What type of video camera would work best for a "documentary" type filming?

Question

we are looking for a good quality camera but arent sure which ones are the best for the money...thank you!

Answer 1

Samsung SC-MX10 light, cheap, and good quality

Answer 2

What is your budget?

Will you need camcorder audio or will it be all narrated?

Do you need high definition or is standard definition sufficient?

Will the documentary be all in the field or will power be available?

If you can afford to use what the professionals use, then here is a starting "short" list:

Standard definition only:

Canon GL2

Sony VX2100

Canon XL2

Panasonic DVX100/A/B

High Definition or Standard definition:

Sony HVR-A1U, HDR-FX1, FX7, HVR-V1U, Z1U

Canon XHA1

Panasonic HDX200

There are other more expensive camcorders available - and are commonly used for documentaries.

Perhaps it might be better to hire a person with the camera skills - and camera (and other equipment) - to shoot the video using your direction.

It is also possible some consumer cams might do what you need - Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9...

Whatever you decide, in addition to the camera, and rechargeable high capacity batteries and lenses and filters and tripod (and maybe some sort of "steadicam" or SpiderBrace) and various microphones (and maybe an XLR adapter) and boom pole and lighting and stands and reflectors and perhaps a generator or solar power supply and a few other items should be on your shopping list, too.