What is the best camcorder for documentaries?

Question

What is the best camcorder for documentaries?

Answer 1

It depends on the documentary, you skill level, your budget and the audience you expect to watch it...

I would start at the entry-level pro or prosumer area... you can always get more expensive and better cameras... I would stay away from consumer grade camcorders... Do not spend all your money on the camera. You will need mics (shotgun and wireless lavaliere, for sure, maybe others) and possibly lighting and lenses and steadying devices (tripod, monopod, SpiderBrace, steadicam, crane)... and good sturdy cases to protect your investment (like those from Pelican or SKB).

Sony HDR-FX1, HDR-FX7

Canon XHA1

Panasonic HDX200

Sony HVR-V1U, HVR-Z1U

This is a good place to start your research... The reason you want these are because their lenses and imaging chips are larger than consumer-grade cams resulting in better video quality.

Answer 2

The best bang for buck out there is the JVC GY-HD111e or the US equivalent. I bought one of these..used it for a few months and went and bought another two. It knocks spots off the Canon and Sony models in the price range. It's also becoming popular with the ENG crews (Electronic News Gathering). You get 720p as the main HD format..which is a far better picture than 1080i  and has a great film quality..and the SD DV is just as good as DigiBeta. I've used most cameras in my time from 35mm to HDCAM..but this one is rapidly becoming not only my favourite for documentary work but is also the choice of many documentary makers in Europe. Oh..and Al Gore's film was also shot on these cameras. Check out the specs...see if you can get your hands on one and give it a go. I wouldn't buy any camera until I had tested it thoroughly.

I hope that helps ...and enjoy your filmmaking.

http://www.jvcproeurope.com/uk/pub/item?...