New camcorder; Decisions, decisions, decisions!

crazeski · #1 (**permalink**) 09-08-2004, 04:48 PM

This is my first post on this site, I stumbled on it by accident when i was looking for video shooting tips. What i found endeared me to the web site and i use it for most of my learning in regards to film making. I find it very informative! Grovelling over with :lol:

Here are the facts; I'm involved in the music industry and with groups that have had modest success in the comcercial sector. I produce music myself, and was going to pay for a video to be made, it was relatively cheap £800-1000. However i need to make more than one video so hence me reading info from this site until ungodly hours in the morning!
I have realised that it would be more cost effective to do the video myself. I could even make a career out of it as I know at least two recording artists that have had top 20 hits.

I know i'm deviating.

This is what I need to know, i have £2000 to spend, i have friends who will lend me lighting etc., what camera would give me the the best quality for my money. I'm currently considering the Cannon XL1s and the Sony VX2100. i would like to get as close to film like finish as possible on this budget.

I would appreciate any help with my decision. Ps sorry about the long message.

Marc Peters · #2 (**permalink**) 09-08-2004, 05:32 PM

They are two sterling cameras. The XL1s are knocking on a bit now, but I believe have the advantage over the Sony given the amount of peripherals available. With full backward support for the XL2 (it's successor), it's likely this support will be extended into the future. If you want the best image quality and most modern for the money, I'd say go with the Sony. But also bear in mind that many stores may no longer stock the Canon (particulary specialists).

Remember to budget for lighting, software, lenses, microphones and other sound equipment! This will take up more than the price of the cams (cams as you will probably need at least two).

Pieguy · #3 (**permalink**) 09-08-2004, 05:55 PM

marc, are you sure that there is a sucessor to the XL1s? you not getting confused and thinking of the XM1 and XM2?

Marc Peters · #4 (**permalink**) 09-08-2004, 05:58 PM

Although 9 times out of 10 I speack complete bollocks, this time I lie not:

The Canon XL2

(out this month)

crazeski · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 02:57 AM

Thanks alot Marc, I was thinking the Sony and someone else recommended it to me so i will go with that.

Your post did highlight something i was not aware of, that is having at least two cams, i did not think to be honest. (Thats my car budget cut by £1700) but it will prove cost effective in the end I hope. 'In for a penny, in for a pound.'

Well fortunate for me i have the creativity of Hitchcock/Sir Arthur C Doyle/spielberg/Luc Besson/J.Woo and Ridley Scott. :lol:

However, its unfortunate for me that my budget amounts to the finances used for last scene of Blair Witch Project. :(

Marc Peters · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 06:00 AM

You don't *need* two cams... but it sure does help!

Alan Mills · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by crazeski

Well fortunate for me i have the creativity of Hitchcock/Sir Arthur C Doyle/spielberg/Luc Besson/J.Woo and Ridley Scott. :lol:

So then, this video of yours will have birds trying to peck out the eyes of a detective who's 'shooting up' all the time while being chased by dinosaurs and assassins. It'll have some serious action set pieces and generally be very dark, right?

crazeski · #8 (**permalink**) 09-12-2004, 07:59 AM

Well to be specific Millsy, if we lose the dinosaurs, birds and the big budget, you may be half right.

My first production is quite audacious actually and it does cause me some fretting at times, but hey nothing ventured nothing gained.

I'm sure i mentioned that they were all gonna be music video. At least my first 13 anyway. I will keep this site posted over the next few months as it has been alot of help to me thus far.

crazeski · #9 (**permalink**) 09-12-2004, 08:25 AM

Marc Thanks for telling me that i don't need two buy two cams, but your point has been noted. Having said that i was speaking to a good friend of mine in London, she works for a firm in St James Square/Pall Mall area.

Anyway her rich boss said he is liquidizing one of his companies and she has been given the chance to pick around five items from the business free of charge. She has already put her mark on a 42' plasma and desk, she said there are some good camcorders there and she would get one for me for free. Of course i said i'd prefer to pay abit towards it, don't want her calling in sexual favours that i maybe oblige to fulfil