Hello,
Well my friend and I like to make short movies as a hobby and we have decided to switch to HD. We have a Canon GL2 right now, but we're going to have to get a smaller HD camcorder because we can't really afford another large prosumer one. We are selling the GL2 (soon hopefully) and we'd like to spend under $1500, but closer to $1000.
We are used to a lot of the features of the Canon GL2, but I know we can't get the same thing in a sub-$1500 HD camera. Mostly, we want something that will produce a nice picture (large sensor) and shoot in 24p. Also, we are probably planning on switching to flash-based memory instead of tapes.
We really liked the Canon Vixia HF-S100, but the fact that it has no viewfinder seems to be a deal breaker. Now I'm considering the Panasonic HDC-TM300. It seems great: 3CCDs, multi function ring (focus,zoom,etc.), viewfinder, flash memory, full manual controls (as opposed to the HF-S100 priority modes), "24p". My only concerns really are the touch screen (although the auto focus seems helpful) and I'm wondering how well it performs in low light. I also think the Canon HV40 sounds on par with the HF-S100 except it uses tapes, but I really like that it has "true" 24p and I hear Canon 24p actually improves low light performance.
Another thing to note, is we probably are getting a DOF adapter (Jag35 Pro bundle with lens). Also, I'm not expecting much out of the sound quality, but we will eventually get a mic to replace the built-in one. It would be nice if the built in one was at least acceptable for an amateur film.
So, which camera should we get based on our needs? I'm really leaning toward the HDC-TM300, although I like Canon's quality. I feel like all of the cameras we've looked at have similar features expcept nothing is perfect. Please list any other suggestions within our budget too.
Thanks!
Well my friend and I like to make short movies as a hobby and we have decided to switch to HD. We have a Canon GL2 right now, but we're going to have to get a smaller HD camcorder because we can't really afford another large prosumer one. We are selling the GL2 (soon hopefully) and we'd like to spend under $1500, but closer to $1000.
We are used to a lot of the features of the Canon GL2, but I know we can't get the same thing in a sub-$1500 HD camera. Mostly, we want something that will produce a nice picture (large sensor) and shoot in 24p. Also, we are probably planning on switching to flash-based memory instead of tapes.
We really liked the Canon Vixia HF-S100, but the fact that it has no viewfinder seems to be a deal breaker. Now I'm considering the Panasonic HDC-TM300. It seems great: 3CCDs, multi function ring (focus,zoom,etc.), viewfinder, flash memory, full manual controls (as opposed to the HF-S100 priority modes), "24p". My only concerns really are the touch screen (although the auto focus seems helpful) and I'm wondering how well it performs in low light. I also think the Canon HV40 sounds on par with the HF-S100 except it uses tapes, but I really like that it has "true" 24p and I hear Canon 24p actually improves low light performance.
Another thing to note, is we probably are getting a DOF adapter (Jag35 Pro bundle with lens). Also, I'm not expecting much out of the sound quality, but we will eventually get a mic to replace the built-in one. It would be nice if the built in one was at least acceptable for an amateur film.
So, which camera should we get based on our needs? I'm really leaning toward the HDC-TM300, although I like Canon's quality. I feel like all of the cameras we've looked at have similar features expcept nothing is perfect. Please list any other suggestions within our budget too.
Thanks!