I think you need to be much more specific about what your needs and requirements are. If you had asked the same question about a car we could recommend a Landrover, an E type Jaguar or a Lincoln Continental.

So - are you after new or used, good low light performance, compactness, CMOS or 3 CCD, XLR capability,16:9, HiDef?

Are you planning a vacation or planning on shooting a wedding?

tom.

I need help purchasing a camera
 

Well, I'm looking to start shooting some short films. I have a Panasonic PV-GS120, although it may be the model below the 120. I've had it for about 2 years and was looking to upgrade. I'm only 19 so I don't have much money. I can scrape up about 1200 dollars. I was going to get the HD1 used. I don't care much about low light performance because I want to start lighting my shorts. I don't care about size. I know the HD1 is only 1 ccd and I wasn't sure if the picture quality was better or worse than a used dv camcorder such as the GL1 or XL1. I have a RODE video mic with a 1/8 jack so I'm not looking for XLR capability yet. I do want to shoot 16:9 and as for hidef I'm just looking for what will look better for filming shorts. I may also get a Letus35 in a few months if that affects any suggestions.

That's better. The 16:9 requirement is the clincher and really rules out a lot of pretty good 4:3 three chip cameras such as the GL, XL, VX2k, DVX and so on. They will all do 16:9 of sorts, but they were designed as 4:3 and that's what they do best.

I'd suggest a good one to aim at might well be the Sony PDX10. Not sure if you're talking Singapore, NZ, Canadian or US dollars, but the PDX10 does 16:9 very well indeed. It's a three chip, pretty compact, XLR in, big side-screen camcorder that is SD, top loading and not much good in poor light.

Panasonic also do a modern line in 16:9 cameras that are amazingly good value. Of course they're up against the Sony HC1, which - right out of the box, does HDV, 16:9 and a lot more besides.

I'd hold fire on the Letus and stretch yourself into a really good camera to start with. At 19 there's a whole lot to learn, and you don't want to under-buy and curse every time you fire the machine up.

tom.

hd1
 

Does the HD1 Not shoot 16:9? I am speaking in USD. I don't have enough money for any other hidef camcorders. How does the HD1 preform compared to the PDX10?

Tom....how much do you really lose using a DVX in 16:9?

I'm in a similar position as Charles...(although I'm 50, not 19 hahaha)
I also have a Pany Consumer 3CCD and want to add a second, better camera.
I also have a limited budget...max of $1500....
A used DVX100 is top of my list right now, but everything I do is 16:9.

Bob T.

How much do you lose shooting the DVX in 16:9 Bob? Quite a lot really, which is why Panasonic have a 1.33:1 anamorphic in their accessory list. But before you rush out and spend lots on this lens (and suffer the distorted v'finder image and aberations at each end of the zoom), do try the DVX in its electronic 16:9 mode and see what you think.

Remember the DVX and VX/PD and XL and GL were all designed as 4:3 cameras. Good ones all of them, but they come with 4:3 chips, and if you start using only 3/4 of that chip to extract 16:9, something has to give, and does.

Which partly explains the second-hand prices. As 16:9 chipped camcorders come tumbling out of the manufacturers' doors, 4:3 cameras are worth less every week.

Charles - a word from my experience. I've never had much joy with JVC kit and nor have a lot of my colleagues. In fact I feel rather sorry for the firm, because the latest Hi-Def (720p) machine with interchangeable lenses looks to be a goodie. It's just that Canon and Sony are reaping the benefit of making super-reliable kit in the past, and JVC gets bypassed all too often.

tom.

Which camera and software?
 

Currently I photograph sports events(junior high and high school. I use a Canon Mark D 1II, which takes stills at 8 FPS which I sell to parents grandparents, etc.
I use Photoshop CS. However, I am thinking of trying video. Would need one that could do quality 4MP+ stills as well as video and do well with poor lighting that is often found at relatively primitive facilities. Further how much can be done with a capture of a single frame from a video?

I would recommend keeping your still and video camera seperate. No video camera will match your canon still camera in quality especially enlarged. Many video cameras can also tale stills but not at the quality of your Mark D.

As far as taking a still from video, again you are better off with the Mark D.
If your using a DV camera the resolution will only be at 72 Dpi.

Hope this helps.

