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Reccomend me a Camera

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panojibber
Posts: 3382 - Karma: 216

Alright, a friend of mine is in the market for a VIDEO camera this winter.

He's looking for something around $2000, but no higher than $3000.

It needs a recognizable video format, something that can get into imovie HD '06 without going through a lengthy conversion process.

It needs to be fairly easy to use, and if possible I would like to hear about your personal experiences with it.

No still cameras, he already has a REALLY nice still camera lol.

Nov 2 2008 1:11PM
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KAS
Posts: 1417 - Karma: 68
Sony hdr-FX1 or FX7 maybe...

 I have an FX1 and it does what I need it to do.
Nov 2 2008 1:44PM
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Jwenz
Posts: 8893 - Karma: 7,633
PANASONIC DVX-100B...Connor Scofield is selling one with a death lens and bag for 2300 OBO...Honestly such a great deal! HOP ON IT
Nov 2 2008 2:09PM
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dergblerp
Posts: 1303 - Karma: 77
ya, for 2000, your best bet will be buying a used sony FX1, or a DVX100B. The VX2100 and the GL2 are also popular, but they aren't quite as nice.

Note: FX1=High definition, DVX100B=Standard Definition.
Nov 2 2008 3:16PM
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horner
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 1,578
I say it a lot and I'll say it again. If you want ease and an amazing camera, go with the HV30 and use the cash you save to get a good tripod and whatever else you may need.
Nov 2 2008 3:33PM
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eheath
Posts: 61604 - Karma: 123,113
Just reading this thread makes me giggle. Someone whos spending 2000-3000 dollars on a camera and using imovie is stupid. Your friend should learn about cameras and editing before he spends so much money.
Nov 2 2008 3:48PM
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chuch_skier
Posts: 66 - Karma: 138
^  AMEN

but if its the case and he dosen't now much about cameras.. i would suggest a hv30.. very amazing little comsumer camera that can give you some incredible footage and it's cheap too.

Plus with the grand left, because if i remember right the hv30 is like no more than 900$, I would suggest your friend to get final cut express to edit with witch is like 200$ and since he is on a mac then that the best you can get.

And with the money left, get a nice tripod..not a shitty one it will pay alot to have a good one, also a nice bag or a very nice camera backpack, some tapes, extra batteries, filters, and a nice fisheye but it is optional. i heard century optics are releasing soon a new version of the baby death fisheye made for the hv20-30 and it is not so expensive also.

With all that gear you can land it the sub 3000$ total very easily and you have every proper tools to make an amazing ski film.

With that set up you can get a very professional looking film or edits or whatever your are using this for....

Peace bro,
Nov 2 2008 4:17PM
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B.Snow
Posts: 1859 - Karma: 92
yeah buy an Hv30 its your best bet. You always have to think of all the other expenses that come with enhances you video and maintaining your equipment in the long run.

If your friend needs a fairly easy to use camera, definitely go with the Hv30. The DVX100B is a sick camera but it has quite a steep learning curve, where as the Sony FX1/FX7 will be over 2000$ and the accessories are way more expensive when you get into prosumer camcorders such as these.

So go with the Hv30 and buy gangster accesories
Nov 2 2008 10:55PM
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estaked
Posts: 7388 - Karma: 79
yeah if you don't got the right shit to go with the camera your shots are gonna suffer. I would do what everyone else is saying. Better to start with a cheaper camera, get good accessories. Buy a good tripod cause it will last longer than the camera. You'll need extra batteries, wide angle, tapes. Plus you never know if its one season and done. It depends on if you like it, better to save on the initial buy in, and go bigger later.
Nov 3 2008 12:11AM
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