Help buying camera!

hyphygreek

hyphygreek

Well-known member
Hey guys, so I'm new here. I thought this would be the best forum to ask this question. I have up to $6000 to spend on a camera new or used, and I was wondering which is the best to buy. I'm a film student and I've used the HVX200 and HMC150. I pretty much need the camera to be good all around, I make commercials, an occasional music video, and I need it to shoot in 24p for short films. I've also recently stared shooting events at clubs so it needs to be pretty good with low lighting. And to add, my friend will sell me his perfect condition HVX200, 16gb p2 card, and his case for $3000. So let me know what you think... THANKS!
 
unless its an hvx200A i wouldnt buy it. not the best in low light.

the hpx170/hvx200A is much better in low light than the original hvx200, but still not great. personally i dont have a problem with it, and i appreciate the grain. here is a link to something shot with the 170:
http://understandinc.com/samples/CHHEA/HThh_stinson_lategreat.mov
the 170 is the center camera. the full color angle, not sepia or black and white (the sepia and black and white angles are an hmc70)

you might like the sony ex line better. they are better in low light. but come with their own set of issues...
 
not that the computer really matters but i LOVE the ease of workflow that dvcproHD brings to my mac/fcp/adobe setup
 
The best buy is going to be the one you like most that fits with how much you want to spend. Personally, I would choose either the Panasonic HPX170 or the Sony EX3. Just make sure you also have the budget for sound, stabilizers, lighting and if necessary small productions to show people what you can do. And if you're taking commercial work seriously you need to have a very robust hard drive setup.
 
Cassius said:
The best buy is going to be the one you like most that fits with how much you want to spend. Personally, I would choose either the Panasonic HPX170 or the Sony EX3. Just make sure you also have the budget for sound, stabilizers, lighting and if necessary small productions to show people what you can do. And if you're taking commercial work seriously you need to have a very robust hard drive setup.
Click to expand...


I have $6000 to spend on a camera... I have a supply of everything else.
 
A T2i or GH1 is such an inexpensive option you could always get one as a b-cam. The AF100 should beat anything on the market today in a lot of ways, but we won't know until it comes out. HDSLR's aren't always better than regular cameras, so I recommend both. If you end up doing events it'll be nice to have a second camera anyway.
 
I need a main cam first. So I'm looking at the hpx170 and ex1. Those seem like the best all around cameras and are good with low lighting also.
 
I can't speak in terms of better or worse, but the EX series is more of a standard, and I'm sure there's good reason for that. You should try to get access to each and see what you personally prefer.
 
Here's my be all end all...

If you want to shoot mainly film/music video/tv spots go with a DSLR, they will give you the best bang for your buck and are more in line with the workflow of high end film production

If you're going to be shooting more wedding style or event type stuff immediately, go with an prosumer type camcorder like the ones you've cited

If you don't have anything pressing like above you need the camera for, save and wait for the AF100. It will be the better than the options your considering for sure.

My recommendation would be to get a gh1, play with the hack, get great footage and experience with it, and build a kit with that, then everything will transfer over to your AF100 setup no problem, and you got yourself a fantastic bcam like some of the other guys mentioned.
 
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