Firstly, please don't quote the whole of the previous post it makes it hard for others to read and we can always scroll up to see what went before.

If you're going to pay $1000 ish then you have to make choices. AVCHD or Tape? SD or HD? and that is something which you alone can decide. In essence you're asking "Which it better, Tea or Coffee?" and the answer is "It depends..."

Movies have been shot on crap equipment. The Bleeeaaagh Witch Project for one, Cloverfield (supposedly) another. 28 Days Later was shot on mini-dv. etc. etc. Read and accept what Mitch is telling you. The technical quality often has little to do with the cameras but a lot to do with the abilities of the crew, and that is what you should be concentrating on.

Until you can make good shorts with cheap equipment, there is no point in asking "what camera is necessary for broadcast or festivals?" Like I said, each festival has its own requirements but even if a festival insists on HD, they're still not going to refuse something like 28 Days Later just because it was shot on SD mini-dv.

Don't forget you'll also need sound equipment, camera supports and lighting.

So your suggestion is that I shouldnt buy a camera and learn more of filmmaking instead. But, lets assume I can make good shorts with cheap equipment. Now I need to buy some better equipment - and I need advice on that.

I guess I would like HD, but frankly I dont know whats the qualitative difference between AVCHD and tape. Need advice on that too, if possible.

Basically the whole idea of me asking this is that I want to buy one camcorder ! And when I got to a shop, I need to tell them a particular make and model.

I dont want to be harping on the same question again and again. That would be taking a lot of your time. Well, if someone can suggest some well-tested cameras (preferably) in my price range, I would be very grateful. Thanks

PS : I got some specific implementable suggestions from Chapman, and based on that I think I will go for Canon HV30, unless there is something very negative about it, which I dont know. Thanks Chapman, for your to the point suggestions.

And, I have seperate budget for lights and audio. Plan to buy a Rode mic and am forgetting the name of the recorder. I have not yet planned the exact combination of lights to buy. Perhaps will get back to you with that. Any suggestions ?

To The Guru.

Dude, you the man.

To digitalsfx

Get what you want and use it how you want.

Hi Digitalsfx....You might also like to try this forum The Digital Video Information Network for further and perhaps more rational advice.

here is a video i have made with hv 30 YouTube - Jibbing with Christian Ziesler

Thanks mate.. thats an awesome video. HV30 it is.. for me !

Thanks... seems very useful. Registering there too

Hi Mitch and Guru,

Seems you guys didnt take kindly to my queries. But I really do value your advices and your experience in the field a lot. You guys are experts and thats why I have become member of this forum and asking you these questions. I was trying to make my point of view, while trying to get practical information that I could use.And I am thankful for all the information you have shared.

Well, I was looking for specific camera model name(s), as thats what I would have to tell the shopkeeper. Anyway if by trying to get a specific answer to my query I have offended you I am sorry about that.
Butif everytime we have to go out of the way to praise and pep each other, than it will look more like "scratch each others back" club - though I must say I really appreciate the effort you are putting in to share your knowledge with others.


Thanks guys, you are doing a great job. cheers

That particular forum is squarely aimed at the higher end of the video spectrum, and provides good advice from well respected members. Ask as similar question there, and the response would have been more blunt. Everyone here has patiently been explaining that it's not the camera, but what you film, and how you film. all vey basic, elementary stuff.

please do not attempt to suggest that advice would be more rational or you would get further advice elsewhere. the question hs been answered here and there is no need for such posts.
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Marc - See PM - Harley