need advice: seeking sub-$2,000 cameras

[David Quinn Carder]

I couldn't find an appropriate place for this thread (didn't there used to be a forum for other cameras?).

A former client was going to shoot his final pre-Scarlet project on two Sony HVR-Z1Us, the same cameras I used to shoot his first project. Unfortunately, one of them is malfunctioning and so he wants to buy two or three cheap cameras to use since Scarlet won't be out until Summer. The project is an instructional DVD, but accurate color and picture quality in general are still an issue. Decent low-light performance would also be ideal (I say decent because I don't expect anything cheap to even begin to approach what Scarlet/Epic will be capable of).

For my own projects, I am waiting for RED. I just can't do what I want to do with anything affordable right now. Because of that, I haven't kept up on non-RED cameras, so any advice would be appreciated. While I may recommend something up to $2,000, I'm really aiming for something around $1,000. If something really cheap will get the job done, then that's what I'll go for.

If it's easier to advise via phone or if you have questions, shoot me a PM and leave your number! Thanks in advance!

 

[Rob Igo]

Rent something decent like a Sony EX1R. It's what I have and I love that camera.

With Red being so close to it's release (knock, knock)... why would you even consider a purchase? Around $1000 will get you a consumer camera point-n-shoot or something used... why bother?

 

[Gabriel Lopez Shaw]

FILM RIOT did a review of the cheapos. http://revision3.com/filmriot/cameras

 

[Adil Lahoulou]

consider waiting for the new canon 550d. Retails for $800 body. Get some used high speed primes and you should be set.

Sensor• 18.7 million effective pixelsImage sizes• 5184 x 3456• 3456 x 2304• 2592 x 1728SensitivityISO 100 to 6400, extendable to 12800.Metering• TTL 63-zone SPCExposure Compensation+/- 5.0 EVAuto ISO• ISO 100 to 6400• User selectable max ISOLCD monitor• 3.0 " TFT LCD• 3:2 aspect ratio• 1,040,000 dotsVideo mode• 1080p @ 30, 25 or 24 fps• 720p @ 50/60 fps• VGA @ 50/60 fps• Movie crop function• External stereo mike (optional)High-speed continuous• 3.7 fps• 34 JPEG/Fine frames• 6 RAW frames Connectors• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed• Video output (PAL/ NTSC)(integrated with USB terminal)• HDMI Type C• Stereo microphoneStorageSD/SDHC/SDXCEye-Fi compatibilityOn-screen messages & menu support, auto power-down disabled when transmitting.Battery GripBG-E8Others• Copyright/photographer information• 'Q' button & separate movie button• 4 level battery reporting• Eye-Fi card menu and UI support• Control over HDMI• Easier access to Auto Lighting Optimizer

 

[Jannard]

Sorry... try DVXuser.com

Jim