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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Whats a good starter prosumer camcorder?

C

ChosenPredator

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Just curious what everyones opinion is because I think the red is out of my price range and I'm not sure if you have to buy different parts for it so it all adds up to being expensive for me.

I basically want to know what a good starter camcorder is if i wanted to make a short film and learn how to get better with the functions of a camcorder.


sorry if this sounds confusing
 
SONY PMW EX1 would be my choice as far as a 3 chip prosumer camera goes. The images are pretty good, but if you want the shallow depth of field you'll need to look into getting some kind of adapter, like the Letus or Redrock. Adapters can be good, but they are a pain.

Good luck!
 
If its your first prosumer camcorder overall, the EX-1 + 35mm adapter that Neil suggested might be a little overkill... it does produce the best image quality of a camcorder in that pricerange though.

Do you intend to shoot in 24p or not...?
 
Need real names here...

Jim
 
The Sony EX3 is a good camera. I bought two of them one time $8k each. So its semi-affordable. (even more affordable if you have grants or funding). Yes get the adapter. (shallow depth of field effects). It will work great.

For that good color correction , Red Alert, Red Cine, and Scratch.. just do what you can in off the shelf stuff from Adobe or even Apple.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK0JYGWaeBw

Above was not shot in a RED but a Sony EX. But you can get that Shallow Depth of field without the RED and its lenses. Ill be making another one , but for our Native American Tribes..
 
ChosenPredator said:
Just curious what everyones opinion is because I think the red is out of my price range and I'm not sure if you have to buy different parts for it so it all adds up to being expensive for me.

I basically want to know what a good starter camcorder is if i wanted to make a short film and learn how to get better with the functions of a camcorder.


sorry if this sounds confusing
Click to expand...
one sole word.. scarlet.. not just a starter cam but all in one.. :)

edit
the point is.. when?
 
I would recommend a used HVR-Z1U which you can get for about $2,500 on eBay or Craiglist and cannot be beat for the money. HDV has a lot of advantages for storage and etc. and you have the option of recording the uncompressed HD to an Intensity Pro or a Kona Ki Pro if necessary.

I own two and may never sell them. You can time-code sync two or more with a remote and do a multi-camera edit in FCP without hard wiring the cameras. In addition NEAT VIDEO's noise removal plug-in completely transforms HDV.

-michael zaletel
(shooter)
 
used HVX200 would be my choice
 
When it comes to traditional video cameras, I'm a Panasonic kind of guy, and I would have to plug the HPX-170 and the HVX-200. They're slower than the EX1 or 3, but they make a nice looking, smooth 720p HD image. And they use global CCD's, and so avoid the CMOS pitfalls of the EX series.
 
Just looked at dvxuser and it looks like a used HVX200 goes for about $3000, and for about $3500 you can get a couple P2 cards, pelican case, etc. Sounds good to me.
 
this is too funny.. is CANON 5D MARK II a forbidden combination over redusers?.. you're recommending used obsolete cams for the price of the new hype.. that is.. if you'll get to find one.. sold out is the most recent hit online ehehehehe

edit
ooops my sorries.. the boy wants a prosumer.. loooooool too funny
 
for shooting video, I'd rather have the HVX200 than the 5D
 
..
look at my signature
 
I wouldnt go for the 5D either in this case... HDV would be the way to go if youre on a tight budget.
 
the 5D obviously can make some super pretty movies, for for the same price, I'd rather have 24p and manual lens and audio controls, than 35mm DOF, personally. I know that hackers are coming closer to making the 5D more filmmaker friendly, but until that time I still wouldn't recommend it over other options, again just personally.
 
Thanks everyone, sorry for not being to specific as I am not to sure what I want but the price range of the specific cams be suggested here are pretty good. 10k for EX3 Sony in Canada...I check out some test footage of it and it was pretty incredible but I also check out the 5D suggest above and I am surprised how crisp looking it is but i am guessing it's because all the focal points are close?

http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/contro...ductID=249&articleTypeID=225&WT.mc_id=C125910 <--this is the footage i am talking about

If anyone can show me some good test shots with the cameras suggest that would be very helpful :)
 
the footage from the Canon i think is great, but it's the camera's lack of controls and framerates that makes me consider something else. go to DVXuser to find HVX footage. I haven't been in a while so I'm not sure of an awesome vid I'd recommend.
 
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