recommend camera for around-the-world documentary?

[greyhavens]

I have been given a grant to travel the world and make a documentary video. I have done quite a bit of research into what would be the best camera (and microphone) to buy for this journey, but I would love dvxuser input. My camera budget is <$2500. My dilemma is: get a prosumer miniDV rig (Panasonic DVX100, Sony PD170) and have to deal with hauling 100+ miniDV tapes across three continents, or go with an HDD camera (Canon HG10, Sony HDR-SR7) and have less quality control but easy digital storage? An external mic jack is a necessity and 24P would be preferable, but at this point I'm open to anything. What camera would you recommend for a non-stop 1-year trip through Scotland, Tunisia, India, and Hong Kong? Thanks everyone.

[yommytacoe]

DVX100B absolutely. Especially if you're going to be shooting alot of footage. MiniDV tapes are super cheap if you buy in bulk. (i bought a 50 pack for 100 bucks) and you never have to worry about harddrive space, or anything because you always have the original hard copy of the footage.

plus the dvx100b is an awesome camera, and its got all the features you'll need in a very portable size.

[TheThe]

DVX100b!!!! The box of 100 miniDV tapes is actually not that big. For this kind of project I wouldn't trust anything else besides tape... and this is from someone who now works almost exclusively with P2. Out in the field it can be a real nightmare to have to deal with the pampering that hard drives require. And at the end of the day you would theoretically have to back up the hard drives to tape anyway. So just start out with tape and be on the safe side. Plus it is a real joy to see your stash of neatly labeled recorded tapes grow. It gives you a sense of actually producing something.

[TheThe]

Oh, I would also recommend getting a second, cheapy miniDV camera to take along as a back-up or for when you need to shoot discretely. I got a Panasonic miniDV camera for like $100 bucks during a black friday sale, and it has been a real lifesaver on several occasions. You could get something like this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/415296-REG/Panasonic_PVGS29_PV_GS29_Mini_DV_Camcorder.html

[NickG]

Oh, I would also recommend getting a second, cheapy miniDV camera to take along as a back-up or for when you need to shoot discretely. I got a Panasonic miniDV camera for like $100 bucks during a black friday sale, and it has been a real lifesaver on several occasions. You could get something like this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/415296-REG/Panasonic_PVGS29_PV_GS29_Mini_DV_Camcorder.html


I absolutely second the suggestion of a cheap miniDV backup. Doesn't matter what you buy as your main cam, there's always the chance of loss, damage, gunk in the works etc. Better to be left with a cheapo than nothing

[EDIT-XTREEM]

I would say a DVX100a or b, and minidv tapes. Just get a couple cases (like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/259878-REG/Datrax_Bryco_MDVP24_MDVP_24_Mini_DV_Case.html) and bring along a lot of good markers and stickers for labeling the tapes.

A small minidv camera would also be a great thing to carry around, and if you do decide to capture on the go, then it would be much better to use its heads then risk head issues on the dvx while traveling.

[ImagineFilmCompany]

Canon XHA1! I love the DVX100b, but for about the same price you get double the optical zoom (20x), ring iris control, native 16X9 and High Definition!

[Robert M Wright]

2 used JVC GY-DV300Us for less than $2k.

[MikeGunter]

Hi,

What will be the final venue for the project? If it is for "next year" and broadcast, that will mean HD. $2500 isn't much of a budget, so you might have a historical project in mind rather than a wide distribution, in which case you'd have greater flexibility in your project.

[EDIT-XTREEM]

I think that your best bet would be raising a bit more money for it, and using a Canon XH-A1. Its a great camera, still shots to minidv, and B&H sells it for $3299 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/447098-REG/Canon_1191B001_XH_A1_3CCD_HDV_Camcorder.html).

[jdmoviemaker]

The Dvx is great because you get great footage & its a portable size :)
great for traveling.

[longshanks]

i'm also looking to get a second "B" cam for my documentary. i want to stick to SD since my primary is the DVX100b and using an HD cam would not give me a significant gain since i would down rez it anyway. plus, i want good low light performance but small portability at the same time. any advice?

[davbeisner]

DVX100b all the way, man... Can't tell you how jealous I am! Want to take along a second camera op? :-)

[CherryTime]

Dvx100a? ><

[longshanks]

nah i need something smaller than the dvx for really tight portable shots. (i.e. on the back of a motorcycle) plus i don't want to drop another $2500 on a DVX.

[buelusa]

I'd say a Canon HV30.