Question by jamesvalleri: what is the best video camera to use for short film?
i want to buy one to make short films that i can send into festivals so i want the quality be heaps good and clear, can you please note some cameras.
Best answer:
Answer by Little Dog
What is your budget?
The moving image is only a part of the whole system.
Planning, storyline, content, lighting, makeup, hair, wardrobe, lighting, location selection, talent, audio, editing and LOTS more goes into a successful project.
Someone with training, experience and skill can use a cheap camcorder and end up with great video. Someone with no training, no experience and no skill can use the most expensive camcorder and produce awful content.
What is your budget? Does that include a tripod, or other steadying device?
In my opinion:
Entry level consumer:
Canon ZR950, Sony DCR-HC62, Panasonic PV-GS320
All are standard definition cams; none have audio in jacks so you will need to get a field recorder like those from Edirol, M-Audio, Tascam, Marantz, Zoom among others. All use miniDV tape and your computer will need a firewire port for video transfer for editing.
Mid-range consumer:
Canon HV30, Sony HDR-HC9
Both use miniDV tape and your computer will need a firewire port for video transfer for editing. Both have a 1/8″ stereo mic jack for external mic connection – but use of pro-grade mics with XLR connectors is suggested – An XLR adapter from juicedLink or BeachTek is suggested. The audio field recorder is also a good idea. Both these cameras can record in high definition or standard definition. The HV30 does 24p and 30p. The HDR-HC9 does not.
The consumer cams have small lenses and small imaging chips. They will not do well in low light. Learn the camcorders strengths and weaknesses and work with them. Don’t use the camcorder where it is weak.
Standard definition prosumer:
Sony DCR-VX2100, Canon GL2. Both are decent 3CCD camcorders. Lenses and imaging chips are larger than consumer grade so they do better in low light. Both use 1/8″ audio-in jacks.
Standard definition pro-grade:
Panasonic DVX100 series; Canon XL series; Sony DVCAM series. Use XLR audio connectors, big lenses and big imaging chips. Low light behavior is good.
High definition (and standard def) prosumer and prograde:
Sony HDR-FX1, HDR-FX1000 (1/8″ mic jacks)
Pretty much any of the Canon, Panasonic, Sony or JVC professional
OMG:
Any of the cameras from Red.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!