Camera for young indie filmmaker?

Q. m a young indie filmmaker.I need a camera which makes short films professional looking.
I like to film short comedy skits etc.
I want a camera with really good sound quality for dialogue and really clear, professional image quality.
I also require 24p shooting.
ALL THIS FOR UNDER 500 DOLLARS!(Preferably 300)

A. I have a list of the best Camcorders out now:

http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&node=172421&tag=faumioew-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&brr=1&rd=1&creative=390957&tag=faumioe-20

Out of these i recommend Canon VIXIA HF R20 Full HD Camcorder with 8GB Internal Flash Memory :

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-VIXIA-Camcorder-Internal-Memory/dp/B004HW7E7E/ref=zg_bs_172421_5&tag=faumioe-20

It will be perfect for you. Its features are:

- 8GB internal flash drive and 2 SDXC-compatible memory card slots
- Genuine Canon HD video lens with 28x advanced zoom
- Canon 3.28-megapixel full HD CMOS image sensor
- Canon DIGIC DV III image processor
- Dynamic IS stabilizes a wide range of movements for smooth, steady video

Read this review by a user about the overall performance of the camera:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3OHP5ZH4S5P9C/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B004HW7E92&nodeID=&linkCode=&tag=faumioe-20

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A video camera for indie filmmaker... cinema quality?

Q. I've been researching a little on video cameras for a few upcoming projects. Short films for festivals, a web series, and possibly a feature length film or two... I don't know a lot about video cameras. I know I don't want a dslr and I would prefer one that does NOT have tapes of any sort. I'm looking at $1500 or less but have room to go higher if needed. I have been looking at the Canon Vixia HF G10. Is that appropriate for what I'm doing? Have any suggestions?

A. My definition of a professional video camera:

Lens diameter = 70mm or larger;
Imaging chip 1/3" 3CCD or 3MOS or larger;
XLR audio connectors;
Low compression video capture and storage.

The large lens diameter and large imaging chip are required for good low light behavior.

There is no "cinema quality" video camera that meets these requirements for under about $4,000. The closest is the Black Magic Design Cinema Camera (not the little one) and you have to add a lens. The Canon EOS Cinema Camera is great - but also more than you want to spend.

The closest is the Sony HDR-FX1000. It is a "prosumer" (HDR series) and lacks the XLR audio connectors (that the HVR-Z5 has). You can add an XLR adapter (juicedLink or BeachTek) to use XLR mics.

The Canon HF G10 has a 58mm lens filter diameter and is at the top of the consumer grade area at Canon. The XA series are the "pro" versions with XLR adapters.

Good for you for fighting the temptation to go the dSLR route. If video is important, then a camcorder is preferred. It is designed to capture video. And audio. Capturing still images is a secondary "convenience feature".

If stills are important, then use a still image capture device. Like a dSLR. Capturing video (and audio is a secondary "convenience feature". For example, if you read the documentation available for download from the manufacturer's web site, you will find most will overheat when capturing video "for prolonged periods" (about 15 minutes maximum) and stop video capture until it cools down (takes a long time)... or... check their built-in (mono) mic and no (or extremely limited) manual audio control. This means for your short list using an external audio recording device like a Zoom H2, H2n, H4n and take the extra steps to import and sync the audio when editing. There are generally file size and length limitations, too.

Basically you can easily end up spending more money and (learning) time you would not spend if you use the right tool for the task.

I am not saying any dSLR can't capture good video - they can - but they cannot be treated like a camcorder. There are workarounds for lots of things that you normally don't need to worry about when using a camcorder...

So... you get to either change your definition of "cinema quality" or increase your budget. And don't forget tripod or other steadying devices, lighting, camera crane, mics, cables, cases and upgrading your computer to be able to edit the video captured.

The best camcorders will capture low-compression HDV and HDCAM (Sony), DVCPro/HD (Panasonic), and MXF (Canon). Stay away from AVCHD unless you are in the Sony XDCAM area. The recording media (digital tape, flash memory) is not as important as the video quality.

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What kind of camera/camcorder are most independent filmmakers using these days?

Q. I'm looking to invest in a HD camcorder to film my feature length horror movie. Need something to give me that cinematic 'film look'. Will a camcorder with 24fps do the trick? Gonna be three fight scenes and a car chase so i need something that will capture the speed of those scenes and not come out looking blurred on the screen. Any suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated.

A. It depends on the budget.

"Paranormal Activity" from a few years ago was captured using a Sony HDR-FX1000.
An indie set I was on a few weeks ago was using a rented Arris film camera.
A Director of Photography friend uses a RED Scarlet.

Horror movies are generally dark. If you want to shoot in low light, then you need BIG lenses and BIG imaging chips.

For fast action, stay away from high compression AVCHD. MiniDV is likely most cost effective and stores low compression HDV.

"Blurred" means slow shutter. To speed the shutter, ADD LIGHT and increase the shutter speed manually.

Original Question

what camcorders do you reccomend for somone wanting to get into amateur filmaking?

Q. is the Panasonic HDC-SD1 3CCD High Definition HD Camcorder a good one?

or is there a better deal out there?

A. That's an AVCHD camera. It's not a bad format, but it is hard to edit because most software doesn't support it well, and the quality is not as good as HDV cameras.

The Canon HV20 is a compact camcorder with HDV (high-def miniDV), 10X zoom, manual focus and white balance (via menus and dials), mic input, 16:9 and 24p, for around $700. It is very popular among budget indie filmmakers now. It gives you enough manual control to do most of the things you see in professional movies.

Don't forget that a good camera is only one tiny part of making good films. Good actors, a script, directing, lighting, blocking, sets, costumes/makeup, and good sound and music are all often overlooked by newcomers, but are far more important than the image quality of the camera.

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