Newbie here, which camcorder should i get?

[defectivelasagna]

So i've never done any cinematography and have decided to get myself a camcorder. Lately i've been eyeing the Sony HDR-CX100 and plan to use iMovie for editing on my MBP. the CX100 is just an option for me at the moment but id like to shoot short films and achieve the whole 'movie' like quality, i do realize that it would take expensive equipment but i wouldn't mind settling for less considering i'm on a budget. Would the CX100 be able to achieve even a glimpse of the 'movie' quality or should i be looking at another video camera? I am an absolute noob and would love to learn so much more.

thanks.

[pepegot1]

Get a HD camcorder and you will have many frustrations. Buy a good 3CC minDV camcorder, work with SD, and you will have far less problems. You can go HD later when the technology matures.

[defectivelasagna]

Get a HD camcorder and you will have many frustrations. Buy a good 3CC minDV camcorder, work with SD, and you will have far less problems.

What's 3CC? what makes miniDV camcorder better exactly?

[defectivelasagna]

Would you say Canon HV30 makes a better camcorder for the "film" look?

[pepegot1]

Panasonic PV 320 or better yet the PV500. You can Google to find prices. The PV500, which I have, is a good camera, but could be pricey. You will then have tons of good free software and mature programs available to you. To go HD would require a large capital expense in eqiupment. In the end you will convert back to SDVD to play on your players and give to friends etc. At 10 feet, who will know the difference from a convert HD to SD vs an original SD. Start slowly, learn and work your way up. This web site is the best place on the internet for that.

[pepegot1]

I heard, on the site, that there are sound problems with Canon models of interest, and you would need an external mic.

[defectivelasagna]

currently i'm watching video samples of the canon HV30 on it's film look and it looks amazing, seems like something budget filmmakers use. What do you think?

also, i can't seem to find the panasonic models you mentioned above on my local website, would it happen to have been under different model names?

[pepegot1]

As I do not have that camcorder, I cannot say. I did hear-the worst form of evidence-that motor noise can be picked up on this camcorder. I can say "the Panny does an excellent job."

[defectivelasagna]

sounds good, i've definitely shortened my list. Thanks for the help.

btw, any recommendations on where i should start learning about cinematography?

[pepegot1]

There are many good tutorials on the site-check them out. Also, look for questions posted, if they apply. You can also ask specific questions if you encounter a problem. Also, go to a good book store and see if anything is there to help you. I learned a lot from my Videostudio manual as to making movies. VideoStudio X2 Pro is an editing program. I do my burning separately, though it can be done in VS. You will develop, over time, methods to achieve your ends. You can also Google for subjects of interest. The sources are many as are the ways.