Also we want to know if there should be certain accessories to look for that might not be found in a regular camcorder but are useful in filmmaking

Whats up Brandon? ?:)?

? Hellmooch stuck in a hottub ?

Can somebody could tell us what to look for in a camera. We seriously need to balance economy and quality. What do we need to watch out for.

Is anything cheap from SONY any good?(all my Sony stuff breaks)
What about Panasonic?
JVC?

What is the absolute best camera that I can get for UNDER $400

Thanks for any and all replies.

under 400$ you really arent going to get anything better then a consumer camera aka the camera family's use come xmas time. I bought a Sony Handycam when i was in highschool and i used that for my first two films. niether of those films were great but i got experience and practice. So your not going to get a great camera or any type of ideal camera for shooting independent movies. I would suggest going to the local electronics store (best buy etc...) and buy the camera you like the best. If possible get one with manual focus and dont waste extra money just cause something has nightshot, its just a gimmick. I found my Handycam worked well and lasted through some tough times (dropped it, got it wet, etc...). Also, dont go for those tiny cameras that you can fit in your pocket got for a decent sized camera. Stay away from VHS ones. The important part is that you shoot this movie. Dont wait for a great camera to shoot it. Shoot a couple movies with a high grade consumer camera amd focus more on scripts and stories and lighting and camera tricks. Then after a couple movies move on up. But do not wait. Buy a camera and shoot shoot shoot. Its the best way to learn

Personally, i use a panasonic DVX-100a. but thats a 2,500$ camera and thats still considered a decent but not a great camera (it also depends who you talk to).

Here is an example of a good first camera for under 400$:
?url? http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=DCRTRV480&Dept=cameras&CategoryName=dcc_DICamcorders_Digital8HandycamCamcorders?/url?

thats a digi8 or here is a minidv

?url? http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=DCRHC42&Dept=cameras&CategoryName=dcc_DICamcorders_MiniDVHandycamCamcorders?/url?

then eventually move to something like the DVX
?url? http://www.abesofmaine.com/viewproduct.asp?id=psagdvx100a?/url?

Hope this helps. A big thing to help your picture if you have a low end camera is your lighting. Once again i hope all this helps your search. Shoot and shoot often

"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

he's got it completely right. you're just trying to get a feel for it right now. get a basic, cheap mini-DV, and get some practice in first before stepping up in price.

www.maketradefair.com
www.thehungersite.com
www.oxfam.ca

Never forget, Brandon: it isn?t the camera, it?s how you use it. You could walk into Best Buy and pick up the first camera you see for $400 and make a great movie. You could spend $5,000 on a well known, well respected HDV camera and make a movie that?s terrible.

You seem to have had problems in the past with Sony so try the JVC GR-D295 or the Panasonic PV-GS31. Both are almost exactly the same in features and price. Neither of these cameras are good investments - you will out grow them soon - but you can start making movies and begin to learn what REALLY makes a good movie.

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

I know a really good camera for someone who just wants practice before taking a next step up to professional cameras

The camera is:
Sony DCR-HC42 MiniDV Handycam? CamcorderDCR-HC42

This camera is $600.00
It has really nice color and zoomand its very steady. Just get the right light on your subject, and it will look like your using a professional camera. I'm serious! LIGHT IS KEY!!!

quote:

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Originally posted by 678patrice

I'm serious! LIGHT IS KEY!!!

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Excellent point!

Even with a cheaper 1 chip camera you can get a professional image if you light properly. This is a big problem I'm seeing more and more. People thinking that 3CCD, 24 fps, progressive scan and HDV will make their movie more professional looking.

It sure is easier to think about spending more money on a camera than spending the time to learn good lighting.

Thanks a lot for all the input. Right now I am seriously considering the Sony DCR-HC42 MiniDV Handycam. If anybody can give me reason to buy it (or not to buy it) please tell me. Also, is there a comparable product from another manufacturer?