Best Mac compatible Camera for Film Student

[JGY111]

My son is a Film major and I want to get him a good video camera that is compatible with Mac and Final Cut Pro. Hoping to stay in the $2500 to
$3000 range. Appreciate any advice.

[nantnee]

Pretty much any camcorder work. Final Cut works with the majority of formats. I would suggest the HMC-150, which shoots AVC-HD. This format however requires a lot of power (processing power) to edit natively, so generally with macs, people convert it to pro-res to make editing much more easier. Also, the Canon XH-A1 is really good camera to. Shoots HDV, a little easier to edit than AVC-HD, by easier I mean, easier to process the footage. You can also get a really good deal on a used one, around $2200 i believe. It does however shoot to tape, which is slower losing ground in the camcorder world. That shouldnt deter you from getting it, it shoots some beautiful stuff, its just something to consider.

Or even a consumer based camcorder like a HF11, HV30/40 (cost $1000 or so.) Getting him something like that would allow you to use the rest of the money on equipment such as tripods, sound gear, 35mm adapters, etc. The gear is pretty universal, so you'll have some of that longer than the camera itself.

All things to consider.

[DPStewart]

Hello,

This is a topic many people would have many opinions about, but if you have found this site then you know that the DVX100 is a fully professional camera that is frequently used by film schools and industry professionals alike. This is because every type of function that is contained in a professional camera is on the DVX.

There is the issue of Standard Definition vs. High Def, but working in Hi-Def requires enormous increases in computer power and storage capacity - costs increase a lot to work in hi-def.

The DVX can be purchased from reputable online dealers like B&H photo for about $2,500.

~Dane Paul Stewart

[ryvac]

it depends on what your son wants too.
if he doesn't understand how the DVX works then I don't see the point to give him a DVX/HMC/HVX.
btw, does your son understand why the DVX/HVX is such a popular camera?

[jambredz]

well he's a film major so he may as well learn how it works ...owning one will definately make him better in the long run than having to borrow :)

[andythefilmer]

well... if he is planning on posting for the web, then the dvx would be good, but if he is going for stuff live dvd or larger screens, then maybe an hmc150 would be better. i think its around $3500 new but i am sure you could find a cheaper deal if you look around, but the whole line of panasonic prosumer-ish cameras are (in my opinion) the best in its class, and no other cameras offer all the same features that panasonic has integrated in their cameras!

[Andrew Singer]

The DVX100B's popularity as an entry-level camera in film schools is no accident. IMHO it's an excellent choice for the following reasons:

1. Full camera controls, pretty much everything a pro camera will have.
2. Leica glass. There's something magical about an image created by a lense that's been
optimized for acuity rather than resolution. Lense also has a good zoom range and a
reasonable choice of built-in speeds
3. Great low light performance. Students often have to work in limited shooting situations.
4. Professional audio support. Sound is every bit as important as pictures to film
production, just look at the number of credits for sound in a typical (non-CGI) feature
film.
5. Native 24p.
6. Good value, used cameras can be assessed somewhat by the built-in head time recorder.
7. Decent shooting time using standard batteries.
8. Under 4lbs, can be used with less expensive tripods, cranes, steadicams, etc.

My two cents.

[andythefilmer]

Yes. Not too many cameras have native 24p and all the amazing options that the DVX has to offer!

[JGY111]

Thanks for all the great input. But in doing my research, I'm getting a little confused. I'm told that Panasonic doesn't even make DVX 100 any more. And that the 150 and it's memory cards can have issues with Final Cut Pro in the downloading of footage and is a tedious process. Since this
camera is for my son/film student, I'm looking for the easiest learning
curve and operation. Are these camera a little too advanced for the film student group?

[andythefilmer]

Well since he needs a camera that is easy to learn, maybe you could get him a sony fx1. I have experience with that camera and it works phenomenal! But you can still buy a DVX100b brand new from sites like B&H Photo/Video or EVS Online. If he is a film student, then he probably has experience with a DVX because i know that it is the standard issue at a lot of colleges and film schools. The FX1 is also popular so he may have used one of those before!

[ryanschindler]

you can still buy dvx100b new off ebay, thats what i did.
i work on a macbook pro with my dvx100b and i can honestly say i coulden't be happier (other than maby with a HVX). but my DVX does the trick, and ive never had any major problems, the manual settings you can do make for a beyond average camera, obviously not profesional but very well off. FX1 also is a very good choice, but personally i would go with the dvx/hvx

[andythefilmer]

yes i defiantly perfer dvx/hvx over the fx1 but both are AWESOME cameras. ya, be careful on eBay though because a few years ago, I bought my old VX2000 on eBay and it came damaged and the seller did not accept returns. be careful but theres some amazing deals out there

[Gillvane]

Thanks for all the great input. But in doing my research, I'm getting a little confused. I'm told that Panasonic doesn't even make DVX 100 any more. And that the 150 and it's memory cards can have issues with Final Cut Pro in the downloading of footage and is a tedious process. Since this
camera is for my son/film student, I'm looking for the easiest learning
curve and operation. Are these camera a little too advanced for the film student group?

There is the DVX100, DVX100A, and DVX100B.

The DVX100B is the latest model.

[andythefilmer]

if you're going to get him a dvx, definitely get a 100a or b though

[Paladin]

My son and I are both film students and I bought my DVX100B for this. It is an excellent camera for a film student. Its potential is only limited by the imagination and creativity of its user. Further, it will continue to serve well for years after the student graduates. It has been said that the DVX100B has a steep learning curve. Compared to a simple (and limited) consumer camcorder, this may be true. But it only takes a few days of reading Barry's book and experimenting to begin recording some fantastic images.

Further, you can rest assured that all of us here are ready and willing to answer any questions you may have. I feel confident that no matter what the question, somebody on this forum will have the answer or know where to find it. DVXUser has become a family of independent filmmakers and we, too, are still learning our craft. We are all both student and teacher but, above all, filmmakers and storytellers.

[ryvac]

I'm told that Panasonic doesn't even make DVX 100 any more. And that the 150 and it's memory cards can have issues with Final Cut Pro in the downloading of footage and is a tedious process.

Exactly which camera are you thinking about purchasing?


Are these camera a little too advanced for the film student group

Yes they are a LITTLE advacned then consumer cameras. you just don't want to point and shoot do you?

[JGY111]

Thanks again for all the additional input. this is an awesome site.
The cameras listed above were the two I was referring to. Sorry I didn't make that clear. Is Amazon a good place to buy the DVX 100B. They still seem to have them through Willoughby's.

[jambredz]

newegg...speccom...B and H....EVS and on this site (used) are good places.

[ryvac]

Yes, Amazon is a good place to shop.
if you ever see an amzing deal on the DVX or HMC always check resellerratings.com
a lot of the good deals you see when you search google is a gray mark camera so stay away.
that's why many people buy at B&H

well, which ever camera you're getting if it's down to the DVX or HMC you can't go wrong.
they are both amazing camera's
your son is very lucky