If you have $17,000 you can get the Red 4K camera. You should have some aqequate stills from that. :O)

But all kidding aside, you're not going to find a DV camera that takes good stills, especially in low light, just like you wouldn't find a digital still camera that takes good video.

I don't expect it to do as well as the Canon and would continue to use the Canon, but I saw a Sanyo that advertises 8MP stills. Possibly something like this could augment my business and get videos also? Yeah 72dpi would be hard to work with.

Best camera for 1k?
 

My son's fourth grade elementary class wants to do a documentary of themselves. Each day one kid plans on taking home the camera and filming their life. We would like to submit the results to a film festival. I have a Canon zr700 but I wouldn't mind a little better image quality. Some of these kids live pretty rough lives and there's a good chance we won't see the camera again so I'd like to keep it around a thousand. Any suggestions?

You probably don't need to spend anywhere near a grand. I'd suggest looking at used cameras. The older Canon Opturas come to mind (Optura 10 or 20 perhaps).

You could also get a used Panasonic DVC7, in good condition, for well under a grand. It's a fairly simple to operate camera, and the kids would feel like they were using "pro" equipment.

Also look at Panasonic 3 chip cameras. GS400, 500, 320, 150, etc.

Panasonic also has a shoulder pro looking camera: AG DVC7

Check it out here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Another alternative would be a Sony TRV70. The quality is pretty close to what you get from a GS400, but used prices are considerably lower. The downside to a TRV70, with kids, would be the potential for losing the stylus (tie it on a string to the camera!).

Video Camera Reviews
 

Hi Matt,

Rather than going for a quickie recommendation with each of our favorites, here's an excellent site with comprehensive reviews:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

This will not only highlight the advantages of each camera - it's hardly fair to say one is unilaterally better than another since each has strengths and weaknesses. The trick is to learn the major tradeoffs, consider your son's needs, and then find the best match at a fair price.

Happy hunting, Michael

Camera upgrade from Pana GS250s, but which one??
 

I love my little Panasonics, they take surprizingly nice video, but I'm ready to step it up a notch.

What I know:
I want to stick with DV, I'm not prepared to go HD for a couple of years.
I like working in 16:9 with the GS250s and I'd like to continue with close or better picture quality.
Funds are flexible, but limited. $1200-$1800 would be nice, could possible go to $2400.
Used is OK.
24P would be nice, but not a show stopper.

I've searched and researched, read everything I could find, here and elsewhere and I'm still not sure what to do....

What I don't know:
Would I be happy with a GL2? They fall in my price range nicely.
A used VX2100?
Should I save and try to find a decent, used DVX100a or b?
Live with the GS250s until I can afford a XL H1? Could be a while.

What I'll use it for:
I don't currently do "movies", but I would like to try.
Mostly, I do drag racing video for on-line and DVD production, which I've had good luck selling to the racers.
I also have my first paying job this summer taping and production an official DVD for a race promoter, (if that matters).
And I'd like to try doing promotional DVDs for racers looking for sponsers.
(Plus the usual vacation/family stuff)

So any advice, tips, help?

I'm so confused,

Bob T.

Amatuer Film Maker needing advice on DV Camera purchase
 

Hello, folks! My name is Matt, and I've finally gotten fed up with having to rely on fairly unreliable individuals, or people who want too much control over a project, merely because I lack the proper recording equipment.

As such, I've been putting cash away over the course of a few months and am now looking to purchase my own DV Camera and recording equipment. I have a great editing computer with Adobe Premiere and After Effects. In researching and asking around, I've been suggested the Panasonic AG-DVX100A, but wanted a wider base of opinions... and a friend directed me here.

With a grand total of $3,000 to drop, I'm asking for advice on the best "bang for my buck" for a DV Camera and whatever essentials I would require to store the footage I shoot, and get the footage to my computer system for editing.

Also, in researching for a place to order my equipment, many seem to be scams or selling refurbished equipment (both untrustworthy and lacking the official warranty). What sites/companies would you suggest I order from?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

DVInfo recommends use of their sponsers, as they are tested an reliable.

Click "Sponsors" in the right corner. Also, one of the most extensive lines of equipment is found at B&H Photo. I use their site for a resource for what available out there.

