Looking for an HD camera (similar 2 Sony VX2000)

[Mark7807]

Hey,
I use to own a VX2000 and have been out of the game for awhile, since it broke-down a few years ago. I'd honestly see myself buying one used from eBay or on these forums in the marketplace, potentially. Could anyone recommend me a camera, as I'm dying to have one for the summer. Major contraint, I'd like to only spend $1500, max. Which I've probably limited myself too much already, unless a really nice deal comes up. If anyone can point me in the right direction, that'd be great. Can't seem to find any decent review sites at the moment.

Thanks a lot.

[Dustin Moore]

If you need to replace two VX2000's for less than $1500 you might look at two CX560's. Downside, no expanded focus or
peaking but if you spend the remaining cash on an off-camera monitor with those features. You might also look at a CX700
but you have to spend a bit more to get the peaking and a view finder.

The low light of the CX560 is similar to the low light of a VX2000 but not quite as good. The overall picture quality can be
significantly better than the VX2000.

If you want to do better than a VX2000 or move into the pro world in a video camera format (e.g. smooth zoom/focus/mild depth
of field) the NX5U and EX1s are good options but their low light isn't quite CX560 or VX2000 and are way more expensive.
If you don't mind tighter depth of field/more difficulty in focusing for a given aperture/f-number, the large sensor
still cameras like the NEX-5N or used Canon SLR might be an idea.

Spend some time on http://camcorder-test.slashcam.com/ figuring out what is out there in the used market.

[Mark7807]

If you need to replace two VX2000's for less than $1500 you might look at two CX560's. Downside, no expanded focus or
peaking but if you spend the remaining cash on an off-camera monitor with those features. You might also look at a CX700
but you have to spend a bit more to get the peaking and a view finder.

The low light of the CX560 is similar to the low light of a VX2000 but not quite as good. The overall picture quality can be
significantly better than the VX2000.

If you want to do better than a VX2000 or move into the pro world in a video camera format (e.g. smooth zoom/focus/mild depth
of field) the NX5U and EX1s are good options but their low light isn't quite CX560 or VX2000 and are way more expensive.
If you don't mind tighter depth of field/more difficulty in focusing for a given aperture/f-number, the large sensor
still cameras like the NEX-5N or used Canon SLR might be an idea.

Spend some time on http://camcorder-test.slashcam.com/ figuring out what is out there in the used market.

So basically I'm really limiting myself with my budget. hehhh.. See I was looking for something like the HXR-NX5U without all the unnessisary functions, like GPS, dual XLR(maybe single XLR), but besides that just the usual functions like ND Filter, manual WB, manual exp, etc, for hopefully a less price. My old vx2000 had ring-movement zoom/focus, not sure if that's what you mean by smooth zoom, those are a definite must haha.

[Amr Rahmy]

you could really narrow the choices by choosing whether or not you want a camera with rolling shutter or want to stick to ccd.

[GrahamH]

If you can avoid low-light shooting, the HMC40 meets your other requirements, including price.

[Mark7807]

I also forgot to mention, I'd prefer to have a camera with shutter speed, even though I could potentially replicate that sort of effect in some post-editing software.

you could really narrow the choices by choosing whether or not you want a camera with rolling shutter or want to stick to ccd.

Rolling shutter meaning, miniDV tapes, or the HD equivilent? I'd really prefer something smoother scanning if so, especially judging off the pics from this wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolling_shutter, almost reminds me of the way my old footage on my VX looked like when paused.

If you can avoid low-light shooting, the HMC40 meets your other requirements, including price.

I was looking at this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7I5KEWRmrE, and it seems to have decent enough low-light shooting capabilities for what I'd want to do mainly, I'd more so be into daylight anyways. It'd basically just look very washed out if I cranked the exposure, right? (Like at 0:37 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...5KEWRmrE#t=37s) Do you think I'd be seriously limiting my options with this camera despite the low light, if I wanted to get more serious, documentary-type footage, concerts and such? Also for experimentation purposes, do you think the HMC40, would pick out stars on a clear nights sky? Probably a combination of the sensor and lens, I'm guessing.

[Amr Rahmy]

first result from youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp_65IQ9U-Q

that's rolling shutter you could find with varying degrees depending on the camera. ccd or global shutter cameras do not have this problem.

[Amr Rahmy]

actually the second result was much better since is was a comparison an a bike that vibrates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEaDrS-yzIE

[Tailman]

Mark,
If you have not found a VX 2000 within your budget, I have one I no longer use.
Where are you located?

Hope I can help you out. Send me an email and post.

Cheers!