Low Budget/High Hopes - Camera Help!

M

MikeyDigital

New member
After cutting my teeth on a modest consumer camera (ZR 800), I'm finally looking to upgrade.

For a few years I've wanted to get my hands on at least an XL1. The camera budget, $700, is just about enough to get a USED decent XL1 with some decent accessories and extras.

It's looking like this may not be the best use of my $700 budget. What we shoot are web series, concerts, no budget films, music videos, and pretty much everything. With the concerts and certain locations it's hard to control the lighting conditions so low light is important, as is audio. I've grown partial to MiniDV, but am open minded.

I know the $700 is meager funds for serious filmmaking, but we're looking to make it work. What would you fine folks suggest? The XL with the audio accessories and the external monitor, a HV30, ? I've used the HV30 and it's a great piece of equipment, but I wasn't 100% satisfied with the low light in concert conditions.

Thanks!
 
You mentioned you shoot web series - I personally would refuse to get anything that can't at least shoot in progressive, which the XL1 can't do. You might be able to get the original DVX100 for around that price if you look hard enough, I've seen stuff go for pretty cheap in the market place on here.
 
The DVX100 does look pretty awesome and it's been used for some major stuff. It has onboard XLR, a monitor, and pretty much everything I'd have to get extra for the XL1 unless I lucked out.

Web series are important, but our primary objective is best cinematic look/ "professional looking" as possible for our movies. At this point after making three feature lengths and a documentary, going from handicam to a 3CCD quality is awesome. But would it be most wise to go with a HV30 or 40 and at least get in the HD game? I know the $700 budget doesn't give much wiggle room.

Thanks again
 
In my opinion, you're much better off with the DVX100 than the HV30. Don't get enamored of being "in the HD game". Shoot the DVX100 in 16:9 mode. The DVX gives much better results in low light than the HV30. And it has features like manual focus and manual exposure that are much easier to use than those on the HV30.

I've used both cameras. I own the DVX100b. I think you'll be much happier with it.

Best of luck!
 
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