In Preproduction, can't decide between four cameras

So, I'm shooting my first feature. I've got a budget of between 20 and 30k and I want to spend up to 5k on a camera. Its a horror movie so they've got to perform well in low-light and still look good. That's why I scrapped my initial use of the Canon XH-A1 (also it's lack of pulling focus and zooming). So on the table now are:

Sony PMW EX-1
Sony DSR-PD170
Sony HDR-FX7 (Not crazy about the fixed lens)
Panasonic AG-HVX200 (people are talking about the 200a as well, though I haven't done any research into that yet)

And while I'd love to shoot in 1080p I haven't found ones in my price range that allow me all the things I want. One of my assistants mentioned possibly using two cameras, not just for coverage but to capitalize on each one's unique abilities. Any suggestions?
 
If you wanna get some really good true HD footage then go with the HVX. It seems that your
budget can handle it, maybe. When you account for the 2-3 P2 card you're gonna get
then the price will be bumped up a couple hundred so be prepared for that.
The HVX out of all those cameras I would say is the best dealing
with your 1080 HD footage. But the downside is that if you shoot with the P2
card then it can only get around like 15min of footage per 16 gig card.
Good luck.
 
Panasonic AG-HVX200 (people are talking about the 200a as well, though I haven't done any research into that yet)


Yup. I'd suggest the HVX200a --make sure it's the 'a' model. I hear it does much better in low light, and has a few more bells and whistles. From what I've seen the HVX rocks.

Here are two shorts that a friend and colleague of mine shot using the HVXa.

PINS AND NEEDLES

Vr 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rILxvswoLC4 (my favorite cut because of the music, but not in HD)
VR 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tJ7U2saI5c (WATCH IN HD, newest cut)

A DUAL AFFAIR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_hCI-yPCcY (WATCH IN HD)


Keep in mind, Leo Kei Angelos is a master at color grading and corretion...so the end result is superior (I think) to what the average indie DP is going to achieve...perhaps I'm bias...regardless, you can get an idea of what the HVXa can do.

Last I checked, the HVXa was around $5K.
 
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