Buying a new camera

[davidlh]

Hello, I'm going to be buying a new camera pretty soon, and was wondering what to go with. I want to get a good prosumer camera for around the $2500 area. I'll be using it for filming movies for film festivals mostly. I heard about the GL2 being a pretty good camera, but I don't know how good the audio is, etc. Anyway, any suggestions for good cameras are helpful. Thankz!

[rafikiwilliams]

I've used gl2's a few times, and i wouldn't suggest them for indie films. I would go with a dvx100 as it has the 24p mode and is right around the same price.

As for audio, i wouldnt suggest using the onboard mic on any camera. Sound is just as important as video, so dont go cheap on that end.

I would recommend a dvx100 and maybe a rode ntg1

[Kegan]

Well...for around $2500, you have a couple options available to you. You can get a new/used DVX100b (plus extras if it's used), a Canon XH-A1 for a little more or a Canon HV20 with 35mm adapter for a more filmic look, if as you said it'll be for movies and festival shorts.

Sure, the GL2 was a good camera, but for your price range and available features, NOW - there are much better options.

-Kegan

EDIT TO ADD ABOUT AUDIO: You really should read all the audio stickies in the audio forum to get as much knowledge as you can about audio, but the Rode NTG-1/2 (the 2 just offers battery power instead of only phantom) are really good mics on a low budget.

[davidlh]

Thank you guys for the quick responses! I was actually JUST looking at the AGDVX100 and thought that it looked pretty good. I didn't know that it had 24p though. Ok, a quick question, because I just started actually learning about cameras. With 24p, does that still record to MiniDV?

[rafikiwilliams]

With 24p, does that still record to MiniDV?

yes.

[Kegan]

Really? On a DVX website you just started considering it? Haha, take a look around at the INCREDIBLE footage/movies/reviews of all the DVXusers on this site and if that doesn't help you make a decision, the only other thing to do would be to go into store and hold one. I'm considering selling mine actually to upgrade to an HVX as a documentary I'm shooting will require that of me. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.

-Kegan

[davidlh]

lol, I actually found this website looking for a DIY Crane Tutorial, and I thought it was a cool place so I joined.

@Hunter007: I just sent you a PM

[joy99]

One of my friends got a Canon EOS 5D 12.1MP DSLR Camera + EF 75-300 lens with $2180 seems pretty nice camera.