What's a good video camera for a teen who would like to make documentaries/skate films?

Question

I'm not sure which ones would be right for me. I'd like to film documentaries about various things. [more society then wilderness] I'd also like to shoot my friends skate sessions and such.

What video camera would you recommend?

Answer 1

What is your budget?

Low end:

Canon ZR family (suggest the ZR800, 900, 930 as they have external mic jacks - but do not have manual audio control; all are standard definition and can shoot in 4:3 or 16:9).

Medium range:

Canon HV20, HV30

Sony HDR-HC7, HC9

All 4 can shoot in DV standard definition (4:3 or 16:9) and HDV (by definition, this is only 16:9). All 4 have mic-in jacks AND full manual audio control.

High end standard definition:

Sony VX2100

Canon GL2, XL2

Panasonic DVX100B

Both have mic-in jacks AND full manual audio control.

High end, high definition:

Canon XHA1

Sony HDR-FX1, FX7

Sony HVR-V1U, Z1U

Panasonic HDX200

All 6 have mic-in jacks AND full manual audio control. The Panasonic records to P2 cards, so you will need something with a PCMCIA slot for transfer.

ALL camcorders listed on this response us miniDV tape as DV and HDV compress the least of the available storage media used in consumer camcorders - hence provide the best available video quality.

You will want a mic or two, a tripod, rechargeable high-capacity battery or two, sturdy case (I use Pelican), maybe make a "steadicam" device, check out the SpiderBrace, maybe a fisheye lens...

Answer 2

I don't own a video camera. However, whenever I'm thinking about buying a new techie device, I go to CNet.com. Their "Editors" do in depth reviews and the users also post their reviews. This is a great check and balance. If the editors and the people agree you figure you've got a good brand.

Here's their "Step-by-step camcorder finder" webpage: http://reviews.cnet.com/4247-6500_7-4-0....

Here's CNet's Top Budget Camcorders: http://reviews.cnet.com/best-camcorders/...

ENJOY!