Best HD Camera under $1000... and why?

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Pardack

Member
Hi all...

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum, but I was having a hard time guessing which camera-model specific forum this question should go in...


I'm trying to put together a prosumer package to shoot and cut video for web distribution. I've gotten great thoughts on the final cut Mac I'm getting ready to buy... now I'm hoping for thoughts on a camera in the $1000 or under range.

My priorities as I'm able to anticipate them...


Decent looking video,
Hopefully a good solid shotgun mic built in.
The ability to use manual focus if you'd like
Ease of workflow when exporting into final cut.

Any thoughts on this, plus anything I haven't anticipated would be greatly appreciated...




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I'll second the HV30.

However, you are looking for something that does not exist on even the $50k cameras: "Hopefully a good solid shotgun mic built in." There simply is no camera on the market that offers this. Smaller cameras like what you want (and even the DVX and HVX) have built-in stereo mics that are essentially worthless. The big cameras like SONY CnieAlta have external mics available that are still relatively poor.

What you'll need to get, no matter what, is a separate mic. And invest in something good. And get a good shock-mount and windscreening system.

While on-cam is the worst place to put it, there are times where it may be necessary. But the option to move it off to a boom is essential. You may also need to get an XLR converter box (like Beachtek). Most sub-$1000 cameras don't have XLR ins. In fact, I don't think any cameras in that price range have XLR ins.

And please get good headphones... and use them. listen as you shoot. It's easier to fix the issue in the field and do a second take than it is to try and fix it in post.
 
C2V said:
I'll second the HV30.

However, you are looking for something that does not exist on even the $50k cameras: "Hopefully a good solid shotgun mic built in." There simply is no camera on the market that offers this. Smaller cameras like what you want (and even the DVX and HVX) have built-in stereo mics that are essentially worthless. The big cameras like SONY CnieAlta have external mics available that are still relatively poor.

What you'll need to get, no matter what, is a separate mic. And invest in something good. And get a good shock-mount and windscreening system.

While on-cam is the worst place to put it, there are times where it may be necessary. But the option to move it off to a boom is essential. You may also need to get an XLR converter box (like Beachtek). Most sub-$1000 cameras don't have XLR ins. In fact, I don't think any cameras in that price range have XLR ins.

And please get good headphones... and use them. listen as you shoot. It's easier to fix the issue in the field and do a second take than it is to try and fix it in post.
Click to expand...

Thanks, CV..

Thankfully I already have a decent set of noise cancelling Brookstone headphones.

Hmm... so the mini jack is prevalent for audio in from external mics? I'm surpised they don't sell more shotgun mics with the appropriate connector on its cable.
 
Pardack said:
Thanks, CV..

Thankfully I already have a decent set of noise cancelling Brookstone headphones.

Hmm... so the mini jack is prevalent for audio in from external mics? I'm surpised they don't sell more shotgun mics with the appropriate connector on its cable.
Click to expand...
The adapter is inexpensive. I have one for my HV20. :thumbup:
 
So do I infer that it has both an audio in jack and a headphone jack?

Cnet just says 'built in microphone'.

I take it the built-in gets shut off if you plug in an external?


And how bad is the motor noise if you use the built-in for a simple dopey scene of two guys talking?
 
Pardack said:
So do I infer that it has both an audio in jack and a headphone jack?

Cnet just says 'built in microphone'.

I take it the built-in gets shut off if you plug in an external?


And how bad is the motor noise if you use the built-in for a simple dopey scene of two guys talking?
Click to expand...
The HV20 has two. One for headphones, one for the mic. Haven't really looked at the newer versions.

Check out the movies in my signature for a sample.

MAH
 
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