can anyone recommend a sub £3000 camera with 1080p, 25fps?

[tikigod19]

Hi all,

I've been using 4 HDR-FX1's for filming weddings and never really knew they only recorded at 1080i. I have recently bought a small 1080p camera for when our first child arrives and the quality is much higher in terms of resolution. I am therefore on the look out for a camera to replace my FX1's but I'm so out of the loop.

If anyone has any recommendations I'd be really greatful.

My wish list is as follows:
1920x1080 or higher resolution
sub £3000 new price
25p option
should not use a tape system to record

nice to have:
XLR inputs
High frame rate to do smoother slow motion than the FX1
good low light performance


I'm sorry if this seems lazy but after looking online all I've come up with is the new Red Scarlet which is set to be amazing when released but also carry an amazing price bracket so maybe I'll have to set my sights lower...

Many thanks
David

[zoobie]

take a look at the reviews over at www.camcorderinfo.com

[tikigod19]

thanks for that. I have looked at there before but unless I'm missing a large section of the site, it seems all of the camcorders are the tiny handycam type. I'm after something similar in size to the FX1, more of a professional model.

[frlane]

I purchased a Canon HV40 for the (many) situations where a larger camera just won't fit. I have been VERY impressed with this camera. It is a tape based camera, but the Canon HF20 is similar, but is tapeless. This camera is cheap enough that you can purchase an XLR box and wide-angle lens and still be under the budget.

[tikigod19]

thanks for your suggestion frlane. Strangely I have a HF200 (the memory card version of the HF20) and think the video quality is excellent but I'm just worried about it being so small and reacting more to the slightest tripod movement (also its pretty much impossible to use freehand and not be all over the place) but its food for thought. If i got another 1080p AVCHD camera then my HF200 could easily be my backup camera and the footage would go together nicely.

What is the difference between the HF20/200 and the HV40? I'd not heard of the 40 but that'd probably as it was slightly above my budget when researching the HF200.

Cheers,