Cheap Consumer Camcorder for Filmmaking

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shift

Unfortunately my budget is low ($250) because I'm buying computer parts to build my editing system. I want a camera however just to film some shorts to get practice editing as well as build my portfolio.

At first I was looking at the Canon T2i, Canon hf200, Panasonic TM700, Canon HV20/30/40 series and the Sanyo HD200. All have External microphone output all HD but all in the $800 range.

I went to Canon and found a HF200 (refurbished) for $280, but that was gone in the black friday rush. I've been contemplating a used Canon HV20/30/40 but they are still going for a lot.

I searched and searched and searched for something in the $250 range because someone wants to get me the Camera for Christmas but there budget is low as well. (the recession sucks). Anyway I found these two cameras.

Canon HF R100 and the Sanyo HD2.

BOTH HD BOTH HAVE EXTERNAL MIC.

Canon HFR100 = $277
Sanyo HD2 = $200

So I'm in my range but I am wondering if these models make sense. I think they are old models. 720p 1080i and lack manual aperture and shutter.

I'm wondering if I should buy a Sanyo CG10 (Better video quality~$119~no external mic input) and get an external mic and audio recorder and synch the sound in post. I have to get the mic anyway, the additional expense to my overall budget would be the recorder.

What is your advice?
 
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All that matters is that you get something with:

1. Manual exposure
2. Manual white-balance
3. Manual focus (preferably with focus-ring)
4. Audio in jack (if you're going with camcorder)
 
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shift said:
I'm wondering if I should buy a Sanyo CG10 (Better video quality~$119~no external mic input) and get an external mic and audio recorder and synch the sound in post. I have to get the mic anyway, the additional expense to my overall budget would be the recorder.
Click to expand...
This seems reasonable to me. Have you checked the total
price? The CG10, a mic (with cables and adaptors) and an
audio recorder. Does all that fit within you $250 budget?
If it does, I think that's what you should start with.

If not, go for the HC2 and a microphone to stay within your
budget.

Frankly, of the three cameras you mention, you will not be
able to notice any difference. The two with a mic input will
reduce your costs by eliminating the need for an audio recorder,
but the actual quality of the three isn't different enough to
even take into consideration.

Start with what you can afford, make a dozen movies over the
next year and then upgrade your equipment if you need to.
Who knows? Maybe in a years time you will find a dedicated
DP who owns a good camera, a dedicated audio person who owns
good equipment and you can all team up to make movies.
 
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directorik said:
This seems reasonable to me. Have you checked the total
price? The CG10, a mic (with cables and adaptors) and an
audio recorder. Does all that fit within you $250 budget?
If it does, I think that's what you should start with.

If not, go for the HC2 and a microphone to stay within your
budget.

Frankly, of the three cameras you mention, you will not be
able to notice any difference. The two with a mic input will
reduce your costs by eliminating the need for an audio recorder,
but the actual quality of the three isn't different enough to
even take into consideration.

Start with what you can afford, make a dozen movies over the
next year and then upgrade your equipment if you need to.
Who knows? Maybe in a years time you will find a dedicated
DP who owns a good camera, a dedicated audio person who owns
good equipment and you can all team up to make movies.
Click to expand...

Thanks...I like your advice. I think you are right about getting the HD2 and making a dozen films. The quality especially on the net really isn't that noticeably different. Even if I were to drop this on public access TV I think the 720P HD would suffice.
 
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