Amateur in need of some good advice.

[OmnislashNeo]

I'm new here so first off I would like to say hello to all of the dvx users. Then I would like to say that making movies is a hobby of mine. I've made 5 movies so far. But the thing is the camera that I've shot them on was one of those internal hardrive ones.

I've never have shot with a mini dv recorder before but I hear that the quality is a lot better on tape than it is on a internal hardrive camera. I've also never worked with a professional camera such as the Panasonic dvx100. The camera I had was a very basic consumer camera with minimal control features. Also the movies I've made were not very well shot. I basically just made my movies for fun and not really trying to impress anyone.

That being said I am trying to make a nicer looking movie with a nicer camera. What I'm trying to figure out is what camera I should get. And if they are right for me and my pc.

As of right now I have around $2,200. And I'm having a hard time trying to decide between two cameras.

Panasonic dvx100b- I've seen footage of this on youtube and vimeo and I really like the "film look" quality with its 24p settings. The colors look realy nice too. And I also like that there are a lot of manual controlls.

Canon hv30- When I saw the footage on vimeo. I thoughtt the picture quality was great. The price is really good for a camera that shoots in hd and 24p. But I hear that the camera is laking manual controlls.

Besides that I've just recently bought a new pc and have no intensions of buying a MAC anytime soon just to get Final Cut Pro to edit my movies.(Too bad they dont have Final Cut Pro for PC). The video editing programs that I have right now are: Sony Vegas 8, Adobe Premier Pro, Adobe After Effects, and the not so good Windows Movie Maker.

I already know what camera I wan't to get (Panasonic dvx100b) but I don't know if its right for me.

I would greatly appreciate it if someone could help me out deciding what camera I should get and If the video editing software that I have right now is good enough to make a movie. Thanks.

 

[sigamy]

I'm sure you've heard this but purchasing a prosumer camera--or any pro equipment--is not going to turn you into a pro. While having good gear is part of movie making, there are many other areas and factors that you need to learn and master. You can do all that with your current low-end consumer cam...

That being said, you listed two of the very popular indie film cams right now.

Another option is to find a Canon HV20, you won't be losing much from the HV30 and you can find them at eCost and other online dealers for under $500.

In order to save money you can consider a used cam. But only buy from a trusted pro who took care of their camera. Check the marketplace here or your local craigslist.

If you are OK with standard def, I'd also throw into the mix the Panny GS400. This is a high-end consumer cam from 2004 with excellent image quality and manual controls.

Also consider a used (but well cared for) DVX100A.

 

[mburgh]

A lot of your choice depends on what you want to do. If you want to shoot with more options and more control, the DVX100 is a great choice. If you want to have HD, 24p, and lots of built-in effects, the HV20 is a good choice, and buying a used one will leave you with enough cash to buy an XLR adapter and pro mics, which, in truth, are the basis of a successful project.