stage to the other. We had PA's hold it, but you could as easily clamp them with spring clamps from home depot as well.

I like a UV filter and Polarizer. And a lens cleaner.

Cole,

Thank you for the recommendations...a few quick questions:

1) Do you know of a good tripod that has controls on it that can interface with the Optura 50?

2) What do you mean when you say "if you get a cam with zebras"? What are zebras? Does the Optura 50 have them/it?

I think generally, you would get a tripod and then add a controller to it like a varizoom or something. The thing on the camera to look for would be LANC in the spec sheets. That is the protocol the controllers use.

Zebras are a visual overlay in the view finder that show you areas that are over-exposed. It allows you to see what areas are more brightly lit than others and what's going to tape exposure wise...I find it faster than using a lightmeter, but less precise. I don't know whether the optura has them or not. You can find lightmeters on ebay if it doesn't. Or check your local photgraphy places or B&H Photo online.

Camera selection predicament
 

Hi everyone, I am about to buy 5 models of either the Sony DSR-450 or the Panasonic AJ-SDC615VF15CM. I need something thats 2/3" CCD, shoulder mounted obviously, and that can do 16:9... Which model should I go for, the Sony or the Panny, I couldnt' find any strenghts of weaknesses, except the fact that the Sony does 800lines of resolution at 16:9 mode. Please give me some advice... Thanks

heres the panny: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

and heres the sony:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

any comments welcome!!

First Camera Purchase Questions
 

I hope you don't mind a question from an innocent bystander! My husband is the film person out of the two of us and we are preparing to purchase his first camera/equipment. I have been following this board as well as dvxuser.com to get an idea of what the best options are in our price range and watching used equipment. We found a deal that we are interested in, but I could really use some feedback.

DVX100A - 8 hours w/3 years left on MACK warranty
Manfrotto 351MVC Tripod (I can't find much feedback on this one)
503 Fluid Head
Tiffen 72mm UV Protector Filter
Audio-Technica AT825 Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica Camera Shoe Mount Adapter and Low-Profile Universal Shock Mount
XLR cable
Extra Panasonic Mini DV's
Kata R-103 Rucksack
Extra battery

The owner was planning to freelance, but it didn't happen. All of the equipment was purchased at B&H last June. The asking price for the entire package is $3600.

Please give me some feedback on both the equipment and the price. Is there anything missing that we would need to buy right away? Are there any questions I should be asking?

Thanks!

Any thoughts on this equipment? Is the price too high? About right?

Have you used any of the equipment? I've read a lot about the 503 head, but I haven't seen anything on the tripod.

I think it's a very good price.
The camera is still a popular camera, you have 3 years of warranty, which is a great bonus, and a good tripod head.
Extra battery always comes in handy.
And you already have a little audio package.

Best regards,

I'm a big fan of taking a look at what you need not only now, but in the future. In 7 years, I've owned two cameras, a DV and an HDV. (Incidently, I've owned probably 3 or 4 edit systems.)

Think of the future, as we move into HD, before making your decision. Plus, can the camera do what you need it to, or perhaps do it in post? Can you pay off the camera in 2-3 years or earlier?

Those are my tips.

heath

Thanks for the replies.

We wanted a camera that could do 24p and HD is currently out of our budget. I wanted to buy equipment that might outlast the camera - the fluid head, the tripod, the mic (and later the lights). Does it look like this package would accomplish that?

We will be buying all of this with no financing, so there is nothing to pay off as time goes on. For post, we bought a very nice g5 mac last fall and have Final Cut Studio installed.

Well, here are some good choices:

Overall "budget" HD, but no 24p (you can use www.nattress.com filters or a workflow with 50i to 24p): the Sony HVR-Z1u.

24p HD:

1. JVC HD100 and maybe even the 200.

2. Canon XL H1 (very similar look to the Z1, IMO).

3. Panasonic HVX200.

heath

Thanks Heath. I have looked at all the HD cameras and they will put us over our budget. That's one reason we are buying used, so that we can buy more than just the camera. The $3600 is at the top end of what we can afford - we're actually spending more than we planned on, but if it is a good deal then it is worth it to us.

Hopefully, we will be able to move to HD in a few years, but for now the only cameras we are really looking at are the XL2 and the DVX100A/B.

For about $3600 (incl. batteries, etc.), you can buy a Sony FX1. That's HD.

heath

24p is one of the requirements for this camera which is why we haven't looked at the Sony. Are you saying that we would be better to go HD and use the software solution to 24p instead of buying a camera that records in 24p?

Hi Gretchen, price for package seems right, about 65% of cost if bought new, so it's a fair deal. I tend to hate buying someone else's package because I have my own preferences, but you can always sell bits off if you find you don't like them, though you'll use that tripod and head for years.

I can understand everyone's hesitation, though, you'll be keeping the DVX until it no longer works because it may be a harder sell later in the face of consumer-friendly HDV cameras coming onto the market. Great camera, but at this point in the game I would be buying the Sony A1U ($2700 at B&H) if cost were a limiting factor.

Either way you're off to a good start with equipment. Let us know how it works out.

(Oops, just noticed the 24p requirement. If you have to have it, you have to have it!)

I'd prefer shooting in 24p HD, but if the choice was between 24p SD (and the DVX100 is a wonderful camera, don't get me wrong) and 60i HD, I'd go with HD and software (www.nattress.com or www.dvfilm.com/maker).

heath

The package seems very good and will make great movies! Now you just need a script and some people to work with and have fun!

Mike

One more thing...24p is only part of the film look equation. There's also lighting and depth of field. Check out our page on film looks:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=34

heath

I spoke with the seller this morning and was able to get the price dropped by another $200 so I agreed! I'm excited for my husband and for me! We've been planning this purchase for about a year and I'm ready to move into the next stage.

