Good picture and sound come from more than the camera. Lighting is very important and good mic placement is essential.

The JVC GR-X5 is a terrific 3 CCD camera with manual controls and a mic input. It?s in the $800-$1,000 range depending on where you buy it. The Panasonic PV-GS300 or PV-GS500 is nice starter 3CCD camera with manual controls and a mic input. It?s in the $600 to $800 range.

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

Do they have firewire ports?

I hate usb >-<.

Ok so I looked up the first camera. It doesn't have Firewire but im liking everything else about it.

My new question is, with a 3ccd will USB look better than what im currently using?

I won't care using USB if the picture is better, picture was the reason I was looking for firewire.

Firewire doesn't determine a good or bad picture. Lighting, focus, the sixe of the CCD's and the lens are what makes a good picture. However, the JVC I mention (the GR-X5) has composite A/V / S-Video, USB, and firewire ports - so you're fine in that department.

The X5 is totally stealing me. Only problem is I can't find one for less than $1000 bucks. Ebays a bust too. Any ideas on finding a cheap one? If not im sure its still worth it, but I almost feel like I should save an extra $500 and buy a higher end one, like an XL2 or something. But then again, I don't need a super powerful one quite yet.

And are you sure it has Firewire? I've read a few reviews and checked specs and don't see it listed in any of them...maybe im blind?

I'm also afraid the shapes going to annoy me. I'm so used to using the standard shape, it might be hard to get used to filming it with the screen on top. And it looks cool, but not very professional or Camcorder like, but more camera.

Which is fine, and not a big deal, but you can't expect me not to have lots of doubts when im buying my first real camcorder.

Looked into getting a 2nd hand sony vx? they are really good and cheap + reliable.

Which one would you guys reccomend out of those?

Any time you're shelling out $1,000 it's understandable to be cautious. Yes, I'm sure the X5 has firewire. I did a product test on the camera when if first came out. Check out ?url? http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/JVC-GR-X5-Camcorder-Review.htm?/url? scroll down to the bottom of the page where you can see pictures of all the ports. And: ?url? http://www.jvc.com/press/index.jsp?item=454&pageID=1?/url? scroll down and check "Basic Features"

But if you can't find a price you can afford for that camera, the Panasonic is a great 3CCD camera. I understand not liking the shape of these smaller cameras. I own the GY-DV5000 ?url? http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101367?/url? and have a hard time getting used to the smaller cameras like the Panasonic (GS-300) which I also own.

Between the Z5 the GS300 and the VX, the Sony is better. But we're now talking $1,500 to $2,000 cameras.

Okay I'll for sure be looking more into the X5, despite the odd shape, it seems perfect for a filmmaker looking to get in a lot of practice time before college.

Thanks for the help!

I'm having second thoughts.

Its mainly the shape and the lack of a viewfinder.

I'm extremely used to putting my eye up to a viewfinder to record. In fact, a lot of the times I don't use the LCD.

Am I being picky? Can someone encourage me to buy it hah.

By the best camera you can find off Ebay for $1,200. Chances are you might find something more professional off Ebay that you otherwise couldn't afford if you brought it in a store.

IEEE 1394: Transfer your video footage from your camcorder to your compatible PC over a high-speed IEEE 1394 connection. Apple calls the standard "FireWire" and Sony calls it "i.Link."
USB 2.0: DVD camcorders typically transfer video to a compatible PC via high-speed USB 2.0 instead of IEEE 1394.
A/V: Hook your camcorder up to a TV or VCR with standard RCA connectors.
S-video: Connect your camcorder to your TV or VCR over an S-video cable.

Can you point out the Firewire mention on those previous pages? I've had people tell me the GR-X5 has firewire but I never see it listed.

Help!

quote:

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Originally posted by darkwolf416
Can you point out the Firewire mention on those previous pages? I've had people tell me the GR-X5 has firewire but I never see it listed.

Help!

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Check out ?url? http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/JVC-GR-X5-Camcorder-Review.htm?/url? scroll down to the bottom of the page where you can see pictures of all the ports. And: ?url? http://www.jvc.com/press/index.jsp?item=454&pageID=1?/url? scroll down and check "Basic Features"