Cameras and Opinions

[clarkage]

Ok you guys. Yes, I'm back again with more questions on cameras. Well i have been looking around and i would like to first off ask you... If i am a beggining filmmaker Should i get an HD camera to start off?

Also, this is a really newbie question but i dont know to much about equipment. How are cameras measured in video quality? (megapixels, resolution, etc.)

and lastly how are these cameras? How do they compare? etc.
http://www.target.com/Aiptek-Go-HD-720P-Definition-Camcorder/dp/B000FVXZ2E/qid=1196904714/ref=br_1_9/601-5431390-5178509?ie=UTF8&node=1193626&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Camcorders/MiniDV-Camcorders/model.PV-GS80_11002_7000000000000005702

And if anyone knows of any other cameras... My price range is between $0-$300 prefferably not up to $300.

Again i am just starting and I would like a camera to get started with.

Thank you!!!!!!!!

[Joseph Stunzi]

Clarkage,
I am unsure if anyone on here has used those cameras. It seems there's pleanty of DVX, HVX, and professional users but in terms of smaller cams, I see one model predominately popular... Canon's HV20. It's above your price range, but it can work with 35mm Depth-of-Focus adapters (if you're looking to do that later down the road). There's a good user community behind that little HD cam. It can do HD! If you can't quite afford that.. do some searching on the forums... you'll find what you're looking for.

[clarkage]

thanks i think i have a good grasp on what i want now! but now a new subject. Does anyone no any good shotgun microphones that they like? What should i get and not get?

[Joseph Stunzi]

price is yet another factor here. I like the Sennheiser 416.

[Huy Vu]

Here's one review on the Go-HD camera. In a few words: it's not good.

http://www.microfilmmaker.com/reviews/Issue25/Go_HD1.html

For $300 there's nothing really good that you can get. Stretch your budget to $500-600 and then you can get an HV10.

As for audio, go to the Audio section of the forum and read the stickies there for recommendation. Bottom line is you should be prepared to spend $300-400 more for decent audio gear.

[Joseph Stunzi]

I totally agree with Jade. It all comes down to this...MONEY MONEY MONEY!

[clarkage]

ya i understand that completly and it is just a fact that i am going to have to face i guess. Well thank you guys for the help! It is much appreciated!

[pixelator]

look around for a used Panasonic DVX100b and shoot 24p or 24pa with it... cheapest way to go without compromises that you would regret later. I nearly picked up a DVX100b, but opted to pay $1,500 more for a JVC HD110 that does HDV as well. not a bad choice. Then a Senhizer mic, Rode dead cat, and a good shock mount for $1000 from BH or similar place. Definatly get a $50 shock mount though and a dead cat/condum regardless of what mic you get.