What is a good inexpensive camcorder for independent filmmakers?

Question

I'm looking for a camcorder to buy, something that will not give me the whole 'home movie' effect and feel to it. I will also need a tripod so it won't be shakey and all that but could you just tell me some good inexpensive camcorders that will give me what i'm looking for. I don't know much about camcorders and lenses but i'm looking into it. If anyone can help me with brands and prices of camcorders to look into I will be very thankful.

-M

Answer 1

By "something that will not give me the whole 'home movie' effect and feel," I think your talking about the film-look. It can be replicated, through either software or in-camera. However, both these options are pretty expensive, and it doesn't sound like you have that much money right now. I'll get to that later, but for now I'm going to talk about cameras.

I dont know your budget, but from what you said, Im guessing you want a camera probably $800 or below (correct me if I'm wrong, and I'll re write this). In that price range, I cant recommend any particular camera, but follow these rules and you should have a pretty good beginner filmmaking camera:

1. Get miniDV- pretty obvious isn't it?
2. Look for a lot of manual functions- every cam has auto functions, but look for the ability to switch to manual focus, iris, shutter, etc.
3. 3ccds are better than 1
4. The newest isnt always the greatest- not really a rule but basically dont go and get the newest thing that just came out

Other plusses are mic ports, headphone ports, hot shoes, and optical image stabilizer.

If you get a tripod, get one with a fluid head. I'm not recommending a particular one, but look around on google. To tell you the truth, Im not exactly a pro on tripods. But a useful trick that you can do with your tripod is screw on your camera, and instead of opening up the legs, hold the legs together and walk with it. If you do it right, the tripod will absorb the shake from your hands giving you a very cheap steadicam effect.

I hope this helped, and I'm a filmmaker as well, and I always like meeting other filmmakers so feel free to contact me at [e-mail]

Answer 2

-a 3ccd cam is good image quality, but get one that has manual functions... a friend recently picked up a bargain on ebay, which was a panasonic 3ccd cam, tripod, lenses and filters for $500, but i would recommend see it before you bid.
-for choosing a type or brand.. sony, panasonic or jvc.. also they have editing machines and other add ons.
-you need decide where you want to record.. either on tape, disc or hardrive. tape recorders are probably the cheapest, but disc and hardrive better for editing on pc.
-good idea is check out different opinions and product views on camera review sites, also speak with other filmakers, ask what they use.. maybe someone is selling what you need and they can give instruction to use the cam.

Answer 3

Not even close.