Camera roundup

posted by Jeff | Sunday, February 19, 2006, 5:16 PM | comments: 3

Yeah, so it's probably obvious that I've been spending my leisure time this weekend researching cameras. One of the conflicts is that I have two different sets of needs when it comes to the equipment. On one hand, I need something to document life's little moments. On the other hand, I need something professional grade that's going to meet a number of needs, including independent film making and for-hire work.

So with that, here's the roundup...

Sony HDR-HC1: $1,500
Pros: Inexpensive, small.
Cons: It's HDV, 1080i only, single CMOS censor, not suitable for pro work. Inadequate manual control.

Sony HDR-FX1: $3,100
Pros: I nearly forgot about this model, but it has major manual controls with actual dials and buttons, not menus. 3 CCD's for reasonable price.
Cons: HDV, 1080i only, no XLR audio.

JVC GY-HD100U: $5,200
Pros: A real, actual Fujinon lens! Shoulder mounted camera, XLR audio, looks kick ass, does 720/24p. Good price for having real glass. Has a $1k battery package free through the end of the month.
Cons: Still HDV, even if it is a different flavor. Not quite 1080/24p. Not vacation material at all. A little expensive.

Panasonic HVX200: $6,000 (plus $2,800 for 16 gigs of storage)
Pros: It's what I really want, does 1080/24p like Star Wars, DVCPRO, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO HD, DV at 480/30p, tapeless, XLR audio... it does it all.
Cons: It's expensive, it's hard to acquire.


Comments

Gonch

February 21, 2006, 6:40 PM #

I know you're leaning away from the Sony, but they just announced the HC3. It will hit the US in April at $1700 (not sure if that's street or list).

I think it's even smaller than the HD1, didn't read up on specs or anything.

Jeff

February 21, 2006, 6:46 PM #

I did... it's actually worse in a lot of areas in terms of manual control. It's smaller, and that's about the only "upgrade."

Gonch

February 21, 2006, 8:47 PM #

Bah! That figures. Sony seems to sell themselves on size more than anything.


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