What is a good MiniDV camcorder with lots of manual features (exposure, focus, audio, white balance)?

Answer 1

it sounds like your a filmmaker, or at least someone who needs manual functions. i think the best ones for a relatively low price are the pv-gs400 and canon gl2. although the pv-gs400 is a consumer cam, it has all the manual features you mentioned, along with a focus ring. it goes for around $1000, although they are hard to find now (ebay is your best bet). the canon gl2 is a low end prosumer cam, and also has all the manual features you listed, but performs better in low light than the pv-gs400 and also has a focus ring. its also bigger than the 400 so it is easier to steady. it goes anywhere from $1500 (on ebay) to $2000 (online stores). above the gl2 are cams like the dvx-100, hdr-fx1, xl2, etc. but they are at least $1000-2000 more expensive than the gl2. you can read more in depth reviews about these cams at www.camcorderinfo.com.

BTW, for a mic, (if you dont have one already), consider starting out with a rode videomic. however, it records in mono. if you would like stereo sound, i recommend the stereo videomic, which is the same thing and same quality but on two channels. hope this helps!

Answer 2

here are the options

1) Sony DCRHD HRD-HC3 Mini DV Camcorder

features:
High Definition CMOS.

Focus: Auto/ Manual.

Exposure modes: Skin tone, Mosaic, Solarization, Monotone, Sepia, Neg Art, Pastel.

10 x optical zoom.

800 x digital zoom.

27in widescreen colour LCD touch screen.

DV Output.

HDMI Out.

Camcorder takes digital still images.

Media Card compatible with: - Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo (Hight Speed). Features: 2 mega pixel clear vid cmos sensor.

Carl Zeiss lens.

HDMI connector.

Built-in surround sound recording.

HD/SD switchable.

Dual recording, with smooth slow recording.

Takes mini DV tape.

Built in flash.

2) Sony DCRSR90 HDD Camcorder

Focus: Auto/Manual.

Exposure modes: Mosaic, Monotone, Sepia, Pastel.

10 x optical zoom.

120 x digital zoom.

2.7in colour LCD screen.

USB Output.

Camcorder takes digital still images.

Features: MS Duo Slot.

Carl Zeiss lens.

30GB hard drive.

rop protect Built-in flash.

One touch DVD burn.

Slow motion playback on LCD screen.

Zoom in on playback.

Digital still capture with slide show feature.

3) PANASONIC NVGS500B Digital Camcorder

3 CCD Image Technology
4 Megapixel Digital Camera
12x Optical Zoom
700x Digital Zoom
DV In/Out
USB 2.0 Connectivity
True 16:9 Widescreen
2.7 inches LCD Screen
SD CARD Memory Supplied
Image stabiliser

also make sure you buy from a retailer and not from ebay, touch feel use and buy and not buy bidding on ebay

enjoy filming