Camera for max. 1700 USD

cordvision

Well-known member
Hey,
I have a friend who want's to buy a camera to shoot his own short films. His budget for the camera is 1700 USD. Since I am not familiar with cameras in this lower price range I can't really advice him. I think it would be nice if he gets a camera that allows for "full" manual control and shoots in a format that is easy to edit. Any suggestions what camera he should get? The only cheap camera I know of is the HV20 but I think with a 1700 USD he might get a better cam than that.

Regards,
Michael
 
Try either the Canon Gl1 or the Canon Gl2. I had the Gl1 and loved it for it's cost.
 

Agreed, you can get a used DVX100a on the forums for around $1700, give or take some accessories (extra batteries, cases, mics....). Thats probably your best bet.

In my opinion, the HV20 does not have FULL manual controls, and some could argue even the dvx and hvx don't.
 
What other manual control could the DVX and HVX possibly offer?
I'd enjoy having an iris ring on the lens, and less menu based controls, more physical ones.. the DVX and HVX are both great cameras, but some people on these forums can complain about anything, I was just leaving it open.
 
Thanx for the replays. I was also thinking that the DVX might be a good cam for him but it is a little bit expensive.... An HV20 with more manual controls would be pretty cool...
 
Thanx for the replays. I was also thinking that the DVX might be a good cam for him but it is a little bit expensive.... An HV20 with more manual controls would be pretty cool...
A HV20 with a little more manual control and 3ccd and larger form factor = XH-A1

I would stretch your budget and go for the DVX100A. Just keep your eyes on the market place.

Here are some DVX100As that are for sale now;

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=133964
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=133467
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=134103
 
Why not Pana AG-HSC1UE?

Why not Pana AG-HSC1UE?

Just bought this little SD-card cam for B-roll to HVX and I am very impressed! Most of time you simply can't tell the difference between this and HVX. For news cathering, documentary and nearly any shooting in normal light conditions, there simply is not difference in these cameras. Now I leave HVX home at most of times. In multicam they blend very nicely together.

Cardreader (included) solves any capasityproblems. 40 min to one 4 GT card is very convient.

Native editing freeces nearly any PC, but at field you can edit slowly and after render the video runs smoothly (using EDIUS BRcast). Conversion to Canopus HQ leaves the quality same as native? At least it looks like it and rins ok at edit.

As a whole, a great camera, it also has mic-connection which is missing from many other little cams.

PS. Just but my DV cams to sale, no use to them anymore - the quality of footage is simply that much worse compared to HD cams.
 
I would get the hv30 over the DVX. You will be amazed at the quality picture you get with this little consumer camcorder. Also, with the money you saved, you can get accessaries like a good tripod or 35mm adaptor. Look up some video's on Vimeo.
 
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