Which cam should I buy/why? IYO

[Mike_Reezy]

What camera should I buy and why, in your opinion.

I have a GL1, and a Century Optics .3x Ultra Fisheye. I film skateboarding. I have had pretty good results with this setup, however I feel it is time to move on.

There are a few things I don't like about the GL1.
1. No interval recording
2. Low light [not bright enough]
3. Doesn't look as good as the same thing filmed with VX1000 [is it because of the CCD size/pixels?]

There are a few cams that I am looking at, please give me your opinions of each. Also I would be getting the corresponding Century.3x fisheye for each.

1. Sony HDR-FX1 - From what I read about it, its 1080 res in HDV mode, but i'm not sure about DV mode. I know the CCD's are 1/3" tho, which is bigger than GL1's 1/4"and same as VX2000 (right?)

2. Panasonic AGDVX100a

3. Sony VX2000

4. Canon GL2

Give me some feedback please

[TotalX]

Why don't you rent the cameras and see for yourself?

[Shaw]

Personally I would use the DVX100A in 30p mode (possibly 60i). That is, however, merely my 100% biased opinion ;)

[chi_red]

Z1

[Mike_Reezy]

Why don't you rent the cameras and see for yourself?

Sounds like a great idea, know anywhere near me I can rent them from? Santa Cruz, CAli, and about how much $?


Personally I would use the DVX100A in 30p mode (possibly 60i). That is, however, merely my 100% biased opinion ;)

Based off of what? Do you or have you filmed skateboarding? Elaborate......


Z1

I did not glean any helpful info from this reply.

Thanks for the help guys!

[SamEdwards]

Testing all of them is the best way to figure out what works best for you. I had a DVX100a that went onto ebay the day after I tested the FX1.
The sony fx1 is the most future-proof. I have projected the footage for several ILM visual effects artist and they could not believe it was a $3k camcorder.
How important is sound? You can't directly use a mic with phantom power.
What's your timeframe? The pro version (z1) is coming out soon...
For sports 60i looks great. On DVD you could probably get great slow motion from the 60 high res fields...
Good Luck,
Sam

[Mike_Reezy]

Late february. The mic on my GL! is fine. Phantom power?

[Jeff_Chandler]

[quote author=SamEdwards
The sony fx1 is the most future-proof.
[/quote]

Sorry, but there is no future proof camera. Buy what you need and what works for you today.

[MohdRidhwan]

www.skateperception.com

[BLUESPIDER]

If you want to save money, get the GL2.
If you want the instant filmlook , get the DVX.
If you plan on outputing your videos on the big screen, get the FX1.
If you want something like the VX1000, then get the VX2000.


My question is, are you using the camera strickly for skate videos or do you plan on doing other things?

[MovieSwede]

well that depends on what you mean "big screen" the fx1 dont seem like a good alternative for film blowup.

[pitstain]

Why don't you rent the cameras and see for yourself?

Nice Answer. If you've tried to rent a new Sony you'd find $100 a day prices and he most likely can't afford renting 4 cams for the day, and thus is asking opinions of those who have used them in place of laying out money he could dedicate to the purchase of a camera.

I say Panasonic. 24p, great audio, and no extra money that comes with using HD footage that you will ultimately like to shoot with the Sony.

[Mike_Reezy]

www.skateperception.com

thank the lord

[Mike_Reezy]

If you want to save money, get the GL2.
If you want the instant filmlook , get the DVX.
If you plan on outputing your videos on the big screen, get the FX1.
If you want something like the VX1000, then get the VX2000.


My question is, are you using the camera strickly for skate videos or do you plan on doing other things?

strictly for skateboarding, a little land surf filming, and maybe in the future,once I get a water housing, in water surf filming

[MohdRidhwan]

strictly for skateboarding, a little land surf filming, and maybe in the future,once I get a water housing, in water surf filming

definately get a vx1000 with mk1. That's what my friends always said.

[BLUESPIDER]

Mike, I think the DVX will definetly suit your needs. This camera has a lot to offer.