Since the Camcorder is going to be one of the most expensive purchases, are there any recommendations? MiniDV would be preferred, and I think HDD is out of my price range.

Other than that, standard stuff, external mic port and so on. I've been looking up the Canon XL1 and XL1S, but I don't know if they're worth it, the are a bit dated now.

Suggestions?

Still not dated but I think you'll find that the camera is one of the cheapest things you will need.
Hell a decent tripod, mic, lights etc will cost more.

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I dont know if this matters to you or not but some clips in the movie ,28 days later was filmed with an xl1

Yes, apparently so, but this was with done with a 35mm adaptor added and prime lenses were used - the adaptor and primes would have added thousands to the cost if the gear was purchased.

However the xl1 is a dam fine camera - I find the balance awkward but many dont, I wouldnt buy any camera without using if first to see if i liked the deel of it.

Also, dont forget if you need decent sound equipment then a few decent mics and stuff can easily come to the same as a c corder.

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I have two prejudices - I am anti HDV for consumer camcorders, and I eat mooks who claim to be pro wedding vidders and ask dumb questions.

www.zaskarfilms.com You tube channel 'zaskarfilms'
JVC DV5001e (big cam), Sony PC6E (tiny cam), Vinten pro5, PAG light, SM58, Sony ECM50, Sony C-76, 0.5x convertors for sony, Rode video mic, Vegas 7.

All of the movie '28 days later' was filmed on an XL1s, they used 8 of them and the 35mm adapter and front glass cost 11 grand each cam. Still cheaper than a hollywood cam.

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