As far as what camera to get, you are asking a loaded question. Everyone out here has a preference. You need to state what you are looking for more specifically, with :

1. What formats: DV, HDV, 24p, 25p, 60i, NTSC, PAL, ??

2. What is ultimate distribution: Web, film out, digital projection, etc., etc...

3. Do you have a brand peference....

Give people a better idea of where you want to go, and you will get a lot of help here :)

I own an XL1s and love it, Other's have a Panasonic DVX100a and love it. Both are quite good. I'd like to move to the XL2, but that costs more money. Depending what kind of Microphone equipment you have access to, you will need to consider the input mechanisms (DVX comes with XLR inputs, XL's come with 3.5mm jacks + line level RCA). You can get the MA100 or MA200 by canon as XLR inputs for the XL series as well.

If you're looking for HD, Canon, JVC, Sony and Panasonic all have units in your price range...not top end stuff certainly, but you'll be able to get a decent camera for that price.

There is tons of footage on this board to look at in the appropriate forums.

Find someone who has one locally for you and ask to try it out, or even just to see it to see how it feels and how the controls are laid out and if that fits what you are looking for.

Ahh, thanks for the clarification!

I would be looking at DV format, with a 24p option (NTSC).

Ultimately the work is to be presented via Digital Projection at festivals and the Internet.

I've been looking mainly at Panasonic and Canon cameras (The Canon XL2 specifically), but wanted to make sure I wasn't limiting myself with older models if anything better and newer was available within my price range.

Yet another "What camera to get" (sorry lol)
 

Hopefully this one is a bit different than the majority.

Heres my situation, I am looking for a high quality prosumer camera that will cost me no more than $1500 CDN. It will be used purely for skateboarding and snowboarding, so I want something that is going to be reliable and can take cold temperatures, some condensation, impacts (hopefully none).

My first though was "HV20" "HC-7" but I don't really want to get into HD right now... so I'm aiming for an SD camcorder.

Now, what I wanted to know, is how good is the SD coming from the hv20 going to be I'm guessing its not what I'm looking for. So I started considering older 3CCD models like GLs VXs DVCs etc, but I really fear the reliability of a used camera.

So basically I'm stuck here, between new or old, cmos or ccd, I'm not in a huge rush to buy anything im expecting to make my purchase late april.

I've talked to a lot of skateboard filmmakers and snowboard and they all are extremely biased, because they use what the "pros" use which is mainly Vx2x00s. Am I really taking a risk buying a 3+ year old camera?

So I ask, to a different group of filmmakers, for my money and situation, what is best?

Thanks guys.

Stick with SD for now.

"Master the tool. Then you can master the craft. It really doesn't matter what camera you own if you can't make adjustments with your eyes closed and still produce quality images". That was a statement made to me almost 40 years ago by Franz Berko, my first photo instructor. Do a search on his name. You will be blown away.

With todays menu driven cameras, whether still or video, making adjustments with one's eyes closed is a bit difficult, but the substance of the statement remains true. In any case, there is no camera that will meet 100% of your needs. Discovering the need for accessories and painfully making those purchases is part of the process.

I don't shoot the kind of activity you are interested in shooting, but I regularly walk by the skate park our community has built and often imagine how to get the "good shots" as skaters allow themselves to seemingly fall into the deep bowls and ride the steel edges of the concrete topography.

You need a lightweight camera with a very wide angle lens to allow you the flexibility to position yourself quickly and easily. The WA lens must allow you to fully use the zoom of the camera's built-in lens. Whatever SD camera you choose, make the purchase of a wide angle adapter absolutely mandatory!

I use Canon Cameras. The GL2 is among the lightest. Coming from a career of using 35mm still cameras and shoulder carried video cameras I feel the GL2 control buttons are all in the wrong places. However, once I reset my mind, the GL2 became very easy to use, and has produced for me some truly amazing shots from the oddest of angles. I've also used the SONY PD 170. It has amazing low light sensitivity. Camera controls are much more logically placed. A bit front heavy compared to the GL2, but easily managed.

Native color balance is quite different between the two. The Canon is inherently warmer, but RGB adjustment is a feature of both. The SONY built-in audio system tends to favor human speech range where the Canon system has a bolder low end.

I can't personally speak for Panasonic or JVC or other brands, but I have seen one of the Panasonic SD cameras on locaton. Very impressive.

