camera package

E

EditTheWorld

Member
Hi,

I want a DSLR (GH2) and a "proper" video camera that I can do docs, events and feature/shorts with. But to keep my budget in check I'm thinking of going with a tape based HDV camera, and getting the GH2 since a letus would cost the same money to help keep the cost down.

I've got about $3500.00 maybe $4000 to work with.

Gh2 1499.00 with 14-140mm kit lens

Video camera??

I'm starting to see some pretty good deals now on the earlier tape based HDV cams. Any thoughts/recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Steve A
 
Personally I have a Panasonic HMC40. This camera is awesome and in good light will equal cameras costing 5x as much. You should be able to find pretty darn good deals on it now. It is also a AVCHD camera and you will be able to use the same SDHC cards. About the only down side to the HMC40 is it's low light ability but thats what your GH2 should help you out with. Low light is going to be pretty much on par with any small form factor consumer based HDV camera anyway. The HMC40 does have the advnatge that it also shoots 720p 60p that should match very well with the 720p 60p mode on the GH2. Something to keep in mind. Outisde of the Canon HV40 and up to the Canon A1 and G1 you are not going to get the same easier to work with 24p as you do from the GH2 or HMC40.
 
A GH2 or GH1(3) will be very well suited to film docs, events and feature/shorts with -> imagerywise that is.

They can only fail when shooting fast action (both) due to their rolling shutters or in low light (GH1).
Also your autofocus on those will be hunting more than on a normal camcorder.

Besides that the main advantage of a HMC40 or similar camcorder over a VDSLR is the possibility to input audio directly and manage it well and of course the fact that those are ready systems. Turn them on and shoot, basically.
 
I think dealing with both tapeless and tape-based workflows is something to be avoided. Are you sure you need a proper video camera for the stuff you're doing? I shot docs primarily and haven't had much trouble avoiding rolling shutter issues. I don't need to run with the camera or shoot extreme telephoto.
 
I Narrative as well as docs, want to avoid buying a larger letus for 35mm stuff. People have said "if you have $4000.00, why don't you pony up the other &700.00 and get the AF100". Because now you're getting into the $5k - $6k realm for lenses. I just don't have that kind of doe, so I'm trying to meet in the middle.
 
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