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fordel · 09-04-2004, 23:49

I'm in the market to get myself a nice DV camera.

Anyone have any advice. where to start looking ? good brands etc etc ?

I really have NFI about it at this stage, so might as well start looking into it before I actually buy one I think

Cheers

Chris

Peuty · 09-04-2004, 23:54

I'm not too sure of the specifics, but at work (Retravision) we have a Panasonic camera for $1700. It has three lenses instead of the usual one, which gives the imiages captured broadcast quality, instead of home movie quality. I will have a look tomorrow and get a model number for you.

fordel · 09-04-2004, 23:57

thanks heaps :)

chevypower · 09-05-2004, 03:24

Hey what do you want to do with it, and what is your budget? If you are semi-serious go for a Sony DSR-PDX10. 3CCD, dual XLR inputs, built in stereo mic, with onboard shotgun mic (which you would change over for a Sennheiser anyway) real 16:9 recording and uses the MiniDV OR DVCAM format.... you can pick em up new for $3500 now.... a lot you say? Go have a look and see what you are getting.. They used to be over $6000

If you dont want to spend $3500, then any single chip will do, and all are much of a muchness, and dont differ from each other dramatically.

If you get a PDX10, make sure you grab a Miller DS5 tripod too, they really work smoother and nicer than any other tripod for that camera. Made in Australia, parts are always available (unlike Manfrotto) and they are very robust too.

russellw · 09-05-2004, 06:24

The Panasonic is probably the 3CCD GS200 - I've had one for a couple of months now and have been impressed with it's size and performance. They are retail priced in the upper middle bracket but we have wholesale access to them and they weren't too badly priced.

Cheers
Russ

Thunder Kiss · 09-05-2004, 17:30

I will agree with a few of the others with regards to the Panasonic 3CCD cameras. The two stand out models are the NV-GS120 (don't pay more than $1650) or the NV-GS200 (under $2000). These also have a fairly good lense, made by Leica.

chevypower · 09-05-2004, 19:42

I still say go the PDX10... professional camera for the price of a consumer one... can't beat that. 3x 1/4 inch CCDS (not 1/6 inch) 3 pin mic inputs (no humming) and widescreen.

Also the Sony DCR-VX2100 replacement is due out at the end of next month, with the 3 x 1/3inch CCDs, HDV High Definition format which can record in 720p and 1080i. Records on Mini-DV Tapes in MPEGII at 25mbps, the DVCAM version to replace the PD170 is due out in January.

fordel · 09-05-2004, 23:08

well $3k is a bit more then i am looking at spending though it would be a nice camera... looking to stick under $2k if possible.

Only really want to use it for casual films, of car holidays etc etc.. and be robust enough to take OS with me next year

chris

Peuty · 09-06-2004, 01:27

ok, we have the the NV-GS200 at work for dead on $1700.00.

fordel · 09-06-2004, 01:35

thanks Peuty, thats pretty much what i am looking for :)

think i will have to go check some out tomorrow

chris