Is this an ok camrea?

[Magicmann]

I am new to film making and can't decide on what to get. Would you think of this as a good camera? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830144214 Please help!

[AgentJonnyB]

I'd try my best to steer clear of consumer-level hard drive camcorders. not only is the quality significantly lower than that of mini-dv, but if the drive dies, the entire camera is useless, the drive is not removable. Higher end hdd models come maybe with an optional drive or require the user to purchase a drive of choice based on size, but you're talking 4 grand or so.

[Magicmann]

Ok, thanks! Would something that takes memory sticks and similar be ok?

[directorik]

It's fine for the price. But it's very limiting for shooting anything other than vacations vids and birthday parties.

There are three things that are VERY important when getting a camera:

Three CCD’s or CMOS
Manual controls for the iris, shutter, focus and white balance.
A microphone input.

Check out these threads:
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?p=86959
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=12037
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=11309
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=12203
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=15504