Which Camcorder?

R

Revolume

New member
I know this has probably been posted thousands of times, but here is another one :/

I have a budget of $2000. Here are a few options that I have thought of, but I am definitely open to more.

1. DVX100B
2. HV40 with Letus35 Mini Bundle
3. HV40 with CobraCrane I Filmmaker Complete Kit
4. HDR-FX7
5. HMC40

I will be making Indie/Short Films, and some comedy videos for YouTube. I will also be filming the occasional skating. Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions?
 
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I would recommend the DVX over any other camera, but if you wanted the Letus bundle, I would recommend the Canon HG20 over the HV40: its AVCHD (so tapeless and H.264 based compression).

I would say that you should look for a used DVX then get some accessories that you may not have: good tripod (fluid head), a good shotgun mic, a good case that doubles as a seat (yes, it does actually come in handy), etc.

People want to jump right in an get everything like the Letus, a camera, lenses, etc. But they don't think about all the other aspects that go into making it. My school has the HG20s (and will be getting some Azden mics) which is a descent camera, but the main focus of the class is to focus on the story and planning, then shoot, then assemble your story in post. Basically, I'm saying that a stock HG20 might be the best thing if you just want to get into it. Tell a story with that, master that and the post process (color correction, etc.) before you get a camera like the DVX and just add more the already complicated mix. I'm just assuming this from your budget (and camera choices), which is common for someone new to filmmaking.
 
the DVX100b is so much better then any consumer HD camera, especially something like the HV40. There is no manual controls really to speak off and the picture might be HD, but as far as performance, try taking an HV20 to a night shoot and youll really regret it. The dvx has excellent low light performance, and also the colors are just a lot better as well.

having said that, just becasue you buy a DVX doesnt mean your footage is going to look professional. You have to light your shots, having something nice to shoot and have a decent audio set up, before anything you make actually looks legitimate.

its not really the camera that makes videos look professional, its the lighting, and audio.
listen to Joe, but the DVX and seriously INVEST IN SOUND. sound is just as, if not more important then Video, and so many newbies dont really know or apreiciate that.
 
linkdafourf said:
listen to Joe, but the DVX and seriously INVEST IN SOUND. sound is just as, if not more important then Video, and so many newbies dont really know or apreiciate that.
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Exactly. Just remember that you can shoot the most amazing film ever but if it sounds like crap then what's the point in showing it to anyone. Focus on the quality of the video more than anything.
 
Ya I would say the 100a or 100b, and you can find a used one on ebay for around $1300 and it might come with some accessories. If not, I would get a decent shotgun mic: either a Rode NTG-2 or what I have, the Audio Technica AT897 which cost around $250. I have a big pelican case (Pelican 1600) which holds pretty much everything and can double as a seat or an apple box! Cost me $140. Also get a good camera light if you are going to shoot skating. For a tripod, which is a MUST for what you want to do, get a good one. I have a Davis And Sanford that I got for $200 at B&H and it came with a free set of dolly wheels. Also remember to never mix different types of tapes and use the dry tapes, preferably the Panasonic ones... A DVX, tripod, and mic will cost about $2000, but is a good kit to have.
 
I have the NTG 2 kit from B&H. I just did shot a scene during one of my class periods. We story-boarded it, set up and checked everything, did like 10 takes, and then broke everything down into an easy to carry bag, and went on to my next class. It's a great system (DVX100B + tripod + NTG2 kit) that is really compact.
 
Thanks guys, I'm getting the DVX and a kit to go with it, probably the NTG2 Kit, but I will hunt around a little more.
 
if you have a $2k budget you can consider getting a HDSLR camera too.
that way, it's like getting an adapter and HD camera at the same time!
 
ryvac said:
if you have a $2k budget you can consider getting a HDSLR camera too.
that way, it's like getting an adapter and HD camera at the same time!
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Except with a lower quality codec (same as consumer), not as many manual controls as the DVX, and no XLR inputs.

He's just better off getting a DVX for his budget. Remember, with an HDSLR, he would also need to get the shoulder mount rig or rails system to be able to put all the accessories that the DVX already has bundled into the camera. Maybe as a second camera an HDSLR is great, but definitely not as a primary (and only) in my opinion.
 
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