What video camera should I get?

Question

What video camera should I get?

I know this is a tough question to answer because there's so many variables, but I'll give you as much info as I can.
I would like to get a camera that is best suited for indie films (light, durable, 24p, shallow depth of field), but I also plan on using this camera for some documentaries as well. I don't have a huge technical background, but I have an eye for things and I am willing to learn. I have been in front of the camera a lot, and have been around sets for years.
My budget is probably around $5,000 tops.
I will also need a lighting and sound package, but I'm not sure what that entails.
Are there places that have an entire package deal that I can buy, or is my best bet just to go to a high end camera store, pick their brains and have them hook me up with the whole deal?
I've been researching a bit on the internet and I have some ideas, but I would love some input from the folks here...
Thanks in advance...
hagen

2G iMacG5, 1.42G iBookG4, FCE HD 3.5, 300G Ext.HD, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Oct 11, 2007 11:15 AM

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Answer 1

Shane Ross

Level 8

43,110 points

Oct 11, 2007 11:20 AM in response to hagenvonhagen

I myself am considering this too...and I am looking at getting the Canon HV20 and the Redrock Micro adapter for it, and a good Nikon or Canon lens. ALL for under $3000.

http://prolost.blogspot.com/2007/06/redrock-gets-it.html

Here it is in Action

http://prolost.blogspot.com/2007/08/taming-toy.html

Too bad it is HDV...but still....man....

Shane

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Answer 2

Zebulun

Level 5

6,749 points

Oct 11, 2007 11:41 AM in response to Shane Ross

Well if That Guy has the HV20, then we all need the HV20, I mean, if That Guy says so it must be the truth.

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Answer 3

Shane Ross

Level 8

43,110 points

Oct 11, 2007 11:48 AM in response to Zebulun

Oh shut up Zeb! (lol) It isn't only him...he is just the guy that blogs about it and shows what the rig is.

Alex Lindsay of PixelCorp has one and likes it...same rig. A couple guys I know have the HV20, and we used it for a couple minor B-Roll shots in one HD show I am working on, and it is a decent camera.

I know..."web celebs" advice should be taken with a grain of salt (myself included)...I was just pointing out an option. It isn't THE option, but an option.

Cheaper than the Sony VU1...which is another option. Too bad you can go above $5k, because the HVX-200 is the BEST sub-$10k camera out there. It is those darn P2 cards and some way to offload them that make it cost $9k to $10k when all is said and done.

Shane

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Answer 4

Oct 11, 2007 12:04 PM in response to hagenvonhagen

Yeah, I've been honing in on either the Panasonic DVX-100B or one of the Canon XH models, either the A1 or G1. The G1 is a bit more than I wanted to spend though. I don't really think I have the need for HD yet...
Hagen

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Answer 5

pelai

Level 1

10 points

Oct 11, 2007 6:31 PM in response to hagenvonhagen

I got the HV20 and the picture quality is amazing, I really love the little cam. But it really needs somekind of stabilizing system to give you good footage when not on tripod. I find this to be a major problem when shooting a documentary, handheld just isn't much of an option with it.
But for it's price it really is incredible.

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Answer 6

W. Raider

Level 3

784 points

Oct 11, 2007 7:40 PM in response to Shane Ross

I'd 2nd the HVX200 if you can swing it. We have three of them and love 'em (for the most part).

As far as light kits, a small DP kit from Arri is pretty versatile. B&H video has some okay deals on them.

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Answer 7

Studio X

Level 7

27,229 points

Oct 12, 2007 8:00 AM in response to hagenvonhagen

The DVX100 is the camera of choice given your criteria.

x

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Answer 8

nks06

Level 1

0 points

Oct 12, 2007 9:52 AM in response to Studio X

i agree with studio
I've done an insane amount of research and for the price, the dvx100b is the best bet. it's a shame that it doesn't have the ability for interchangable lens, but the lens it has on there is good enough. I thought about the xl1 a lot, but i've heard way too many things about functionality issues with it such as the lcd screen going out and all that.

dvx100b
its the way to go

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Answer 9

Zebulun

Level 5

6,749 points

Oct 12, 2007 10:39 AM in response to nks06

Actually, for the price point out there currently, the best bargain for performance dollar has to be the SDX900. 2/3" ccd's, DV25, DV50, 16x9 native, interchangeable lens capability. Everyone feels the need for HD which I still find humorous so the price on this excellent camera has dropped through the floor.

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Answer 10

Oct 12, 2007 11:59 AM in response to Zebulun

Yeah, the SDX900 has dropped through the floor, but it's still 16 grand. I agree with you on the HD issue though. I don't have a need for it right now, and my clients have no way to watch it yet. Looks like it might be the 100b unless anyone can convince me otherwise.
Hagen

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Answer 11

Zebulun

Level 5

6,749 points

Oct 12, 2007 12:03 PM in response to hagenvonhagen

you could get the hvx200 which i believe will record to tape: dv25, dv50 and then, wait for it...the marketing buzzword: "future proof" yourself by shooting dvcpro hd if you want!

future proofing. isn't that what was said about the bernoulli disk????

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Answer 12

Oct 12, 2007 12:20 PM in response to Zebulun

Alright, you got me thinking about the 200 with "future proofing"...not a bad point really.
What about the Sony XDCAM EX? Any news on that yet or when it's coming out?
hagen

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Answer 13

Oct 12, 2007 4:11 PM in response to hagenvonhagen

For what it's worth, I bought my first dvx100 3 years ago. My company has just purchased our 11th. It's a great camera and will fit nicely with your intended use.

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Answer 14

budakhan

Level 3

940 points

Oct 12, 2007 4:16 PM in response to stupox@gmail.com

indeed. the DVX100 camera is fantastic. it is the pro-sumers choice because of it's price and beautiful picture for the kind of camera it is. infact MTV does a large amount of their productions with it. wildboyz and other programs are shot with it because it's robust and has 24p. can't go wrong with it if you ask me.

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Answer 15

Oct 12, 2007 4:29 PM in response to budakhan

You all have been very helpful. It looks like the DVX100 is the way to go. Anything else I should be purchasing with it that I absolutely should not be without?
Any recommendations on where to buy?
Also curious if there are any issues transfering the 24P in FCP?
Hagen

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