Upgrading to an HD camera. Suggestions?

Michael Rogers

Michael Rogers

Hi everyone, I recently decided to sell my Sony VX2000 and upgrade to a full HD camera...

I would like suggestions on a good HD camera to go with. I want good quality image, as well as the media to be compatible with the Final Cut Pro editing software.

I guess my price range would be $1,000 - $4,500 (and if possible, I'd like to keep it around the lower side of that spectrum :P thanks!)
 
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I love my Canon HF200. Gets some really great footage, especially outdoors in natural light or indoors with proper lighting design.

But with your price range I'd bet you could get something even better. Someone'll come along and give you some suggestions, I'm sure.
 
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I recall someone posting this. Its a Sony handycam with interchangeable lens. I believe they called it the rosettastone of camcorders :). "Fusing Full HD video recording and high-quality audio capture, the NEX-VG10 interchangeable lens Handycam camcorder, with supplied 18-200mm lens, turns your video into a masterpiece.

Starting at $1,999.99"

Here is the link: http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644735999&#/handycamCamcorderSection
 
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Michael Rogers said:
Thanks,

I was thinking maybe a Panasonic HVX-200
or a Sony HD
or a Canon HD

I'm looking for low costing professional cameras, if that makes sense haha
Click to expand...

Have you seen the HD stuff being shot with Canon DSLRs, including an episode HOUSE? I have the Panasonic HVX200, yet I wish I had the Canon 5D or 7D. I really like what guys like Chris Stone are getting out of lowly Canon T2i cameras. Check out his James Bond music video on this thread:


http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=27537

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU5M8hC_TvE



Heck, check out any of Chris' videos on his site!

http://www.chrisstonefilms.com/work.html


Pretty great quality for a camera that costs $770 and includes the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens. Of course, you should consider a Zoom H4n (or Tascam DR-100) recorder for sound. That puts you at the far low end of your budget.
 
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HVX200a is a great camera. I filmed my first two movies on one. Throw in a 35mm adapter (nice one like Redrock), and some nikon prime lenses and you are probably in your price range. HVX goes used in the $3000 range these days, with some accessories like a P2 card or two. AF-100 is a nice camera as well, just not a fan of the ridiculous crop on the 4/3 sensor.
 
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I can highly recommend the Sony HVR-Z5U. You should be able to get it for under $4K. Excellent glass, low-noise 1/3" CMOS sensors, and excellent battery life. Plus, it works great with FCP. I've shot my last 2 shorts on one, and edited both in FCP6.
 
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The Panasonic AF100 is out of the price range. It's $4750, without a lens. I'd love to have one, but I do need to eat at least once in a while.

Like to OP, I don't like the DSLR, as I shoot interviews, and I'm not going to stop when the chip overheats. I can run for an hour on miniDV.
 
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scottfs said:
The Panasonic AF100 is out of the price range. It's $4750, without a lens. I'd love to have one, but I do need to eat at least once in a while.

Like to OP, I don't like the DSLR, as I shoot interviews, and I'm not going to stop when the chip overheats. I can run for an hour on miniDV.
Click to expand...

Well, The chip does not overheat, I have shot in India at ambient temp of 38 C did not ever run more than 5 or 6 mins on any shot but intermittent off and ons. Never had a problem

Then you are the new gen... I am old gen 16mm - 9mins change mag - no playback - imagine the shot :D

Great films and docs where made then to... You can always rent an AF100/101 :)
 
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