Personally, I'd choose SD. HD has too many issues needing resolution and the test of time. Let the dust settle in that regard. I'm guessing you will be more than ready to upgrade in a couple of years. When the time comes, you will have a lot of experience to shape your next purchasing decision.

Low light cam to match XL2?
 

Hello everyone.
I need help choosing a new camera. I have a Canon XL2 and I shoot dragracing event videos. i am looking to add a new camera this year. But I need help choosing what to buy. I like the Canon but it does not do well in low light. I need somthing that will work well with poorly lit dragstrips. It can be HD or not it doesn't matter as long as it looks good at night.



Thanks in advance
Gene
www.prophotoproductions.com

A Sony PD170

Wow, thanks a lot for the insight Waldemar.

I've actually been considering the GL2 the most out of prosumer DVs. I'm still torn between the idea of new or used. The problem is to buy a new GL2 its going to run me almost $3,000, where a used one will is virtually half of that. I guess it usually depends on the owner and conditions, but I'm still skeptical about buying a used camera.

EDIT: Oh yeah I tried to find some info on Franz Berko with Google, didn't have much luck... could you help me out?

I'd go with the GL2. And BH has it for $2,300.

Any of the cameras discussed here could work (including the HC7), but if most people doing the same thing are using the VX2000 series then having one of those would make it easier to combine footage.

Yep, Sony PD170 is just about the best you can get for around $3K. Now if your budget is say $100K, that's another story...

Purchasing a used camera always has its risks. You can mitigate this by purchasing from a reputable dealer that offers a return policy.

Regarding Franz Berko. I did some searching this morning. "Franz" was a nickname. I went to high shool with one of his children and always knew him as Franz. His given first name was "Ferenc". A native Hungarian, he was a contemporary of Edward Weston and other well known contemporaty photographers of the 1930's. He is best known for work done in France, India, and Aspen, Colorado. I found quite a lot of historical references to his name and collections, but few images on line.

Honestly (and this might be controversial) but I think the DVX is your best bet if your looking to invest in a good SD cam. GL2 is great has the longer zoom, but compared to the DVX I think the panny will leave you happier in the long run. GL2 is stuck in 60i too while DVX can give you the 24p. Idk I think its the smarter choice if your in the market for a decent SD cam. The prices on them right now are also great after the rebate. Just my 2cents.

You can find a good DVX100a for the price of the Gl2 im sure. I suggest you look.

- Kyle

$1500 CDN is looking more like Panasonic GS line, in SD, or the newer low end CMOS HDVs, by Canon and Panosonic-- which, by the way, should produce great SD, too.

IF you are going $2,300, go a bit more with Sony VX2100 for ruggedness in your skate board environment

Matt, if you have $3000 to spend on a camera, I would wait and save a few hundred more and get the Canon A1. It's HDV (and DV as well). Image is the same as the XLH1 (best resolution and image quality under 10k right now). It's 24f feature is the same as 24p - no difference. The A1 will smack the pants off the DVX (not that I don't like the DVX as I have one).

Matt also consider the new Sony HDR-FX7. It's around your budget and a very good camera. Try it out if you can. It's HDV and DV as well.

Stelios

I'd look at a good used Sony FX1. The image is fantastic, and you can shoot SD or HDV. You can probably get one on this board for $2300 or so. It's my second camera (Canon H1 is my first).
Good luck.
Bruce S. yarock
www.yarock.com

Thank you all for the great replies! A virtual wellspring of information and helpful suggestions! Taking the many ideas here, I'm going to probably take a bit more time to save and then nab one of the better models then I was previously considering. Thank you all for the help!!

Get a Canon XL2 and don't look back!

Mike

Go with what feels right in your hands. Touch them, use them, play with all the buttons and settings. Use only authorized sellers. Don't buy used.

I think you'll be happier that way.

I need input on cameras for freelance work!!!
 

I am looking to buy a camera that can be used to shoot weddings, interviews, some small budget commercials etc. It has to look good and even be able to have tv quality. What is the best camera for this? My school uses a jvc prohd100. I have also used canons. what are a lot of freelancers using and what are my price ranges i guess. any help would be greatly appreciated.

I think the number one question here is, what is YOUR price range? How much can you comfortably spend on a camera? There are a lot of nice cameras out there for all kinds of price ranges.