Need Suggestions for a DV Camera... (1 Viewer)

[Andrew Beckmen]

I am looking to spend 1,000-1,500 or so.

1: Looking for normal DV 480i (not 1080i), but with good picture quality, IE very little noise/grain like the lower-end models have

2: A camera that can take mods like lenses, I know I want a wide-angle lens...

3: Don't care about still photos

4: Needs FireWire output (will be editing on PC)

5: Nightvision would be nice, but it's not required

6: Whatever else I am forgetting that's good. I will be doing hobby DV Film-Making with it...

Thanks in advance, guys.

(If this is in the wrong section, please move it. This is the only place I could find where I figured it would go...)

 

[Scott L]

DV film making with 480i? tsk tsk!

I love this web site for checking out the latest reviews. Still no decent HDV camera that will do it all under $2gs, but you should find several in your pricepoint for what you want. I prefer JVC brand.

 

[Andrew Beckmen]

Thanks, I'll check out that site.

 

[Paul McElligott]

When shooting 16:9 widescreen, most camcorders just crop their 4:3 image. I don't know if there are any camcorders that shoot true 16:9 images in your price range.

 

[Andrew Beckmen]

I have seen some MiniDV cameras that take USB and don't seem to have FireWire. Like the JVC GZ-MC500US...

 

[Andrew Beckmen]

Panasonic PV-GS250 is what I am eyeing up. Butterflyphoto has it for just under 700, and I am going to add on a wide-angle lens (A must for shooting in a tiny apt like mine), 5-hour battery, UV lens (basically a lens protectoer I guess) and maybe a filter set.

 

[Paul McElligott]

That model uses a Microdrive or Compact Flash, not MiniDV. All MiniDV camcorders have Firewire.

 

[Andrew Beckmen]

There's still time before I pull the trigger to reccomend some more cameras. I can't seem to find one in my price range that performs well under low light conditions. The Panny looks good, other than that one flaw...

 

[Paul McElligott]

Are you looking at 3-chip cameras? Lower priced 3-chippers tend to have smaller CCDs than one-chippers, which hurts their low-light performance.

 

[Andrew Beckmen]

Yeah, I guess I am looking for 3-chippers because that seems to be a requirement for a good picture. I have used a Canon ZR60 and found that I was not impressed with it's picture at all...