i used a Sony Handycam for a while. I have an model thats about three years old and it didnt have manual focus but i think you can get ones now that have the option of turning it on or off. Same thing goes with the external mic. The newer models might have it but mine didn't. But you have the right idea. Look for manual focus and an external mic port. I would say look for manual focus over external mic for now. That way you can focus more on the visual part of filmmaking and focuse on the audio later. But the handycam is small and light weight so it was easy to move around and allowed me to try all sorts of different shots. Finally, i know this might sound crazy but try to stay away from the tiny cameras that you can fit in the palm of your hand because the tend to be very very "let video tape the kids unwrapping the xmas day present" type of cameras. Ultimatly its up to you. Go to a store and pick them up and play with them. Lastly, if it doesnt have a terrific zoom, i think that would be fine. In fact i think its better because young filmmakers (i used to do this) tend to do alot of zooming and this makes the films look very shaky and home videoish. It will help you to try other methods of getting close to you subjects which usually look better.

ps. dont get sucked into this whole nightvision gimmick. If you see two cameras and they are virtually the same except one has nightvision, go with the other one because they will charge you more for the nightvision one and its not worht it.

enjoy your search

"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick

Just go for the best camera you can afford. It is all about practice.

"Revenge is a dish best served cold."

So far, I've shot 4 shorts using a sony handycam and Pinnacle editing software. All 4 films came out great. My advice would be to work with what you can get. It's all in how you shot.

"Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try."

I agree with Diesel, buy what ever you can afford. I would have to suggest sticking with MINIDV. I got a few friends down here who bought used digital8 cameras and they can get very grainy in dark places, even with the proper lighting. I don't think I'm ever going back 😉 Just remember to focus on lighting the scene the best you can, good shots and good editing...pull those three things out...it's going to look quite professional.

to be honest. i wouldnt touch any of the uk consumer market. cause the quailty is bad! all mini dv! no good for broadcasting!! so best u can do is get a sony pd 170 as thats good to start with. yet only place i located them was in london! im cureently using hdv, which is the future media!

www.stormtv.o.uk

quote:

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Originally posted by stormangel2005

im cureently using hdv, which is the future media!

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That's interesting, storm. I've been hearing a lot of rumors that HDV is being replaced rather quickly. Do you think HDV is going to be the future media over HD?

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)