Looking for the best DV camera

[tranzadikt]

Hi, im looking for the BEST DV camera, im goin for the closest to Film look,

my budget is max $2000 so someone please give me your input, i was thinking the GL-2

[edDV]

Your budget isn't adequate for anything close to best so you need to specify what you want to do with your $2000 camcorder.

Film look or transfer to film, are you a film student looking to compete at Sundance?

Read this first, it may help you decide which film look you may want.
http://www.adamwilt.com/24p/index.html

[guns1inger]

Can I also suggest you read this post, especially point #1

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=78182

[edDV]

Can I also suggest you read this post, especially point #1

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=78182

We need Jack Nicholson to dub "You can't handle the best".

[tranzadikt]

yes, i am aiming for the sundance type of film. Not transferring to film, i just want it to look pro, I'm sort of new to the whole professional filming world

but instead of spending like 1500 on a "begginers" camera, i'd rather get the most pro for the best price, nd just learn how to use that

and as for the Panasonic AG-DVX100A, i've found it for $2,250.00. It has lots of extras too, inc. batteries, a hard case, and a DVD + the manual, nd a UV filter

Well just give me your input

[edDV]

yes, i am aiming for the sundance type of film. Not transferring to film, i just want it to look pro, I'm sort of new to the whole professional filming world

but instead of spending like 1500 on a "begginers" camera, i'd rather get the most pro for the best price, nd just learn how to use that

and as for the Panasonic AG-DVX100A, i've found it for $2,250.00. It has lots of extras too, inc. batteries, a hard case, and a DVD + the manual, nd a UV filter

Well just give me your input

The AG-DVX100A is really the entry camera for that use. The GL2 no. The XL2 maybe but watch the costs of options.

Best you consult a film school for training and camera recommendations. Buying the camera and Bogen tripod is only the beginning. Don't expect to hand hold 24P without a SteadyCam and remember that lighting is at least 50% of the effort. Then there is audio...

For those looking to learn the basics, you can do lots of practice with the cheapest sub $300 Digital8 camcorder and rent the fancy equipment after you have the contract (or have written your script).

Enough of the 50cent film school.

[Habby]

Sometimes I even hate to say anything. I don't think anybody really goes onto a forum and asks something just to sound dumb. I think they just don't know and are seeking help. So let's be candles not wet blankets when we answer. As for the video camcorder: I have been using a sony vx-2000 for 3 years and the quality of my video still amazes me. You can't get them anymore but the vx-2100 has even lower light capabilities. I do weddings and sports and sell them to parents. I also do commercials for TV. I will be glad to help anyone who is moving into video as a hobby or for work. I make good money filming football baseball and selling them to parents. But you have to have the quality, and the know how. A smooth fluid head tripod. And most of all, A knack for filming. I have tried most all video editing software. I have spent money I wish I could get back. I have gone back to simple old Pinnacle studio 9. For me it beats those five a nd six hundred dollar programs. Stay away from all those freebie encoders where you need 10 programs to convert and wind up with problems. Just use studio 9 and you can burn your DVD and have 5.1 surround sound. If you have further questions e-mail me at habb@gtcom.net

[Habby]

Sorry I got my email wrong. It is habby@gtcom.net

[edDV]

You and tranzadikt need to understand the past week's discussion context RE: asking for the "best" without providing enough information about the user's financial objectives and/or skill level.

Often a responder will offer a thoughtful experience based response like yours and add useful links only to be rebuffed when the author of the original post fails to read the links or suddenly demands a "free" solution.

Asking for the "best" product without qualifcation of the users goals, budget and user skill expectation is the issue.

tranzadikt did state a budget of $2000 which was a huge help in guiding a response. Unfortuately the "best" request struck a nerve in the context of the past week's discussion.
https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=289847