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Home: Video University Forums: HDV:
Camera Selection Advice

mdslammer
Novice

Jun 21, 2005, 5:20 PM

Post #1 of 3 (1287 views)
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Camera Selection Advice	Can't Post

Hello,

I am in the market for a digital camcorder. I have narrowed it down to a few models and was hoping for some insight on how to proceed.
First off, I'm going to be using the camera mainly for film work. Shorts as well as full length.

I know of two that are slated for release later this year: Panasonic HG-HVX-200 and the JVC GY-HD100U. I have read the specs for both on their web pages but wanted to get some opinions from videographers that have had expierence with HD camcorders.

I was also considering the Panasonic DVX-100A. Although not HD it does shoot 24p simulating the look of film.

I'm also concerned about the lense and being able to use wide angle or telephoto with these cameras. I know the JVC has interchangeable lense but what about the Panasonic that uses an adapter? Is the quality limited or compromised in anyway?

As you can tell by my post, I'm a novice when it come to video. My expertise is post production: music, sound effects, foley, etc. I would like to make the right decision the first time considering the investment. Also, who are the most reputable retailers with the best prices, warranties etc.?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Regards.

Mark Dalzell / AudioScapes
Las Vegas, NV

mike harvey
User

Jul 2, 2005, 11:32 PM

Post #2 of 3 (1141 views)
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Re: [mdslammer] Camera Selection Advice [In reply to]	Can't Post

Rent a camera if you can before you buy to try it out.

I love my DVX100a. If you know what you're doing, it takes gorgeous pictures. But this is not a camera to use if your going to leave it on auto all the time. You must use the manual settings in order to get the most out of it. You can buy good (but expensive) lenses that can easily mount to it. The in camera anamorphic isn't bad, though. It has a very short zoom, but if you're doing film shorts, that shouldn't be an issue.

I would love to use the new Panny when it comes out, but the only reason is because it shoots DVCProHD at 1080/24p-- but to do that you have to use the P2 cards, which will be prohibitively expensive at first.

The current HDV JVC out there is supposed to be crap... but their new one may be good. I know many folks love the DV500/DV5000 cameras, so the new one may be similar.

My only hangup with the current Sony's are that they shoot interlaced, not progressive. I'm hooked on 24p, but it's purely an aesthetic thing and you may love it. Everyone here who's used seems to love it.

Note that HD will only make you screwups more noticable, so if your a novice, I would recomend learning the basics on a rented or el cheapo camera before sinking in a ton of money into a camera that a novice will have trouble mastering. If nothing else, take a class at a community college or something. Get an intro to video book. But buying a $3k-$5k camera if you are new to video and don't quite know what you are doing is a bad idea in my opinion.

~~~~~~~~~
Veritas Vincit

mdslammer
Novice

Jul 3, 2005, 9:28 AM

Post #3 of 3 (1126 views)
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Re: [mike harvey] Camera Selection Advice [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your imput. Are you saying that the overall zoom for the DVX100a is short or when using the anamorphic lense attached the zoom is short? When you say the "current HDV JVC out is crap" which model are you referring to? I've read some very impressive reviews for the JVC HD100U previewed earlier this year at NAB.

Can you possibly describe the aesthetic difference between interlaced and progressive and why you prefer progressive.

I have some expierence using a video camera but these "el cheapo" cameras are very limited in many areas. Therefore, I'm looking to move up to a camera that will enable me to produce an end result I will be happy with. Investing in a camera that costs $3K-$5K will definetly be a major step up. Don't get me wrong, this is a pricey investment but the tools one uses is very important to get the desired results.

I'm not opposed to putting in time learning how to use a higher end camera. Like I have my whole musical career, I still work at my craft with 40+ years of expierence under my belt.

I have been educating myself by reading several books for film/video, talking to informative people on forums & I have looked into taking some classes in the fall.

Don't misunderstand me, I realize using a camera properly is an art, but using anything less than a higher "prosumer" camera is a waste of time in my opinion.

Thanks again for your advice.

Regards.

Mark Dalzell / AudioScapes
Las Vegas, NV