Hello everyone.
I'm an actor looking to purchase a camcorder to shoot scenes for my future reel (which I'll be editing on a mac). I've acted in 7 student films and have been very disapointed with the quality of the final film once I receive the DVD each time. It is time I invest in a camera of my own, and shoot my own scenes with other actors.
On top of that, I have an interest in shooting some short films I've written. I just got off the phone with a man who has a ton of knowledge regarding video cameras. After his talk, I've decided I do not want to invest in anything above $1,200. I don't have the funds to buy something in the 2 - 4 grand range, nor the desire to learn a camera of that quality.
If I want to get a camera just to shoot my reel with, I reckon I can get something under a grand in standard definition. But if I want to start shooting shorts, I was thinking I'd have to go the next level and invest in something HD and in the $1,000 - $1,400 price area.
In an ideal situation, I'd like to purchase a camera that would be great both for my reel and to shoot short films with. If you have recommendations for either one (a camera for just a reel and a camera for the reel and shorts), given what I've written previously, I'm all ears. I would also like it to be Canon and using mini-dv's.
Thanks in advance!
The canon GL2 sound perfect for you. You can find one in your range, you might have to look into lightly used, and it's massively easy to use yet if you find someone who knows their stuff (which I highly suggest doing) your films can look great.
GL2 is SD, not HD, isn't it?
Dave I think I emailed you that question too... I wanted the DVX100b but Why is it so expensive for SD ?2300 or $4600.... IT was strange as HD is the same price...But I'm probably right in thinking that Its a brilliant SD...But the price 🙁
The GL2 is an excellent camera. But if you are limiting yourself to
HDV (you won't get HD in that price range), miniDV and Canon
there is only one that I know of: the Canon HV20. It records in
HDV (1080i) and 24p (60i), has a mic input and manual controls
for white balance and focus but it uses one 1/2.7? CMOS sensor
rather than 3 CCD?s. For me the jury is still out on the CMOS. And
it?s so small the handling is difficult.
If you are open to other manufacturers JVC makes an excellent
camera in that range as do Sony and Panasonic.
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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)
Yes the GL2 is SD. The cheapest HD that's worth it's weight is the HVX200 at around 5k. I'm sure there are cheaper HDs, but I don't know about them, nor do I care to. There are some older panasonics in the 2-3k range with decent capabilities. But... why are you so dead set on HD?
I've talked to people about the GL2. They all have told me that in their experience, it is a camera that takes true-to-life video and is good for shooting events ONLY. With my intentions to shoot a short film, they all said "no". Either spend the money and get a 3 CCD camera, or get a HD camcorder from Canon.
I like the HV20. To answer your question DaveD: I think it's important to invest in something that shoots HD now. Even if someone doesn't watch it on a HD compatible television, I'm confident and HD short film will look a lot better on a standard def tv vs. a standard def camera of any price range. And given my lack of desire to purchase anything above $1,500, and that leaves me staring at HD Canon camcorders.
Any additional words of advice are appreciated.
I've seen really amazing things done with the GL2 in short films. I don't know who you talked to, or what sort of experience they've had, but I completely disagree.
And the point I was trying to make was that HD doesn't always mean better. Specifically when you're talking about that low of a price range.
