Best Camera For Making Movies

[Brian Keith Moody]

Greetings. I’m new to this board so forgive me if this question has been addressed. After 25 years of scriptwriting for myself and others, I’ve decided to begin shooting my own material. Having just purchased a Power Mac and Final Cut Pro, I am now in the market for a camera.

I’m looking for a camera for the sole purpose of shooting straight to video movies, nothing else. My budget for this camera is $5,000.00. Until now, associates of mine have shot and sold four such movies using the XL2. I was all prepared to purchase the Canon XL2 but the distributor recommended I shoot in HD. So now I'm looking to purchase a hi-def camera.

At the moment, I'm leaning toward the Canon XH A1. With this camera, I'll have money left over to purchase a tripod, a few lights and so forth. However, what I really want is the JVC GY-HD110U, but that would consume the entire five grand. I'd have to go into even more debt for the extras.

Any camera recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Phil Kay]

Go for the XH-A1,you won't regret it

[Les Wynn]

What would the differences be between the XL2 and the XH-A1? Is it just the HD ability?

Just curious as I've been looking at getting the XL2. I doubt that what I have in mind to shoot would need to be HD but any info is always helpful.

Les

[Brian Keith Moody]

Originally Posted by Les Wynn

What would the differences be between the XL2 and the XH-A1? Is it just the HD ability?

Just curious as I've been looking at getting the XL2. I doubt that what I have in mind to shoot would need to be HD but any info is always helpful.

Les

One big difference between the XL2 and the XH-A1 is newer technology. The XH-A1 is pretty new and the XL2 is not. I’ve also heard (and I don’t know if this is true or not) that the standard DV image from the A1 is superior to that of the standard DV image on the XL2. Again, I don’t know if this is actually true but with the A1’s newer technology, it makes sense.

In reality, I’m leaning toward the JVC GY-HD110U. It shoots 24P (the A1 does not), 720P (the A1 does not) and has Interchangeable lenses (the A1 does not), all for less than $5000.00. I've done still photography for 20 years and I can't imagine shooting anything without the ability to change lens.

I’ll have to check my money. My second choice, however, is the A1, which I’ll get if I can’t find enough money for the JVC. I’ll keep you posted.

And thanks Phil for your thoughts.