What is a good prosumer video camera for a film student?

Question

I am looking for helpful suggestions from people who know their equipment. I am entering film school at George Mason in VA. I want to find a good quality prosumer camera, miniDV preferred format, to use in film school and that will last me into my early film career. I'd like something that has a good "film look" to it (cinematic), easy to use, but not a beginner camera--I want professional features. True 16:9 aspect ratio is a must (I heard the Panasonic DVX has a simulated 16:9).

I want to get an Apple and Final Cut Pro, as well. Right now I use Sony Vegas Pro 7.0 on PC. Also suggestions for Macs and software are welcome. I have about 5 years of personal video production experience and I'm entering the professional world.

If anyone can point me to a good camera that I can afford (under $3k preferred), or a website to help film students "find your camera"...I would appreciate any advice I can get. Thank you everyone in advance!! :)

Answer 1

OK, your budget is going to limit you somewhat with getting a camera with all those requirements...especially the true widescreen.

You might find several threads on this subject already in this section of Yahoo answers, but to re-iterate briefly I would recommend that you look at the JVC GYHD110u (GY-HD111e in Europe). I use two of these for my daily business as well as teaching students. Over the years I've used many cameras as I came from the days of shooting 35mm film on feature films, but these new JVC ProHD cameras are really something else for the price. You get a really filmlook result from most of the progressive formats and sharp interlaced DV in SD if you want (as good as Digibeta I reckon). The PAL models shoot in 720p 25p native in HD which gives the closest film look from this class of camera.

If you want to just shoot in SD then the Canon XL2 is worth a look as that does real broadcast quality widescreen too..although not as good as the JVC. I have one here too and I can assure you of that. However to future-proof your camera and the bang for buck goes to the JVC. It seems to be becoming the small filmmakers standard tool quickly now. I use them integrated into 16mm projects too and it's seamless. You just can't do that with any of the Canon, Sony or Panasonic cams.

If I were you I would get Avid Express on the next release (the JVC will be supported) as it's the film and broadcast's favourite platform and way up there compared to FCP...and it's cross platform...Mac and PC.

In any case, don't make a quick decision on cameras...get your hands on one and test drive it...work the footage and compare them all for what you want to do. Even go and hire cameras for a day to get the tests done.

I hope that helps

All the best with your career. Don't forget it's the story that counts, you just need to right tools to tell it.

Cheers

http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/featu...

Answer 2

Panasonic DVX100a is hot, but the Panasonic AG-HVX200 is even hotter.

Try these websites

http://www.adamwilt.com/24p/

http://www.dv.com/

Answer 3

Pontius makes some great points... and since he did the JVC pro line, I'll throw in the others...

And by the way, I agree with what you have heard on the "simulated" 16:9 on the DVX100 (a and b).

It may be worthwhile checking with a film school (especially one in which you have interest, if you are that far along) and see what they recommend.

For the "film look", you will be limited to cameras that can capture at 24p (24F may work - but it is more electronic). Your budget is RIGHT on the hairy edge.

Canon HV20, HV30 (consumer models)

Canon XHA1

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/contro...

Sony HVR-V1U

http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBus...

Panasonic DVX100/a/b, HVX200

http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs...

http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs...

I am looking lustfully at the HVR-V1U to work with my HDR-HC1...