We aren't worried about reselling later - we are considering this to be a sunk cost. It is a first camera - we will focus on future-proofing for the next camera. I know that there is a lot more to the film look than 24p, but this is something he felt strongly about - and we can work on the rest. Next up, purchasing lighting as described in the low budget lighting article on this site!

I'm more of a techie, so I'm sure I'll keep posting and researching various methods of creating the best look. I'll update after we pick up the equipment.

Good luck with the camera (DVX, right?).

heath

Congrats! Now go shoot something! Seriously, you will probably end up using it for years, and keeping it for a second camera, a must.

Mike

inexpensive camera for POV
 

hey guys !
what is a the most inexpensive DV camera that you are using with an audio/video in that will record with an external bullet style camera. Using it for moto X and snow sports mounted to the top of a helmet. Using a GL2 but that is WAY too big to carry around in a backpack. my older JVC 9800 has external inputs but it recently took a dump on me. Any help appreciated!

Sanyo's little HD1 looks like a decent cam for this kind of operation...and at $700, it's not a terrible loss in comparison if something happens to it. it's HD sith some obvious noise on contrast lines, but good color and decent picture. There's a thread around with a bunch of footage from it.

<edit>fixed model number</edit>

A new newbie wondering what camera to get!
 

Hello,

I just joined and I'm looking for advice.
I would like to get serious about being in the film industry, but in order to get to the pro 35mm, I have to start with what I can afford... :( I currently have an analog Samsung Hi8 SCL901, that I am trying to sell (its my first camcorder and it's still like new). Once I sell that I plan on getting a Digital Video camera with a budget of $400. I would like to know what would be the best thing to get with the budget I have. Please suggest what you think would be best for me. I want a bit of manual control such as; focus, white balance, and shutter-speed (oh and a mic port would be good too, but not as necessary as the other stuff).
I was looking at the Panasonic PV-GS39. It has almost every thing I want, but is it a good enough camera? I don't know. If you have tried this camera please tell me what you thought about it. Thanks!

~ Amateur in the making, Gabriel.

Holocaust project... Which camcorder?
 

This summer I'm going to be interviewing my grandmother on film discussing her holocaust experiences. This is intended to become a family heirloom for many generations, so I need SUPERB video and audio, as well as miniDV, which I've heard records more and at higher quality than DVD camcorders. (However, I do not care about the still picture quality)
The camcorders I'm considering are
1. Canon DC40- 4.3 megapixels recording capacity, but reviews say only decent audio. Does that mean it's only decent when recording at a distance, but if I put a mic right next to my grandmother, the quality will be as good as any other camera?
2. PV GS500- 3 CCD, which I hear makes great video. I'm not sure about audio quality though.
3. Sony DVD505, which I think is out b/c of the DVD recording thing.
Can you guys advise on the proper camcorder for this project? These 3 are the only ones I have researched and none seems perfect. Are there any others in this price range (or a little higher) that would be preferable?
Thanks!
Danny..... by the way, which is preferable- the 3CCD or the 4.3 megapixel single CCD? Keep in mind we can always adjust the light in the room to match the camera's strongest performance.

eBay! and/or Craigslist.com

You can find some great deals for digital cams!

But don't expect too many manual controls for $400!


Good Luck!

and let us know what you end up with!

I've used a GS400, got pretty good quality from it, for that price. 3CCD gives you a beautiful color quality, although I've heard the canon optura's with their RGB filter give great color quality too. Pixel qount isn't that important for video.

Maybe a used Canon GM2 or used Panasonic DVC30 or something?

I will. And I have been looking. I have seen a 3ccd camera on craigslist for only $275! But it did not have ANY manual control.

BEST Interview Camcorder
 

Hey guys,
What's the best CONSUMER camcorder available that's perfect for interviews? I'm kind of new to the digital camcorder world, but I know I want 3ccd and a jack so that I can hook up a mic onto my subject for the best audio quality.
Any help? Thanks!

Whatever camera is paid off and working is my answer. Seriously. Unless you plan on doing spots for broadcast, it really won't matter as much as skill and experience. And accesories. You need the filters, mics, bounce cards, a back up audio recorder, backgrounds are a nice touch... The camera model is really kind of insignificant really.

If you can raise anywhere from $600-800, you could possibly get a Canon GL1 off of eBay. It's worth checking out. ;)

Welcome to the world of video and filmmaking!

With your budget of $400 it is going to be tough to find a camera that offers manual controls, mic and/or headphone jacks and good picture quality. $400 is the heart of the consumer price range and most manufacturers remove manual controls and mic inputs on the consumer cams.

If you purchase new, stick with one of the Panasonic, Canon and Sony consumer cams. These are good first cams for beginners. Look at the CCD size, bigger is better. Check what manual controls it offers and how easy they are to access. Sony puts a lot of the control onto touch screen LCDs which many users do not like.

Make sure you get a MiniDV camcorder. Not DVD or solid state. MiniDV is the way to go.

If you want to get a better camera you are going to have to go to the used market. Try to find one from a seller you can trust. Craigslist would be great because you can go check out the cam in person. If you do use eBay, check the seller's feedback. And ask every question you can think of.

Some of the older entry-level prosumer cams to look for used are: Sony TRV900, Sony TRV950, Panny DV953, Canon GL1. These are all 3CCD cams with manual controls and would be excellent choices.

You can also consider the Panny GS120, GS200, and some of the Canon Opturas. The Pannys are 3CCD, the Opturas are one CCD with RGB filter. They get very good reviews.