What cam should I buy?

[StuartOrph]

Hi, Im a total n00b, could anyone tell me the best DV Cam to buy for making my own Short Films?

[Richard_G]

Sony DCR-VX2000.

[bugster]

Moved to CamCorders forum

[Innershield]

Buy a Sony Digital8. The tapes are half the price of MiniDV tapes. The optical and digital zoom is higher than a MiniDV. And you can play back older analog 8mm tapes. I have the DCR-TRV740 and I am very happy with it. It originally cost $800 but I have seen them on ebay now for around $400. Just make sure you don't get a low end model because they don't play analog tapes nor do they have analog inputs.

[Richard_G]

But surely, he asked what is the BEST cam. In that case he wouldn't be looking at Digital8, nobody makes one of a high enough spec! If we are talking best, $3000 worth of VX2000 is only a starting point and work your way up from there. Even that is only regarded as semi-pro, add an extra zero (at least) for proper broadcast gear.

If you put a bit more detail into the question, we might be able to give you a bit more specific advice.

[Innershield]

While it's possible I doubt he want a $3000 and up cam.

Yes, tell us what you want out of the cam and we can point you in the right direction.

[StuartOrph]

basicly, I have been recording local bands, and my own band for years, but when my band eventualy go on tour I want to record parts of it, and make it into a video for a song.

I have already done this with all my Hi8 Anolog stuff for my old band, and I got it pretty good qaulity. but Digital is obviously better

[Richard_G]

Yes, digital should be better than Hi8, but I suppose the first question that needs answering is how much do you want/can you afford to spend?