Hi All,
I am a film student and would like to update my camera. I am currently using a stone-age Sony camcorder which is not nearly up to standard. After some research, I am liking the look of the Panasonic NV-GS500. I tried it in an electronics store and found it quite impressive. I have saved enough to buy it new.
However, I came home to discover that my University is selling off some surplus camera kits from the tech department. They are selling Canon XL1 kits with various lenses, batteries and battery chargers.
Now, I realise the Canon would have superior manual functionality, but even second hand it is slightly out of my price range (Tendering for $1700 AUD) and it also does not come with a warranty, and I have been warned they are very expensive to fix in the event of something going wrong. Despite this, I would be willing to pay more if the Panasonic is completely inferior by comparison.
I'm not sure if I will be compromising quality of production significantly by going with the Panasonic NV-GS500 - so, if this was you, which way would you go? Any and all responses would be greatly appreciated - I am completely undecided!
Thanks everyone.
"Eat Dirt And Die, Trash!" - Blanche Devereaux
I've used both, I own the Panasonic. The XL1 is a better camera than the GS500 - but it's not "completely inferior" by any means. As long as your story is compelling, your actors are great, your lighting excellent and you get great sound the quality of the production won't be compromised by using the GS500.
It's risky buying used equipment from a University. Those cameras have gone through dozens of users, not all of them treating the camera with the care it needs.
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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)
quote:
Originally posted by certified instigator
I've used both, I own the Panasonic. The XL1 is a better camera than the GS500 - but it's not "completely inferior" by any means. As long as your story is compelling, your actors are great, your lighting excellent and you get great sound the quality of the production won't be compromised by using the GS500.
It's risky buying used equipment from a University. Those cameras have gone through dozens of users, not all of them treating the camera with the care it needs.
Thank you for your response, CI. I have decided to go with the Panasonic, and save in the meantime for something more professional when I get some more experience. I have heard great things about the NV-GS500, I can't wait to get out and start shooting :D.
"Eat Dirt And Die, Trash!" - Blanche Devereaux
