Question by SS: What Mini-DV cam will replicate film most accurately for indy film production?
I’m trying to decide on what to buy for my freelance video production and independent film production. I’ve been focusing on the Canon XH-A1. I’ve also heard the Panasonic DVX-100b is great, but I also heard it has no native 16:9 mode which is brutal since I’ll want to shoot widescreen. But I really just want something that will look as identical to film as possible. What are my best options?
So, if the V1U does native 24p, and has native 16:9, it’s starting to sound like the best option – correct? Or are there disadvantages to this camera?
Best answer:
Answer by Little Dog
The one that does 24p native.
The Panasonic DVX100 a or b is one – but is standard definition only and you are correct on the native 16:9, but your editor can deal with that (presuming it is not an entry level video editor). The Panasonic HVX200 is another – and is high definition.
The Canon XHA1’s “24F” (or “30F”) is not exactly 24p (or 30p), but pretty close (better than the CineFrame mode on some of the Sonys).
The Sony HVR-V1U and HVR-Z5U do 24p natively… as do a few others in the HVR series.
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