Where can I find a good camera for a new movie maker (director). Trying to start out my career? $1000-3000

Question

I looked at this one, i found it for 3000, what do you guys think?

Panasonic AG-HVX200 3-CCD DVC PRO HD Camcorder Pro Kit

Answer 1

it's good, i suggest getting a frectior so image does not contract/blurr too much.

Answer 2

Panasonic Pro AG-HVX200A 3CCD P2/DVCPRO 1080i High Definition Camcorder with 13x Optical Zoom

True high definition image quality (1080i or 720p) with low-compression DVCPRO HD intraframe recording

Supports HD/SD multi-format and multi-codec recording capabilities

Includes the the P2 card, offering superior reliability, immediate playback and outstanding cost-performance

Features the new Leica Dicomar HD lens, developed specifically for HD recording

New progressive CCD and DSP for higher sensitivity and image quality

price $5,199.00 is out of your range

reference : http://astore.amazon.com/cheap.shopp-20/...

i advise..

Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

2.8-inch widescreen LCD and .57-inch widescreen EVF give you bright, high-resolution views. The LCD and EVF can be used at the same time, giving both cameraperson and director or producer a view of the action.

Captures true 1080 resolution HD video at 60i, 30F, 24F

Three 1/3-inch 16:9 CCDs with 1.67 megapixels (1440 x 1080)

Complete customization

9 custom presets; 2 custom keys

Compact design

Manual iris ring

2 built-in XLR terminals with line level and phantom power

External microphone holder

SD memory card slot

Flash accessory shoe (Supports Canon EX Speedlites)

Fully compatible with optional Canon Console Image Control & Storage Software Version 1.1

Optional 50i/60i upgrade available

One-year parts and labor limited warranty

price : $3,499.99 over range too but it's fair

reference : http://astore.amazon.com/cheap.shopp-20/...

Answer 3

Could be a scam. Could be an awesome deal. There's no way to tell. I'll I can say is that the Panasonic HVX200 is a solid HD camera. Arguably one of the best. However, if you want to cut all this guesswork about reputable companies, you could go with a different camera. One that could be about ten times better too.

It's called the Red Scarlet. It will be available in early 2009 and cost under $3,000. Let's just say that calling it an HD camera would be an understatement. It can shoot in 3K RAW, a format that is higher resolution and less compressed than HD at it's highest. It's about 3 times the resolution of 1080HD. It's called Ultra High Definition.

It also has a nice, large 2/3" CMOS sensor. That beats the HVX's 1/3" sensors any day. Larger sensor= better depth of field, better light sensitivity, and better color reproduction.

Scarlet can also shoot up to 120 frames per second (and 180fps for short periods of time). The most any other camera can do is 60fps. That makes Scarlet more suitable for action shots in sports, and professional slow-motion.

One problem with Scarlet. It's perfect for a filmmaker, but not the best choice for a beginning videographer. It's learning curve will be pretty steep (it's an entirely new codec for one thing). It will also be more problematic to edit. For one thing 3K will take up a @#%$ load of hard drive space, which may require a $1,000 external Hard drive with RAID protection. Redcode files will require a pretty powerful computer and NLE system (Mac Pro and Final Cut Studio is recommended).

good luck and happy filmmaking!