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Hey, I've been looking at a few different cameras, SD, miniDV, HD etc. as of late for a project that will be starting soon. I'm very impressed with the HD prosumer category that I've seen. Anybody have any experience working with video cameras/software that they can input?
Well i reccomend getting a MiniDV camera. Right now i have a Sony Vx1000 with a markI fisheye. What are you going to be filming, and how much are you willing to spend? I suggest using www.adorama.com and www.ebay.com if you are looking for something used. A new 3ccd camera will be very expenive, but adorama and ebay usually have some nice prices. As for a fisheye, i doubt you will need one unless you are going to be filming skateboarding or something where you are going to be filming something that is really, really close to you. Some other good cameras are the cannon gl2, sony vx series (1000, 2000, 2100 etc...) Panasonic DVX100a (the dvx is my personal favorite although to expensive for me, the colors are simply amazing and the sound in incredible.) Lots of other good cameras too, just go to google and search 3ccd miniDV camcorder or something like. Also if you are only willing to spend around 300-400 bucks i would recommend the Cannon Optura 10 or 20, the only difference between them is the 20 has a slightly larger LCD screen. (which can be helpful, but also drains the battery much quicker.)
i ended up going with the sony hdr-hc3 HDV camera... it's not as nice as some of the 3CCD units, but it's HD and it's here now, so I figure why not shoot the project in HD? It was fairly expensive, with the camera coming in at 1300, the tripod 125, case, good battery, wide-angle lens, etc. totalled well over 2000, but oh well if it works i'll make far more than that in sales. :)
Good info though, I'd love to chat video w/ you some time!!!
Take care!
I once worked with this kid I knew and helped him make a film for school on Super 8. It was pretty cool and I got to see his girlfriend naked. She was lying face down in the grass with these angelwings on her and just suddenly blurted out. "I bet it would look cool if I just went over and started fucking her eh?" The funny thing was he, dead serious said "Yea man I'm cool with it." She was not cool with it. But yea, I love film. It takes a hell of a lot of preparation if you want to shoot it right but it pays off 10fold