I'm starting to get into videography and I'm interested in a camcorder. what should i start out with?

Question

i have a bit of a budget but i do want something nice that i can grow into as i get better. also if anyone has a clue about what a documenting videographer's*(weddings, concerts, private events) salary may be i'de like to know that too.

Answer 1

I could certainly make recommendations as to a camera, but it would be a waste of time unless you could be more specific about your budget and whether you'll be editing with a PC or old-fashioned linear..  Pleased add that info.

The videographers you describe are not salaried employees, they are paid per job.  As for asking price, it varies dramatically by region, experience, personlity, business savy, and just plain guts.  Think of it like an actor, performer, or artist (which it is).

Answer 2

You should go with and sony mini DV. Sony makes realy good camcorders for a reasonalble price. http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stor...          just dont go with one to advanced since your just begining. Hope I helped

Answer 3

you can start out with one that doesn't need tapes, disks, or Cd's of any kind... you can get an all digital camcorder that uses sansdisk or memory chips up from 2 gigabytes to 8 gigabytes... and its up to you how much memory to use... if you're on a budget... its really cheap...like about &$100.00 for the camera and about $50.00 for the chip... then when u are finished taking the movies u want...then u can download them straight to ur pc with the cords that are included... u can purchase these camcorders at most retail dealers...

When u feel that u surpassed ur expectations, then buy urself a good camcorder with a X500 zoom and more... the better the lens u got on it the better the pictures and so forth...

Answer 4

500x zoom!!??!!  "better the lens the better the picture"????  

In my semi-pro opinion, panasonic has the leading edge right now in the mini dv market (although I own all sonys).  Since you're on a budget you should look at the lower end "prosumer" models that fit your criteria.  You may want external mics for pro audio so look for a camcorder with balanced xlr's although adapters can later be added.  1080i is affordable now.  For the best colors look for 3 CCD's.  You'll probably have to choose one or the other; 1080i (HDV) or 3CCD (stunning colors).  

there are a lot of scammers.  if you find the right cam for way too cheap its either the Japaneese model or refurbished.  read closely, look for full US warranty and trust your gut feeling.  You can save around 25% online but if you see 50% savings its probably too good to be true.  B&H Photo is legit for starters.......

great camcorder, great price, questionable seller

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-HDC-SD5-...

my starter camcorder

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/30...

*guarantee "evilgenius" demands you get canon hv30