What are the advantages and disadvantages of a professional camcorder?

Question

Im confused...need help asap!

Answer 1

If you are a professional then you get paid for your work whereas an amateur doesn't, It doesn't matter what camera is used, they are all good these days but I have seen rubbish from a Hasselblad & brilliant pics from a box brownie, (a bit before your time I think). It's the eye behind the camera that gets the results. not the camera itself.

Answer 2

Define professional?  Define your use?

The cheapest 'professional' camcorder is the Sony A1 HDV camcorder, deemed professional by the use of the DVCAM format (though only in SD not HDV) and XLR sockets for pro sound gear.

I use everything from sony DigiBeta 790WSPs to DSR-570's and Z1's. Each have their benefits and disadvantages, and each are professional class camcorders.  I used to get good results from a Sony TRV900 and Canon XM2, though not strictly professional, not particularly consumer...

If I had the choice I would use the 790 for most jobs, beautiful colour (as opposed to dv's 8-bit) it's also a big cam that gets respect form the folk on the fornt end of it....

If i was shooting a docu in tibet I would use a Sony TRV-900 as it looks like a tourist  camcorder but gives very good results.

A 790 costs around £30k new, you can't buy a trv-900 new but can get them on ebay for £400.  One is better for somethings, one is better for others.  

More detail in your question would have helped.

One thing I would say is that regardless of the camera, the person behind it has to know what  they are doing, or all the footage is rubbish.

If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, invest it in a decent course, worth more than any camera.

Answer 3

The quality of most upper end camcorders can be used for pro/semi pro use. you can go out and spend 1000's of pounds and the top equipment, but unless you have the skills to use it then it would be a total waste of time.

a pro camcorder, doesn't have to have as many effects or buttons as a home video camcorder, apart from some,  all these features are selling points. you want quality, quality and more of it, but whats the point if you are zooming in and out, camera shaking.  buy a reasonable prices camera, that you feel comfortable with and then play about with it. decide what sort of films you want to take and watch the pros's doing in. wildlife, action, people whatever!

Canon XL1 good camera bit old now but still takes good video. i suppose you would call it semi pro! keep too mini dv forget the DVD, and hdd they use a compressed format. that's my opinion, you are spending the money, so its up to you, get a list of questions and go to a professional and talk to him

good luck