Can someone recommend a suitable prosumer camcorder?

D-Bag

Greetings,

Long story short... I am in need of a decent, prosumer camcorder. I will be using it for blogs, music videos, commercials, short films etc. I have experience in the production side of filmmaking, but not so much with the technicals. I was looking at the Canon HX A1 i believe it was? As well as some DSLR's (24p and 1080 is important to me). Anyhow, I would sincerely appreciate some recommendations. I'm not exactly sure where to start.

Answer
The Canon XHA1 is basically a pro-grade camcorder. In the same ball park are the Sony HDR0FX7 at the low end and the HDR-FX1000 at the high end. Note that the XHA1 has XLR audio-in connectors but the two listed HDR models use 1/8" stereo audio inputs (that can use an XLR adapter like those from juicedLink or BeachTek if XLR mics are needed). The Sony HVR series is from the pro line-up. I would recemmoedn any of them for what you propose to do.

In my opinion, dSLRs were designed to capture stills - and they do that well; but video - and audio is not their primary function. While it is possible to do, they are more a convenience feature. The camcorders will have a better low-light capture capability for video.

Need a semi pro camcorder to record special events ,,?

cesar

I purchased sony vegas pro 12 and used it on my old camcorder. The results were not at its best sd definition.I want to switch to full HD. My budget is under $1200 =1300 . does any one have a suggestion. thx

Answer
Prosumer? more like 2x more than you want to spend.

My definition of "prosumer" camcorder:
Lens filter diameter: 70mm or larger.
Imaging chip array: 3CCD or 3CMOS 1/3" or larger
Low compression video capture
If it has XLR audio connectors it jumps to pro-grade

The closest I can get you is a prosumer Sony HDR-FX1000. There is no "prosumer" camcorder that can provide good low light behavior in your price range.

If we are locked to your price range, there are a couple of consumer camcorders that have 58mm diameter lenses and single 1/3" imaging chips. Like something from the Canon HF S series. We assume you computer is relatively new and has enough RAM to deal with AVCHD-compressed video.

You will want a mic (wireless) or an external audio recorder (like a Zoom H1, H2 or H4, among others from Olympus, Edirol, Marantz, Tascam, etc... We assume you already have a tripod.

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What is the most cost effective camcorder out there?

best prosumer camcorder xlr image

Randy Gall

I am looking for a camcorder that shoots in HD, has a Manual Focus, White Balance, all that jazz. Does anyone know which camera is the best bang for your buck? I have been looking at the different Canon Vixias, but I would another persons opinion on this one.

Answer
The Canon Vixia, Sony Handycam, Panasonic (they don't have a brandname) and other consumer camcorders bury manual controls in a menu. While the Vixias and Handycams at the higher end (in the $800+ range) have a thumbwheel that can be assigned manual focus capability, none in this class have a focus ring. The least expensive camcorder that captures high definition video and has a real focus ring is the Sony HVR-HD1000 shoulder mount - or the Sony prosumer HDR-FX7 for a smaller footprint. If size is an issue, the Sony HVR-A1 (with the XLR adater removed) has a lens-barrel ring that can be either manual focus or manual zoom but it is pretty pricy.

ALL camcorders have a white balance control in their menu system.

What are good, moderately priced semi-professional camcorder?

Chris

I'm a Journalism major and I'm currently in production of a documentary about religion practiced in my hometown for my school.

As I'm currently in college, I have very little money to spend. One pf my goals is to be an indie film/documentary director. As such, I would love to purchase a good camcorder.

What is a good camcorder of semi-professional/professional quality that I can purchase for a moderate price (at least as moderate as a camera will allow).

P.S., as a little side question, would kick-starter be a good way to raise money? For the project as well as the equipment?

Answer
My definition of a "professional camcorder":

Lens filter diameter = 70mm or larger
Imaging chip is 3CCD (3CMOS is acceptable but not preferred) that is 1/3" or larger.
Audio inputs are XLR connectors. If the camcorder has a single 1/8" (3.5mm) sretro audio input, then it drops to "prosumer".

The Canon XHA1 meets all these requirements of "pro grade". The Sony HDR-FX1000 meets all the requirements for "prosumer" and an XLR (juicedLink or BeachTek) adapter can be used for XLR mics. The Sony HVR-Z5 and Panasonic AG-HVX200 round out the list of entry-level pro-grade cams that meet or exceed the stated requirements. I think the Panny is the only one that comes with a shotgun mic for camera mounting but all the others can mount a shotgun mic. Since I prefer Sennheiser or Audio Technica shotgun mics, it does not really matter.

The next step up has the Canon XF and XLH lines; Sony HVR-Z7, HDCAM/XDCAM lines and the JVC GY-HM series.

All are "digital" including those using miniDV tape. Remember, the "DV" in miniDV = digital video.

If your definition of "semi-professional/professional camcorder" is different, please let us know what that is so appropriate suggestions can be provided to you.

When you research these, you will find pricing from around $3,000 up to $60,000. "Moderate price" is relative. Remember that the camcorder is a small piece of a larger system. You will also need a good, sturdy tripod and other steadying devices, video lights, optional batteries from the manufacturer, cables, cases, mics (there is no single "best" mic), video editing application, possible computer upgrades to be able to edit the video you capture...

Kick starter? We don't know where you are. Perhaps there are small businesses in your area willing to pay few $ for video production for posting to the web or there is a local wedding/event videographer willing to take you on as an intern or parents willing to pay for video capture of their children's sports activities or stage performances.With little/no experience with video capture, selling video services, editing and delivering a final product to your customer, this could be an interesting learning experience for you.

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What is a good professional camcorder for a beginner?

best prosumer camcorder xlr image

Christian

Im always making videos.. i use my regular camcorder but im looking for a professional one.. this will be my first pro one so any suggestions would help?

Answer
You *could* step into it. We don't know what you are using now, so we are at a bit of a disadvantage. There are "prosumer" camcorders like the standard definition Canon GL2 and Sony DCR-VX2100 and in high definition, there is the Sony HDR-FX1000. The biggest obvious difference is Prosumer cams use a 1/8" stereo mic jack instead of the pro-grade XLR connectors... You can use an XLR adapter like those from juicedLink or BeachTek if you use XLR-based mics.

Or you can take the leap and get to the Sony HVR-V1U or Canon XHA1 in relatively short order.

What is the most cost effective camcorder out there?

Randy Gall

I am looking for a camcorder that shoots in HD, has a Manual Focus, White Balance, all that jazz. Does anyone know which camera is the best bang for your buck? I have been looking at the different Canon Vixias, but I would another persons opinion on this one.

Answer
The Canon Vixia, Sony Handycam, Panasonic (they don't have a brandname) and other consumer camcorders bury manual controls in a menu. While the Vixias and Handycams at the higher end (in the $800+ range) have a thumbwheel that can be assigned manual focus capability, none in this class have a focus ring. The least expensive camcorder that captures high definition video and has a real focus ring is the Sony HVR-HD1000 shoulder mount - or the Sony prosumer HDR-FX7 for a smaller footprint. If size is an issue, the Sony HVR-A1 (with the XLR adater removed) has a lens-barrel ring that can be either manual focus or manual zoom but it is pretty pricy.

ALL camcorders have a white balance control in their menu system.

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