Camera Buying advice: Around $1000USD

7 Jun 2006 10:29 AM

mattkellymedia

Hi all,

I'm just getting started in the freelance world and I'm having to buy
some gear for my upcoming job.
The basic deal is a Tai Chi video for DVD distribution.
Basically I'm looking for a camera that will produce a professional
looking image, has focus and fstop manual adjustments and possibly XLR
inputs (though feel free to convince me that 3.5ml jacks are the way to
go at this level)
The budget for the gear is around $1000 USD (preferably on the -$1000
side).
I've heard a second hand Sony PD100 is the way to go, but I thought I'd
check what you guys thought.

Thanks in advance,

-Matt

7 Jun 2006 10:34 AM

mattkellymedia

I thought I'd just add that an option that I can pick up brand new for
$1000 is prefered just for liability reasons.
Cheers

Matt

7 Jun 2006 8:16 PM

Tzortzakakis Dimitrios

? <mattkellyme***@gmail.com> ?????? ??? ??????

news:1149676491.080287.107620@g10g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> I thought I'd just add that an option that I can pick up brand new for
> $1000 is prefered just for liability reasons.

Yeah, I would advice you to get definitely something new.Especially with
electronics, it's not worth getting something, that someone else for some
reasons wants to get rid of.Now, with $1000 you can get an excellent
camcorder, 3 CCDs etc.Just look at websites of major manufacturers and your
local shop, if they bring so expensive gear.

--
Tzortzakakis Dimitrios
major in electrical engineering,freelance electrician
542nd mechanized infantry batallion
dimtzort AT otenet DOT gr

7 Jun 2006 9:27 PM

Mike Berger

Don't forget to add the cost of a decent tripod and high
quality microphone.

mattkellyme***@gmail.com wrote:
Show quoteHide quote

> Hi all,
>
> I'm just getting started in the freelance world and I'm having to buy
> some gear for my upcoming job.
> The basic deal is a Tai Chi video for DVD distribution.
> Basically I'm looking for a camera that will produce a professional
> looking image, has focus and fstop manual adjustments and possibly XLR
> inputs (though feel free to convince me that 3.5ml jacks are the way to
> go at this level)
> The budget for the gear is around $1000 USD (preferably on the -$1000
> side).
> I've heard a second hand Sony PD100 is the way to go, but I thought I'd
> check what you guys thought.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> -Matt
>

8 Jun 2006 3:58 PM

Mr. Tapeguy

mattkellyme***@gmail.com wrote:
Show quoteHide quote

> Hi all,
>
> I'm just getting started in the freelance world and I'm having to buy
> some gear for my upcoming job.
> The basic deal is a Tai Chi video for DVD distribution.
> Basically I'm looking for a camera that will produce a professional
> looking image, has focus and fstop manual adjustments and possibly XLR
> inputs (though feel free to convince me that 3.5ml jacks are the way to
> go at this level)
> The budget for the gear is around $1000 USD (preferably on the -$1000
> side).
> I've heard a second hand Sony PD100 is the way to go, but I thought I'd
> check what you guys thought.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> -Matt

Matt,

I'm not real familiar with any new 3-chip camcorders under $1000
although admittedly, I haven't shopped for one. I would recommend
looking at factory B-stock from JVC Professional. You will get
like-new gear and a longer warranty. You can also buy a used piece
with an extended warranty. Either way you'll get a lot more bang for
the buck. Camcorders under $1000 are going to be severely limited in
having professional features such as XLR connectors and any sort of
manual controls. If you want to produce a professional product you
really need the tools. That doesn't mean you need to spend $5K but $1K
is challenging especially when you consider ancillary stuff, some of
which, such as an edit system, is not going to be all that cheap if you
don't already have one.

I can make some recommendations if you want to contact me off list.

Craig

http://www.pro-tape.com

Adobe - Apple - Avid - Canon - Fuji - JVC - Maxell - Panasonic -
Primera - Sony