New video camera

[jwhite8086]

can someone recommend a good video camera for about $1000 maybe more

[Sonnie]

I don't know much about camcorders but these look like pretty good deals:

Sony HDR-SR7 AVCHD 6.1MP 60GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom at $999 shipped.

JVC Everio GZHD7 3CCD 60GB Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom at $1008 shipped.

[tonyvdb]

Make sure that the camera has "optical" image stabelisation not digital the two Sonnie mentioned are nice cameras.
Personally the JVC is a nicer unit.

[mrstampe]

We're shopping around for an HD video camera as well. With a newborn at home, and Christmas deals all around, it's the best time to buy. In my short time on the Shack, I've rarely found cheaper deals outside of the HTS Electronics Store... But, if you're interested in the JVC mentioned above, it's on sale for $550 with free s/h from two stores:

http://www.shopcartusa.com/P_JVC_Everio_GZ-HD7_GZHD7/PT_Y/?ic_campID=98


We might be picking up one of these ourselves! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

[jwhite8086]

Thanks I may have to settle for that one too all the ones I really like are over $4000. anyone know whitch camera gets closest to profesional without the pro pricetag

[mrstampe]

After much research and contemplation, I went with the Canon HV20. I thought I wanted the convenience of HDD (hard disk drive), but it turns out the compression formats tend to lose precious detail and they are much more difficult to edit on the PC. Everyone I've talked to raves about the standardized HDV cassette format. Several reviews have put the HC20 at the top of the consumer line.

HV20 Review
HD Camcorder Shootout conclusions
Digital Trends HV20 review
http://www.wired.com/gadgets/digitalcameras/magazine/test2007/vc_canon_hv20

MSRP is around $900. It's a little less in the brick-n-mortar stores. Most online store have it at $550-680, but two actually still have it on sale for $450 with free s/h! link

Maybe I'll post a review thread when it comes in.

[tweeksound]

I'd love a review.
Glad you found something that works for you.
Compression is never a good thing unless it's truly lossless or dynamic compression

And the HV20 has an optical Image Stabilizer as tonyvdb recommended.

If you want, you can make up a 50 - 300 MB sample movie, send it to me via SENDSPACE.COM and I'll host it so folks can DL it and see what the quality is like!. I've got a bunch of space just wasting away

Have fun!

[mrstampe]

tweeksound wrote:

If you want, you can make up a 50 - 300 MB sample movie, send it to me via SENDSPACE.COM and I'll host it so folks can DL it and see what the quality is like!.!

It's a deal!

[jwhite8086]

The canon looks like the one I need

The camera you need, if I may humbly interject, needs to be selected on the basis of your interest. Canon has the advantage in the consumer market of autofocus. The problem with that, amongst others, is the lag time and the fact that its a servo unit which means you'll never get the precise results you need for HD. Standard Definition is another matter because the image clarity doesn't approach HD and so you have alot of "slop"or room for error because you're never really in focus compared to the focus you can achieve with an HD camera. If you can tell me what the bulk of your shooting will be and how far you want to take your avocation, I would be happy to recommend the best consumer, pro-sumer or professional camera for your needs based on 23 years of experience and the reasons why the selection would be made. I'm new to the board so I offer my assistance with the utmost humility. Also, we began a free website for independent filmmakers that currently averages 60,000 downloads a week. The :30 minute, on-set interviews are with some of the most noted cinematographers, gaffers, DPs, grips and, well, you name it, in the industry from shows we work. Filmmaking, whether it's personal for your family or semi-professional as an independent producer, is an haunting pursuit and pretty soon you find yourself wanting to get exactly what's in your mind's eye down to tape or dick. Education is the only way to do this and if you'd like to improve your "eye", there are decisions you have top make before you buy your first camera. There are assets and drawbacks to every camera so before you plunk down your hard-earned money, my humble advice to you is to decide what you want to shoot and how far you want to take it.