The most important factors in achieving 'film look' are:

-digital frame rate, and how it is displayed- for example, 24 frames progressive (25 if in Europe) will look more 'film like' than 60 (50 in EU) frames interlaced, purely because an interlaced image is what is used for television broadcasting, whereas 'progressive' scan mimics how a projector would display an image. Therefore, look for a camera which can shoot at 24p or 25p.

-optics and depth of field: the variety of different lenses used in film production sets it apart visually from normal 'video'. Things like decreased depths of field etc are common in cinema, and are sometimes difficult to achieve with only a stock lense. That is not to say that cinema never utilises deep focus etc, which of course it does, the important point is the choice is there for the cinematographer to make- i.e- he is not limited by equipment

-lighting: if you light your digital production like you would light a professional film production, then it will aid you immensely in achieving the cinematic look. Unfortunately, due to the relative cheapness of DV as opposed to film, film-makers using digital sometimes skimp on lighting and setup. Just because the medium is cheaper doesn't mean that other production values should be thrown aside.

There are other factors too which I'm sure others will point out. Hope this helps.

In terms of HD cams, you are of course, budget restricted. It's difficult to reccomend a camera until you specifiy the budget you are working within.

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Originally posted by stevesie

I am looking at entering the world of HD cameras. Just want to know what ones people like in terms of achieving the film look.

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I will add to rizzos comments, seconding the advice of 24p fps (p=progressive, i=interlaced) for frames per second speed, and adding that I continually read to use some sort of softening filter, like a Black Pro Mist (1/2 or 1 strength), or a Soft Filter. I even just read in the brand new magazine "HD VideoPro" (premier issue just came out on newsstands, I subscribed, I love it) that the "Battlestar Galactica" TV show, filmed all in HD digital, often uses a sandwiched black pro-mist filter AND a softening filter.

I agree with rizzo on lighting-- my background is more fine art 35mm nudes and fashion photography, I am relatively new to shooting HD digital, but I am hoping my experience in studio lighting will help; anyway, 35mm fine art photography is much about lighting-- so important to light the subject well, control shadows with fill lighting, reflectors. So I plan to do the same for HD cinemetography. You can buy a couple of thick white foamcore boards at an art supply store for a few bucks each for cheap reflectors to fill shadows; spray paint one side gold if you want to really fill in shadows or even create highlights and bronze skin tones a bit. Learn to set white balance correctly if using studio lights though.

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i am actually just interested in people posting HD cameras they have worked with/ would recommend, that of course would have the abilities for variable frame rate, 16x9 capacity, 35mm lens capability etc. Would want to spend around the 5,000 mark but not really a limit as such. Thanks.

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Originally posted by stevesie

i am actually just interested in people posting HD cameras they have worked with/ would recommend, that of course would have the abilities for variable frame rate, 16x9 capacity, 35mm lens capability etc. Would want to spend around the 5,000 mark but not really a limit as such. Thanks.

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I recently got a Canon XH-A1, priced now around $3500. Does many frame rates, widescreen HD, 20x optical zoom, zebra line ability, much more. very nice.

Linux, the choice of a GNU generation.
http://subzerolinux.org

I've been using the JVC GY-HD110U http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101642 it's such a great camera that I just upgraded to the GY-HD250U http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101625

The stock Fujinon lens is the best stock lens of any HDV camera. With the PL mount adapter (available for rent) I can rent top of the line 35mm and Super35 lenses.

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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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I've been using the JVC GY-HD110U

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I am interested in this camera. do you have any clips available on web that you have filmed using it? thanks.