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Question

Opinions Needed on what videocamera to buy?

Aug 18, 2013 3:55AM PDT

Hi everyone!

This is my very first post Happy

Please help and guide (no flaming)

1)We want to shoot a fantastic interview for now and later want to shoot movies.

2)we have close to zero experience in shooting, but willing to learn.

3)we want interchangeable lens capacity.

4)we want to be able to plug and play, as well as have the opportunity to manually override things

5) our total budget is 3000 for the complete package. body, lens and other components

6)we are open to new and used products


what do we need to know, ask and consider in order to make a wise choice.. what camera would you suggest?


Thank you very much for your time Happy

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Buying a videocamera
Aug 18, 2013 5:40AM PDT

First ask yourself a few questions.
If you have near zero experience, what do the following points mean to you and why do you want them? Plug and play? Manual override? Interchangeable lenses?

Example:- For interchangeable lenses you are looking at top of the range pro. cameras which you may not be able to use due to lack of experience. Most camcorders come with zoom lenses, it just depends on the zoom range you are looking for.
Plug and play:- Do you mean playback from the camera through a TV. Again all mid range cameras have an AV out or in the case of HD an HDMI out.
Manual Override:- Override what? Focus? most auto focus systems are better than manual. Only the hi end cameras have a focussing ring, the rest have focussing on the LCD screen. White balance? Shutter speed? Again mid range cameras cater for this with options - "fireworks","low light", "sunset" are typical.

We want to shoot a fantastic interview for now and later want to shoot movies. This will depend on who is in front of the camera and who is working the camera - not the camera itself. Interviews require an external microphone and a tripod - have you budgeted for that?

A serious suggestion - join a video club and learn the basics first. You can look at other members camera equipment and decide for yourself.

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Answer
The best interviews I've seen do not use the camcorder mic
Aug 18, 2013 5:46AM PDT