I need a cool looking camera

[PocoT]

Hi folks,

I'm brand new to this forum, and hope you can help me out. I have been recording live concerts using a Behringer X32 digital mixer for multitrack audio, and four Canon HF20's for video (our video budget is much smaller than our sound budget), and Vegas Pro 13. These cameras do a fine job for what is essentially a keepsake DVD of the concerts, but now I have a different assignment.

I need to do roving interviews at a trade show, but here is the problem... If your camera man and you walk up to a person to interview carrying a handy cam (like the aforementioned Canon), they think it's a gag of some sort. The cameras do a great job, they just are simply not impressive to look at. I love the look of the Mini DV cameras, but not the Mini DV format (at all). Does anyone know of a camera that will record to SD card in the AVCHD format (because I am familiar with it), that look cool - like a broadcast camera? My budget is < $2,000 and I generally like purchasing used, so age does not not matter as much as quality and that "I'm with network TV" look.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

PocoT

[SameSelf]

I'm pretty sure an older model DSLR would fill the need for under $1,000. They are big and bulky and all record in AVCHD.

[JVRaines]

Those Canon Vixias are pretty nice for the money. I was just using one today for some candid footage. Some ideas for you: use a handheld microphone with a big windscreen; rig an oversized cardboard lens hood for the Vixia. Both of these say "professional" to the layman.

[poisondeathray]

Sony's got an entry level / cheap shoulder mounted ENG/broadcast style for ~1500USD

HXR-MC2500

[PocoT]

Thanks PDR, That Sony is exactly what I'm looking for. Basically the same functionality as the typical camcorder in a "pro" format. The price is right, and it's got some great features as well. That lens hood is impressive I wonder if you can live stream video, since it can connect to a cell phone? I want to put people on "the big screen" as I interview them. It's all about creating buzz, and appealing to people's vanity. I know it sounds sort of crass, but people just love being on "TeeVee", and we want to gen up some excitement for just being at the show.

I learned this by attending a trade show put on by Microsoft in their hometown of Seattle (Redmond, actually). They had camera crews roaming around doing interviews with average joes, then they put them on large TVs the next day. People loved it.

[PocoT]

Those Canon Vixias are pretty nice for the money. I was just using one today for some candid footage. Some ideas for you: use a handheld microphone with a big windscreen; rig an oversized cardboard lens hood for the Vixia. Both of these say "professional" to the layman.

Yeah, JV, a couple of tricks I've learned is to use a plug-in digital recorder on the mic, a wind screen and a mic flag with your logo on it. Looks very "I'm important, you should talk to me".

[Anonymous]

Sony's got an entry level / cheap shoulder mounted ENG/broadcast style for ~1500USD

HXR-MC2500

Excuse me jumping in OP. I need a camera like that. @PDR I watched a demo on youtube.very good image but very deep DOF. Do you kow if shallow DOF is possible with it?

[pippas]

....... I Do you know if shallow DOF is possible with it?

Sensor is a 1/3.95 inch(4.6mm) back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor -- so pretty small, and an unlikely candidate for any shallow DOF I'm afraid....

[Anonymous]

....... I Do you know if shallow DOF is possible with it?

Sensor is a 1/3.95 inch(4.6mm) back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor -- so pretty small, and an unlikely candidate for any shallow DOF I'm afraid....

What size/sort of sensor would be needed for shallow dof? Apologies OP going a bit OT

[matte11]

I'm a fan of the Canon Rebel series. Good bang for the buck, and easy to use

http://thedigitalcamera.net/canon-t7i-vs-77d-vs-t6i-vs-t6s-whats-the-difference/