Camera Choice + Some other ?'s

p4ocer · #1 (**permalink**) 05-23-2004, 10:13 PM

Hello all. I venture from the world of overclocking to look into some digital video cameras.
What's a good camera for under $700(US)?
What's a good camera for under $1000(US)?
I'd like to get the Optura Xi or the Panasonic PV-Dv953, but they may be too expensive.
If i buy a used camera from ebay, can i still use the warrentee?
ALso, I dont care about still quality or camera size.
Is it ok to get cheap filters and lenses from ebay?
Like $50 for Digital Optics Wide Angle and Telephoto
AND
20 bux for crystal optics 3 piece filters
Also, what minidv tapes would you suggest?

Sorry about the US prices, I know this is predominantly British.
Thanks,
Cody

Marc Peters · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2004, 08:04 AM

Camcorder recommendations are always a toughie as ultimately end users tend to only ever have their one "pride and joy". As such, ask anyone what's the best cam, and they'll recommend the cam they've bought

So, I would say the cannon XM2 (GL2 in the states) is a top notch cam to buy

You can pick up a used one for about $1k.

The PV-DV953 looks like a sensible buy though...

Hopefully others will throw their cam into the hat

MoJoe · #3 (**permalink**) 05-24-2004, 09:47 PM

yo P4 is thejoe526

Don't buy filters. They're just a waste of money because u can apply them easily in any editing program. Plus, if you film with a filter, it makes the final film a whole lot less flexible because you can't make it normal again. Just use Vegas

p4ocer · #4 (**permalink**) 05-25-2004, 02:16 AM

lol ok joe....

wut camera u got?

Ne1 got some suggestions for a $500 range camera?

OR a $700?

Thanks...

EDIT:

wut do u think of me bidding on something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...817568264&rd=1

**I say one go for 8-900

Marc Peters · #5 (**permalink**) 05-25-2004, 06:04 AM

I would agree

(with the usual caveats of buying from ebay fo course!)

p4ocer · #6 (**permalink**) 05-25-2004, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc Peters

I would agree

(with the usual caveats of buying from ebay fo course!)

Well, the seller has 99.1% with almost 10000 sales

Thats good enough for me~!

Also, I emailed him and he said it was US market

ANyone have any ideas for a cheaper solution...My bank(Dad) might want a cheaper one

MoJoe · #7 (**permalink**) 05-25-2004, 08:24 PM

I have a canon ZR60 and it sucks balls. I'm currently saving up for a GL2 (XM2)

Gwenny The Vegie · #8 (**permalink**) 05-31-2004, 11:08 PM

sucks balls. i love my life haha :lol:
and as for the best 1ooo camera, i would definitely go with an XM2/GL2. its what i have right now, its a sweet arse camera. the only problem is it is a little iffy with low light situations, (check out my video in the contest to see what i mean-- and that was on real high exposure!) im saving up for a sony Vx2000 or vx2100, depending on whichever deal rolls my way when i have the money. OH! also the VX1000 are really good, probably just as good as the vx2 but with a little less features, but same quality and everything. no LCD tho

(maybe ill eventually sell the gl2 too and get a xl1. those cameras are sofrickinsweet)

Marc Peters · #9 (**permalink**) 06-01-2004, 05:59 AM

I find the XM2 works like a gem in low light situations - but then maybe that's just in comparison to my ultra naff first cam?

Gwenny The Vegie · #10 (**permalink**) 06-01-2004, 11:08 PM

i agree that a GL2 would kick any jo shmo cameras a-hole in the dark, but ive been real involved into skate cinematography (sp??) for about 2 years now, and whenever we're filming at night and i set my exposure all the way up, and theirs (my friends and their VXs)- is only 3/4 up, they're still alot brighter when we compare the footage. i guess i meant compared to the VXs on that note.