Pro camcorder?

Question

I wanna buy a gd qualty camcorder that will allow me to make short films. some one recomded the hvx200 but its expensive. what else can i find that is not that expensive and profesional???

Answer 1

Generally speaking, you get what you pay for, so in most cases, you won't get something as good as the HVX200 for a lower price. Here are some pro HD camcorders that are a bit cheaper:

   1) JVC GY-HD110U    $4,000

    2) Canon XH-A1         $3,300

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The HD110U is one of my favorite cameras, though it does NOT shoot in 1080 HD, but instead, it only shoots in the lower resolution 720 HD. Most people would ask: why would I buy a pro camera that can't shoot in true 1080 HD? I will explain my reasoning later, but first I will discuss the HD110U's upside. Well, first of all, it offers a switchable 24p mode, which is excellent for short films and independant films (because it makes your digital video look more like film). The HD110U is the cheapest pro HD camera with 24p. My favorite feature in the HD110U is its ability to switch frame rates between the standard 30fps to 24fps (in 24p) or 60fps (for fast action shots). What is most amazing is that the HD110 allows a Progressive mode when shooting in 60fps, while most camcorders only shoot in either 30fps progressive(30p) which blurs more, or 60fps interlaced (60i), which doesn't look as good as progressive. In conclusion, although the HD110 can't shoot in true 1080 HD, it CAN shoot in 720 HD at 60p, which, in my opinion looks much better than 1080 HD in 30p or 60i. 720 HD also takes up less memory than 1080.

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The Canon XH-A1 is a great camera too, but not the best choice for a filmmaker headed in the short film/ indie film direction....it's better suited for news broadcasters or wedding videographers. This is because it only has a 1080 HD mode that records in either 30p/i or 60i. Progressive is desired among filmmakers but at 30fps, it blurs too much. Secondly, the XH-A1 does NOT have a 24p mode, which is a must for indie filmmakers (24p makes your video look like film). Instead, it has what Canon calls a 24f mode, and I don't know how it compares to 24p.

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Now, that's if you want HD. If you really don't care, you can get a really good deal on standard def. pro camcorders:

  1) Panasonic AG-DVX110B     $2,500

   2) Canon XL2                             $3,000  

   3) Sony DSR-PD170                 $2,500

    4) Canon GL2                            $2,000

I'm a huge fan of the DVX100B. It's very similar to the HVX200, without HD. Before HD, it was a popular camera among indie filmmakers for being the first camera with 24p for a consumer price. Soon after, the XL2 came along, also offering 24p. The XL2 also offers interchangeable lenses, which is a really nice feature, but not too necessary if you don't plan on buying additional, thousand-dollar lenses. The Sony PD170 is also an excellent camera that is a true low-light wonder, but it doesn't have 24p, so it's not the best choice for filmmakers. The GL2 is also a decent camera, but it doesn't have pro audio connections, as it lacks XLR inputs. It also does not have 24p.

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If you want pro quality picture in a Consumer camera, here are some decent consumer cameras that are both under $1,000:

1) Canon HV20     (or the HV30)

2) Sony HDR-HC3   (or the HC9)

These are great HD camcorders, but lack some pro features such as decent manual controls, XLR inputs, or 3 image sensors; CCDs or CMOS (consumer cameras have 1 chip)

I hope that helps, and I apologize for my rambling. Well, good luck and have fun!