Looking For a Semi Professional Video camera?

Question

I am looking for a decent HDV camera, something in the gray area between professional and amateur, and am not sure what to get with so many floating around. I obviously want something with a mic jack and able to switch around lenses and filters. I have a decent budget, but not unlimited. Any opinions?

Answer 1

Nu'uanu has given you some great options, but I cannot say I agree with some of it. The consumer camcorders he listed are great! I couldn't agree more. But I have to disagree with him with professional camcorders. First of all, I would never recommend the Sony FX1 or FX7 as good mid-level options. Don't get me wrong, they produce excellent picture, but are missing many vital features. The most obvious is XLR mic inputs. The FX1 and FX7 do not have them. Sure, Nu'uana has pointed this out, but again, I disagree with his reasoning. First of all, I would never recommend permanently relying on XLR adapters like that made by Beachtek. At $170, they are horribly unreliable. They break within the first year or two, and with a high repair cost (25-30% of the original cost). Save yourself the trouble and if you are going to get a pro camcorder, go all the way and get one with XLR inputs.  The Sony FX1 and FFX7 are also missing a 24p mode. 24p., or 24 Progressive Scan is a feature that simulates analog film on a digital camcoder, giving you that artsy look withough having to buy a $500,000 Panavision camera. Second of all, I would never recommend the Sony HVR-A1U. Period. Especially as a Professional camcorder. It can be very appealing for its pro features such as XLR mic inputs and HD. All of that for around $2,000! However, I do not like this camera. My biggest reason for saying this is because it has 1 image sensor, a CMOS sensor. As a 1-chip camcorder, its more of a consumer camcorder on steroids. Many people don't believe me,  but 3 image sensors is a defining characteristic of a professional camcorder, whether its CCDs or CMOS. 3 chips gives you MUCH better color saturation, and color reproduction. Other than that, Nu'uana's answer is extremely credible :) and I don't mean to spite.

     My advise of what to look for in a mid level- pro camcorder is this (not arranged in any particular order:

    1) true 1920 x 1080 HD resolution. (not like many consumer HD-wannabe camcorders)

    2) 3 image sensors (3CCD or 3 CMOS) and at leas 1/3" chips, but the bigger the better.

    3) dual XLR inputs

    4)24 Progressive Scan (24p)

    5) Manual Controls (Focus, Aperture, White Balance, Shutter speed). That is pretty much standard on pro camcorders

that's about all I can think of. I highly recommend you to look at the Canon XH-A1 (if $3,300 is in your budget). It is an excellent camera, inexpensive for a prosumer camcorder, yet is packed with features that make it better than most cameras thousands of dollars more. It is probably the most popular camera among pros and consumers alike. If you want something with a little bit more of a professional feel (not that the XH-A1 isn't professional; it is extremely pro!) I would recommend the JVC GY-HD110U or the step up GY-HD200U (at $4,000 and $5,700 respectively). They have one advantage that most sub-$10,000 cameras don't; they have an interchangeable lens mount, meaning you can use different lenses. This is a huge advantage for those you want more flexibility when it comes to zoom and depth of field. It also may have the best picture quality of any HDV camcorder. Many people are a bit skeptical about JVC cameras and I was too, but this camera is extremely reliable, and does not disappoint.

     My final recommendation is a camera that many do not know of. It is called the RED Scarlet. However, it is not available yet; it is to be released in early 2009. It was made by a relatively new company to the camera world, Oakley, aka the sunglass makers. However, I wouldn't underestimate them. Their first release the RED One was a $17,500 camera that rivaled Sonys that cost a quarter to half a million $$!!! The RED One produced footage at twice the resolution of HD!!!!! Thats 4K shooting. Now, regarding the RED Scarlet, it is not nearly the price of the RED One, but has some of its amazing features. It is expected to be sold for under $3,000; it is designed specifically for consumer and indie filmmaker's use, and it shoots in 3K! That's still considerably better than your typical HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) camcorder. I can't guarantee that the RED Scarlet will be a revolutionary camera, as RED is relatively untested, but it is definately something worth looking into.

Answer 2

i agree with what the other guy says.  but since you are not so sure with what you want i would go with the canon hv20. its a great camcorder

Shoots in hdv / minidv depending on how you format it.  You can switch between formats too

Audio is great.  You can add lenses to it.  It has an audio mic.  The controls are good.  It can shoot in cine and many other nice formats.  It will run you z$600-$650 depending on where you buy it.

Answer 3

HDV = miniDV tape. Good for you!

Consumer: Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7, HC9

Prosumer: Canon XHA1, Sony HDR-FX1, FX7

Indie/Pro: Canon XHG1, Sony HVR-A1U, V1U, Z1U, Panasonic HDX200

I have a Sony HDR-HC1 with tele and wide angle lenses. I am augmenting it with a HDR-FX1 (delivery expected in a couple of days)... for XLR mic connectivity, I use a BeachTek DXA-6 and a juicedLink CX231. Personally, I like the XLR mic jacks underneath, rather than on top or sides of, the camera...