I'm right now in the market for a prosumer camera that I will be shooting a documentary with. I don't need anything too fancy or expensive (hopefully I can stay in the under 2k range, willing to go more if it's really worth it), just something that gets the job done and a lot of the prosumer models look like they might be up my alley. The one I'm liking right now is the Sony PD150, I like that it has the two XLR inputs, I want to be able to capture good audio. I like the small, easy to handle design as well, though the LCD screen does look a bit small.
I can't say I know too much else about this stuff, that's why I'm here. Feel free to educate/throw opinions at me ?:D? thanks guys
Welcome to filmmaking.net.
I own the PD170. It's a great camera. The 150 is very similar.
What size LCD screen would be better for you? maybe I can
point you toward another camera with a larger screen.
Check out these camera threads threads:
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8213
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7034
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6195
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6316
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4527
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4479
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4183
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4555
If you have more questions, feel free to ask.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
Hey, I've looked through a few of your posts already, a lot of it was focused on the 1k area cameras though.
Since posting I have learned about the PD 170, are there any huge differences between this and the 150? I notice it has a slightly larger LCD, heh. The LCD isn't a dealbreaker for me, just in general larger would be better, but if that's the typical size for this type of camcorder I'm not going to complain. Besides, I've found some good deals on a used 170 kit.
From what I've mentioned would you say this is the camera for me, or is there something else I should be looking at?
Very few cameras in the 2k range have XLR inputs.
I like the Panasonic AG-HMC70. I don't remember the differences between the
PD150 and PD170. But you'll find the specs on line. Which means I also don't
remember what made me choose the 170. It's my secondary camera but it's
excellent. In my opinion it's a fine camera to shoot with.
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
Hmm a quick question. I see the PD170 shoots 16:9, can I also shoot 4:3 if I want to?
yes
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
sweet
Hmm today I went to look at a used PD170. The camera seemed in pretty decent shape, some wear, the big thing though is when I looked through the viewfinder (with LCD closed) all I saw were zebra stripes. Maybe it's just a setting I'm not familiar with? Maybe it's broken?
To clarify there was no image, just black and white stripes. The guy showing me the camera barely knew how to work it, so he wasn't much help.
There are several different possibilities. If you cannot see an image through the
viewfinder but the LCD screen is fine and it records to tape and the price is quite
low, it might still be worth it.
I can't offer any advice at all without personally seeing the camera.
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
I got such a headache searching for the best camera. The truth is, all of them are good in there own rights. I bought the JVC HD7. Not the best camera, but will do the trick. It does not have the xlr's though, i almost didn't get it, but does have the 1/8" mic. JVC is a good brand.
