Suggestions for a small back-up camera

[That Todd Guy]

I still use my DVX-100 & 100B for all of my professional video taping
(I know that upgrading to HD will have to be done soon,
but SD is financially where I am at right now)

I need to buy a small camera that I could
use for my own personal video taping (ie kid's growing up),
that might still have good enough quality for me to use as a back up camera
(or cover shot camera) when I am video taping events & weddings.
I had a small PS-150 that served me pretty well,
but has since gone to the "old electronics graveyard in the sky".
I need something small that I can bring along to family events,
(cause it really seems like overkill to use my DVX at a kid's B-day party),
plus it is a little large to just stuff into your pocket.

I was wondering if someone could suggest a small camera that I could use for knock around stuff,
but will still have decent quality for me to maybe use as a third camera on some of my professional shoots.
I use FCP to edit all of my stuff, and I'd like to make sure that the format that the
new camera shoots in would be compatible the DVX's that I am presently using.

I really trust the expert opinions on this forum,
and hope that you can steer me in the right direction,
Thank you,

Todd

 

[Zim]

So many good deals right now for little HD cameras. If I was going to buy one I'd get a Canon HV40. Maybe get a HV30 if they are still selling them.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/597424-REG/Canon_3686B001_VIXIA_HV40_High_Definition.html

 

[That Todd Guy]

I know relatively nothing about the HD cameras out there,
and I've always only used Panasonic equipment,
but for the features...the HV40 does seem pretty good.
especially for the price.

This may sound a little stupid,
but would I need a special video card to import the video if it was shot in HD?
I presently have a GeForce 6600 video card on my G5 MAC,
and import all my video through my firewire port.
Also do you think video shot with this camera & my DVX'x could be mixed in a timeline without too much trouble & noticeable differences between the two?

Thanks for the help and the advise,
Todd

 

[Zim]

I just have a DVX100b so I don't know about all the HD stuff but I believe Mac will work the HV40. I know people with the HV20 and there is no problem. The Canon HV40 should be HDV so that is pretty normal.