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General discussion

Best entry-level professional camcorder?

Dec 11, 2004 1:22AM PST

I'm doing video biographies in peoples' living rooms, possibly for a
later documentary. For now, just for the people. Am very confused about camcorders for my needs. Read that the discontinued Sony TRV10 was a great camera. Do I really need 3ccd? I'm going to use Vegas for editing, so think I should get a Sony. Any thoughts on the least
expensive camera to accomplish what I need would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Susan

Discussion is locked

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Re: Best entry-level professional camcorder?
Dec 11, 2004 1:26AM PST

The short answer is that for best audio, you add a microphone on top. Since this is a biography, the sound matters.

Next, in the miniDV consumer class, you can look at dvspot.com for reviews, but a 3-chip camera will help a lot. Also you'll need a good lighting system.

The next step up is ProDV. I find that many will rent this camera since it can be expensive.

Bob

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best camcorder for documentaries
Jan 15, 2005 12:22PM PST

I am shooting my first doc with very little money. Can you please give me a list of eqipment needed for the person grabbing a camera and shooting.
Thank you for responding, Ariba

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You did say professional camcorder. I would look at the
Dec 11, 2004 6:24AM PST

Canon GL2

or

Sony DSR-PD170

The Sony, in particular, is probably more of a professional machine.

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Pro Video
Dec 29, 2004 2:38AM PST

What is your budget? What level of quality are you willing to pay for? To get into the ballpark here you going to have putout at least $2200~3000
Panasoinc, JVC, Cannon and Sony have models in this range. Check out http://www.fullcompass.com and http://bhphotovideo.com both of the companies carry a large selection of "pro" gear. John

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pro gear
Jan 15, 2005 12:30PM PST

Is pro gear the only route or cheapest route I can go?
Ariba

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pro gear
Jan 18, 2005 4:48AM PST

No, you can buy a consumer DV camera and get good results
also. Again it's how much quality you can afford. The links I posted also carry comsumer video and check whats on sale Best Buy and Circuit City and FRY's and J&R music world. John