Recommendation for Video Camera

[freakypiano]

Hi there.

I am a absolute newbie at video cameras. However, due to the nature of my job, I am required to take videos of musical performances. My budget is no more then S$1,800.00 and I definitely don't mind a second hand video camera.

I guess some of the important features of the camera is:

- Able to mount an external microphone/flash light
- Good for low-light
- Noise cancellation will be a bonus
- Mini-DV medium (got lots of tapes lying around which can be recycled)

I am currently using a Canon MV800i, the entry level of all entry levels and truth be told, everyone who have seen my videos commented that I need better hardware (prob hinting I suck at this at the same time).

Will appreciate feedback or any comments.. many thanks in advance!

 

[Faiz]

Heiyah try the dvx 100 or 102b if anyone selling it 2nd hand it should amptly fit to your requirements... pd 170 is also a good choice thou

 

[livepro]

2nd hand DVX can be so cheap meh? I think at least 3k. But DVX low light perfomance not gd. PD170 better.
You can consider sony HDV HC7E(handheld one) or it's new model. Panasonic one also not bad. You can call allan photo or cathay to check price with them. Should be able to get one within ur buget.

 

[Faiz]

image wise pana is definitely better than sony no offence pro sony , it's up to you to choose pana , sony or canon , low light sony , good image quality pana , look like a pro canon . if u want all of the above gonna cost you a bomb , to me i prefer image quality and nothing else matter low light tam plus 9db shoot on interlace dun shoot on progressive problems solved . *lol*

 

[livepro]

yes. I agree with you. But the design of the pana cam, the manu navigation are not so nice.

 

[Faiz]

camera preferences is up to each individual... i started on pana , i can navigate pana menu button wif eyes closed but not wif any other brand so it's individual preferences but i still believe pana makes the best dv and sony makes the best broadcast camera and canon have the best price...

 

[Hobbes00]

canon makes the best lenses =D

ok here we go... NEVER touch the PD170. ur paying for technology thats like YEARS past.. its like using a thumbdrive with 512MB where you can get a 1GB thumbdrive for the same price.

Panasonic DVX
or
Canon XH-A1
Enuff said..

 

[freakypiano]

Thanks for the recommendation.

I was looking through the web for the Pana DVX. Any idea how much will it cost?

 

[jaegersing]

PD170, or the VX2100 consumer version, will be much better at low light shooting compared with the XH-A1 or DVX100 range.

What Faiz says about image quality is correct, but that is based on having adequate lighting. If you have to make do with what is available, and if it is less than ideal, the Sony cams will get a workable shot every time. That's why event guys love these so much.

When the light levels drop, some other cams just give a pale grainy shot with very little colour saturation. The XH-A1 can also be used in low(ish) lighting but you need to work harder with the settings to get a decent picture.

 

[jaegersing]

PD170, or the VX2100 commercial version, will be much better at low light shooting compared with the XH-A1 or DVX100 range.

What Faiz says about image quality is correct, but that is based on having adequate lighting. If you have to make do with what is available, and if it is less than ideal, the Sony cams will get a workable shot every time. That's why event guys love these so much.

When the light levels drop, some other cams just give a pale grainy shot with very little colour saturation. The XH-A1 can also be used in low(ish) lighting but you need to work harder with the settings to get a decent picture.

 

[engr]

u will need to bump yr budget to 2.5k at least for a used unit. You will be shooting from a distance plus in low light. U better say yr cash for a medium sized cam. Small handycam's r gonna bump up the gain totally and the picture quality will suck big time.

I would go for PD170 in yr case. Panny has nicer colour but since u need low light more, u can touch up the image is post.

 

[freakypiano]

Hi all, once again, thanks for your feedback.

I am deciding between these 2 models:

Canon HV30 or
Sony HC7E

My main concern is shooting in low light and I will also like to explore the option of getting a good external microphone. I may get the microphone from Swee Lee or the likes and am wondering if it will fit the camcorder.

 

[mediashock]

Heiyah try the dvx 100 or 102b if anyone selling it 2nd hand it should amptly fit to your requirements... pd 170 is also a good choice thou

Dvx 100 is bad with low bad. But the color is damn nice!!

 

[Hobbes00]

mumbles some magic words..... www.hv20.com
u've a huge user community if you go on the hv30 path... and a lot of professionals have join the club.

 

[freakypiano]

mumbles some magic words..... www.hv20.com
u've a huge user community if you go on the hv30 path... and a lot of professionals have join the club.

Can I enquire if I get external microphones from say, Swee Lee, will the microphone work well with the camera?

 

[Hobbes00]

People who need better sound attach an ext mic. on it... heres some pics of people's rig...

http://www.vimeo.com/1587586

Dave

 

[jaegersing]

Ha ha, where's the camera?

 

[mediashock]

People who need better sound attach an ext mic. on it... heres some pics of people's rig...

http://www.vimeo.com/1587586

Dave

hahaha, this guy is cool!!

 

[freakypiano]

Hi all,

Updating this thread, I have decided to get the HV30 from Canon. Bought from SLS yesterday and also managed to get a RODE video-camera microphone.

The standard free gifts include an extra battery, a miniDV tape and a camera bag.

 

[Flashbulb]

Alan Foto i presume?

camera bag, $20-ish
1x mini-dv tape 90min $8

is the HV30 battery original Canon?

considered buying from online as prices are much cheaper.

How much were you quoted?

think of the rest as assurance for local warranty.