New Video camera?


Guest DuncanVa

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Guest DuncanVa

Hey guys, im looking to get a new primary videocamera. Ive heard the gl2 was good but the sony equivalent looks like it has way more features, does any one have any reviews of either or what camera would you recomend with $2500 limit

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What your intended use for the video you do is really what you need to figure in as far as a "good" camera goes... If you want it for home movies you won't need to spend that kind of money. A point and shoot camcorder is fine. If you want to emulate the pros you will probably need to spend more. There are so many variables out there. Consumer, prosumer, professional all have their place if you want to go there.

For personal use the new technology is Hard Drive cameras, but there are are some good tape cameras out there that are quite nice. I like the Canon HDV30. You will need a computer and a program that can capture and edit the footage in HD. This camera is used by many professionals as a B roll(2nd camera) the video is so good.

Most shows today require broadcast quality High Definition footage. How you capture and edit also comes into the money equation. There is quite a learning curve when it comes to this stuff. Higher the tech...higher the check! ;)

Look in magazines like http://www.videomaker.com/ and look for camcorder reviews in www.cnet.com or http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

It all comes down to what you really want to do with it and what your resources allow you to.

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-broadcastcameras/

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Guest DuncanVa

hey ruttinbuc thanks for your advice and the websites, im trying to emulate the pros and start building up a portfolio of footage. with that in mind do you have a camera to recommend?

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hey ruttinbuc thanks for your advice and the websites, im trying to emulate the pros and start building up a portfolio of footage. with that in mind do you have a camera to recommend?

Might pm pixel doctor or lungbuster here on this site and ask them. Think both are in the videography business.

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With a lot of people making the switch to HD, I would think that you could pick up a used GL2 for a decent price.The GL2 has pretty well been the standard for a lot of proffesionals over the past few years.

A gl2 is fine, but the format of choice that the people who broadcast television and deliver DVD want High Definition. The Outdoor Channel as well as the Sportsmen channel require all of it to be in HD. You can convert SD (Standard Definition) to get "close" to HD quaility, but you need the equipment and professional editing tools for the work around.

I'd spend a bit more money for at least the XH AI by Canon if I knew that this was my life's goal.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=175&modelid=14061

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I use my older soney handy cam for filming my hunts and it works, but I hate all the beeps. I put tape over the speaker and that helps knock down the sound. When I upgrade to the next camcorder no doubt I'll get one with at least a 60GB hard drive and say good bye to tapes.:)

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How much are you looking to spend if you dont mind me asking?

I would go with the PD170 over the GL2. Otherwise, I would save a little more and get a Canon XH-A1. Trust me, the extra few dollars would be WELL worth it. Not only is it better but it is HD. I could probably answer any specific questions if you had them. I am not a pro but do have some knowledge about these cams.

Russell

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