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just cracked my lcd on my camera

Jeremy_Sawatzky

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so ive been using a sony handycam for my first shooting gig. guitar lessons to dvd. with good lighting and hd recording the cam has a nice output to dvd. But yesterday i dropped it in such a way that a wide angle lens ended up underneath the lcd and cracked it. The camera is all touch screen operated, so the camera is pretty much usless. its current value is 500 bucks and a new screen costs over 300 bucks. so there is no point in fixing it.

I was planning on holding out with this camera until scarlet came out. I need a camera now. I was thinking of a 7d (budget around 1500-2000) but my issue is the camera needs to be able to record for about an hour straight, no gaps. I dont think the 7d is capable of that. I can afford about 2000 bux. scarlet is just going to have to wait, but i need a camera now.

What other options do i have, I would like it to be HD, because im going to be shooting weddings in the near future and would like to have possible hd download or blueray.

Thanks for reading guys, all opinions are welcome.
 
If you need hour long runs (rules out DSLR) & are comfortable with bringing consumer cams to a job then look at the Panasonic TM700 or Sony CX550.
 
ya i figured dslrs were out of the picture. Its looking like i might be able to scrounge up 2500 bucks for the camera, im definitly not buying consumer again. I hated that touchscreen with a passion. 2500 bux outa get me something decent. used is an option too
 
there's the gh1, (if you can find one you can hack, quality is a lot more cleaned up) and there are no recording limits.

for the value, it's pretty good, articulating LCD, decent HD, if you can hack it it's even better. and since it can take any manual lens with cost effective adapters, you can get some pretty decent cheap glass for it, and a whole package will probably cost you under 2 grand if you use it right.

you'll still need to run separate sound though.
 
I have a "used on 1 one week shoot in costa rica" Like new in the box Sony Hvr-v1u I can sell you for $2600.00

Sony 3 chip "pro" prosumer camcorder with xlr inputs, full prostyle manual controls, scene files, 24p, etc. And will still play all your old tapes.
 
If you're happy with the camera you have now, fix it! There is a huge difference between $300 or $500 to make your current camera work and $2000+ for a new camera system. If what you have now works fix it and you'll have more money later when Scarlet actually gets released.
 
I too suggest the GH1 with the hack -- aka GH13. It has many advantages over the 7D, is a lot cheaper, and you get a 10x zoom that is tack sharp and has autofocus (slow, but) if you want need and I've recorded 2 hours straight many times. Check out eyepatchproductions on youtube for good hints and side by side and fast card suggestions. He's first rate.

This is in regards to using it to shoot movies, not stills. Also the build quality isn't anything like Canon. But then you're not paying that kind of price. Mine have been reliable. BUT DO NOT buy a new one unless you can determine its old stock and can be hacked. It's not terrible without, but it's a huge improvement with.

I don't think you can beat it for the price. The hack with the increased bit rate makes the difference and setting it up properly. It is so good that Panasonic has killed the hack on the new production. So get a used one that has been or can be hacked. You can also get a cheap adapter and use Nikon , Canon, Leica, Pentax lenses -- and Olympus as well. It is highly underrated. I have, in certain situations where "low profile" was needed, in a pinch, intercut it with Red footage (1080 deliverable).

The audio with an external mic is good for a guide track, and maybe ambience in some cases. Of course the same holds true as far as audio with all of the DSLRs -- and of course the GH1 isn't a DSLR in the strictest sense as it doesn't have a mirror. This gives it the huge weight, size and easy adaptability to other lenses advantage.
 
well my issue now is i think i will use this camera long past when scarlet is released, for a backup or b cam. What I REALLY need is xlr inputs. Recording audio separately to a different computer then trying to sync in post sucks. So i think i would be happy with a prosumer camera that captures decent images with good sound. i would be happy with that. I truly dont think im ready for the monster that is scarlet. yet....:) The GH1 was on my mind but xlr inputs are huge for me and i need em.

That Sony Hvr-v1u looks like a solid option for sure. but 2600 with shipping is guna have me scratching for cash. i cant do that unfortunately. I also hate tape. thats just me.

What other options have i got?
 
Yesterday there was a guy selling a vu1 over at dvinfo for $2000. Like someone already said, check into the used cams very very carefully. Not saying don't buy one, I've bought several cams used, just do your homework & if you feel at all funny about it don't bite.

Wanting XLR's at the price you're talking about will be hard.
 
well my issue now is i think i will use this camera long past when scarlet is released, for a backup or b cam. What I REALLY need is xlr inputs. Recording audio separately to a different computer then trying to sync in post sucks. So i think i would be happy with a prosumer camera that captures decent images with good sound. i would be happy with that. I truly dont think im ready for the monster that is scarlet. yet....:) The GH1 was on my mind but xlr inputs are huge for me and i need em.

That Sony Hvr-v1u looks like a solid option for sure. but 2600 with shipping is guna have me scratching for cash. i cant do that unfortunately. I also hate tape. thats just me.

What other options have i got?

you should check out pluraleyes, and soon to be dualeyes....


recording separate sound does suck, but there are many ways around it.
 
other cheapest other all in one solution i can think of is the hmc 40 with xlr adapter, all said and done probably 2 grand? You might be able to get them used fairly easily too.
 
yea i wouldnt go the route tom suggested. for 500 more i can get a nice cam with xlrs built in. used of coarse. The software route sounds good but that still leaves me with a broken camera. i wonder how much shipping would be from florida. but the border would kill me. ah this sux.
 
z1u is yesterday's tech, I wouldn't waste your $$ on it. If you're willing to drop $2500 on a used z1u then you'd probably be better off looking at a used HMC-150 which generally go for around $2750 & it's newer & better in just about every way.
 
im also looking at a used hvx200 for 2500 bux, chatting with the guy right now, is that a good price for a used hvx200?
 
Wondering why you would not want a V1u but then look at a z1u? HVR-V1u is 3 years newer technology and has XLRs too. BTW I'm just selling it for a friend, about to ebay it but saw your post so mentioned it.

Oh woops thats my mistake, i thought the z1u was the v1u. i got them mixed up. hold up on that ebaying there.....
 
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