There is only one reasonably serious consumer camcorder that has 1080p and 60fps (Panasonic TM700). There are also some Sanyo models (subsidiary of Panasonic). All others have only 30p, 60i and, occasionally, 24p.

What you saw on Samsung was 60i at 1080 (which Canon can do as well), or 60p at 720 (Most consumer camcorders don't do 720 at all).

In the US, 30p and 60i frame rates generally give away a TV look. Consumers here are used to associating film with the slower 24fps frame rate, and when they see faster rate, they immediately subconsciously associate it with TV. When you say 'film', I'm not sure if you also mean the film look.

Canon now has the successor to HF-200, which is HF-M300, and is better and cheaper than the older one. Is there a reason you weren't considering the newer model?

Vasic, thanks for the reply.

I actually hadn't heard of the Canon hf-m300, but I think I'll get it! Thanks for mentioning it!

You've got a list of cameras but before considering any of that, shouldn't you figure out where your documentary will go first?

Where do you intend to exhibit your documentary? What specs are required by networks or for film-outs?

Point being, you should be letting your distribution requirements drive the choice for acquisition format instead of purchasing or renting equipment based on ?????

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

I actually have the venues/distribution worked out, should've been more specific, sorry.

It's going into several local film festivals next year, possibly a private theater screening as well. It isn't going to be that big of a production, and I had already picked out a camcorder class that would work for me, the M300 is just a better version within that class.

Hey, I bought the m300, already using it for the project, it works great! Thanks Vasic!