Need Recommendations for Videocamera

[NeTHaCk]

Hello everyone..

Im mainly a photographer but i've been tasked to get a videocamera for my company with a budget of max $2k. would like to find out which videocam is professional and within the budget .. if possible to fit a microphone and a hotshoe for videolight if possible..

am asking too much but was hoping if there are any out there...

 

[weeliano]

Hi NeTHack,

For $2000, it may be hard to get a prosumer Video camera. Also you may want to post what kind of footage you need to shoot. Is it for conferences? Commercials? Weddings, short films etc. Do you need to record more than half an hour of video at one go? Are you shooting HD or SD resolution etc.

I'd say you will need to spend close to 3K for a decent video camera and that's just bare bones without accessories. I remember years ago when I helped an ex employer to get a SONY PD-150 for more than $6000 including other accessories like batteries and a wide lens adapter. Another option is to get a DSLR with video capability but there are limitations.

Although you can shoot great video with DSLRs, there are several limitations which are listed on this website. http://nofilmschool.com/dslr/

Hope this helps!
Cheers!

 

[NeTHaCk]

Thanks for the prompt reply..


budget is tight as we're a VWO ..

how about panasonic hdc tm700 or canon HF S200 or m32 ?

 

[weeliano]

Sorry, can you enlighten me to what is a VWO?

Anyway, I'll have to ask you again what kind of video are you planning to shoot?

Also, are you shooting to tape or memory card? Although shooting to memory card may sound convenient, editing H.264 or MPEG4 footage can be a bitch. If you are going to shoot HD footage, you'll need to convert it to something more editable like Apple's ProRes or Cineform codecs.If you are shooting standard resolution DV PAL, then editing is much easier.

You may want to check out this website for the most appropriate camera for your needs.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

You can compare the models you have listed on their strengths and weaknesses.

One thing you need to take note is the sensor size and the light sensitivity of the cameras. If you need to shoot in poor lighting conditions, getting a camera with good low light capability is a must.

 

[Sgdevilzz]

Don't get a handyCam. Get pro grade cameras. This panasonic AG-HMC40PJ is a real budget for you. Cost USD$1995 converted to SGD is $2500. i'm Using the Panasonic AG-HVX200A. This baby is awesome but costly. Get a Professional Camcorder. You don't have to worry about low-lighting (But will have noise). besides, if you're doing for film then you have to get lightings. If it's events. Just get a video light. I Never used them before so i don't know if it's good.

Panasonic AG-HMC40PJ :http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webap...361001&catGroupId=112502&surfModel=AG-HMC40PJ
Video-light: http://www.videodirect.com/Merchant...V&Product_Code=VWLDC103&Category_Code=PNSCCLM

 

[NeTHaCk]

VWO is voluntary welfare organisation aka charity organisation..

Currently since myself and another colleague both come from photo/video/mass comms background,we'll be the ones to do the photos and videographing for our own events to save money on hiring others to do the job.

thanks for the suggestions on the website.. will have a read on it..

regarding the video cam.. i guess our budget is strictly $2k as we'll have to invest in equipment for photography as well

 

[Bamboopictures]

If you need to edit the footage inhouse and don't mind standard definition, go with Canon FS20,21,22. All have micjacks. Editing 1080p AVCHD will require a RAID drive and a very good specs PC with NVidia graphics card.
Fortunately, 720p HD is much less processor intensive. (Core2duo is good enuff) But 720p function is rare unless your budget is above $3600.
For low-end 720p, only Aiptek V2T6 has 1280x720p MPEG4 and a micjack. If you don't need mic input, you can order the JVC HM30 (720p AVCHD lite) from UK or the Panasonic SDX-1 (720p MP4) from Australia. All below $700 plus shipping. Be sure to order PAL versions of the camcorders.

 

[K3N]

Canon XA-10 looks good. It has 24Mbps AVCHD, dual XLR mic input, a coldshoe for a light, external mic holder and dual SD card slots.

If its within your budget. The JVC HM-100U (35Mbps )and Canon XF-100 (50Mbps) look good too. Canon XF-105 has genlock and HD-SDI out.