Camera recommendations?

C

cdavison2009

Member
Hello all,
I am looking to buy a camera for some directing classes I’m taking this summer and am writing to ask for some recommendations, please and thank you. Here are the features I’m looking for plus some info on my editing software:
-prefer something all-digital, with a hard drive or Flash-based memory sticks or SD cards, something I can easily get at Best Buy, no P2 cards or anything else proprietary and expensive.
-will be editing using Adobe Premiere Pro, and my PC processors are too slow to handle true HD but my PC does have enough speed and enough RAM to handle HDV (if the camera has DV tape) and SD. This being the case, doesn’t much matter if the camera has true HD or not since my PC can’t edit it.
-must have variable frame rates and especially on the faster end, need true 60fps not 60i which is I understand is basically the same as 30fps; many of our scripts call for slow-motion.
-interchangeable lenses are nice but one good, adjustable lens is also fine, can always buy a W/A adapter.
-good low light sensitivity down to 1.5 lux would be great; I know the Sony HDR-FX1 fits this bill but it doesn’t have variable frame rates.

Any and all advice much appreciated. Thanks!
 
I would go for one of the two best cameras in this genre, either the Pana HVX200A or Sony EX-1. Both are good cameras and will give you many years of dependable service. I chose the EX-1 because of the larger sensor and ability to record on inexpensive and dependable SDHC cards. Your choise may differ, but these are the two best cameras for the money.
As far as your computer, you will probably upgrade it in the future and edit in HD anyway, so don't limit your choise in cameras because of your PC now.
 
The Sony EX-1 looks like a really great camera, checked the website and it says that it records onto SxS cards ($400 for an 8GB one), does it also record onto SDHC cards? Those I can buy at Best Buy, $40 for a 16GB one and I know they are compatible with most all newer devices.

Also, good advice on the HD and PC, for the foreseeable future I won't be able to edit true HD and so I have one more question on the EX-1: according to the Sony page, the camera will record variable frame rates in either 1080p or 720p, both in HQ mode. The SP mode records at 1080i, so does this mode also offer the variable frame rates or is that only available in HQ mode? If I must record in HQ mode then is it somehow possible to down-convert the footage without losing the slow-motion efx, still keep them while allowing my computer to edit the converted footage? Thanks!


DadinWestchester said:
I would go for one of the two best cameras in this genre, either the Pana HVX200A or Sony EX-1. Both are good cameras and will give you many years of dependable service. I chose the EX-1 because of the larger sensor and ability to record on inexpensive and dependable SDHC cards. Your choise may differ, but these are the two best cameras for the money.
As far as your computer, you will probably upgrade it in the future and edit in HD anyway, so don't limit your choise in cameras because of your PC now.
Click to expand...
 
If you're looking at the HVX200a, take a look at the HMC150. Records to cheap SD cards, and its 720p image at 24fps is better (arguably) than the HVX200a's, and you save a good chunk of change. I have one and am pretty happy, but just be aware that there's reporting of issues during cold temperature (~40f or lower).
 
As far as variable frame rates, I have not played with the EX-1 enough to know which rates are available in what resolutions. You have to stick with the expensive SxS cards for faster rates. One comes with the camera. However, with an adapter you can use Class 6 Transend SDHC cards at $36 a pop for 16G for standard frame rates at any resolution.
Whichever camera you decide on, go to the forums and do some research. Very important to be well informed when spending this much cash.
 
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