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Starting Filming, one big dilema

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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
I'm ready to start filming and I would like to buy my first real camera. I had a flip video but those are incredibly basic. I could get one of two cameras:

A refurbished HV30 for $450.

or a used Panasonic gs320(it's 3ccd) that would include extra batteries, a wide angle lens, and a handle.
It would cost about $300.

What would you recommend for a person's first real camera? a more expensive HD one, or a SD set-up to learn on?
Jun 11 2009 9:37AM
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396222687862
Posts: 0 - Karma: 350
If your choosing between SD and HD, you might wanna think about your computer specs. If you have a decently fast computer you'll be fine with editing HD but without a good comp you won't be able to smoothly edit. Either way, your gunna need extras for the cam, wide angle helps, extra batteries so the GS320 might be your best bet.
Jun 11 2009 10:22AM
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Twaddler
Posts: 1197 - Karma: 109

with the extras on the panasonic you'd be able to do alot.  HD is good but if the choice came between HD and versitility, id probably go with the camera you can do more with.

and i second the above comment about the computer specs

Jun 11 2009 10:39AM
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KarmaInitiative
Posts: 2028 - Karma: 174
I'd say HV30. SD is on the way out, and you will really like the extra pixels. Ive never used a gs320, but from looking at the interwebz, it looks like the hv30 has more features to learn on. the hv30 also has a great userbase at hv20.com
Jun 11 2009 12:58PM
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4ReeL_
Posts: 3187 - Karma: 1,563
I wouldnt get HD unless you get a nicer cam, something that shoots 60p
Jun 11 2009 2:02PM
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.jr
Posts: 5313 - Karma: 356
Go with the HV30.. no point in staying in SD
Jun 11 2009 2:43PM
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eheath
Posts: 61648 - Karma: 123,479
I wouldn't necessary say that, at all.
Jun 11 2009 2:47PM
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4ReeL_
Posts: 3187 - Karma: 1,563
just my opinion......I think if someone gets a handheld HD cam, sure the picture will be nice, but its still going to be shot on a handheld. I think the SD with the wide angle would be a much better base to get started with and get creative with.


just my $0.02
Jun 11 2009 3:19PM
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Alkyy
Posts: 2839 - Karma: 149
so because an fx1000 shoots 60i its not worth getting over a SD camera?  I think everything to an extent is going HD.  Both the cameras are comperable just a little different im sure your gunna be happy either way as a starter cam. 
Jun 11 2009 3:53PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
This would be my first real camera.


If I went for the Panasonic I'd have a better set-up for learning about and starting filming without needing to buy a bunch of extra stuff?
Jun 11 2009 7:04PM
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eheath
Posts: 61648 - Karma: 123,479
I've seen some good shit from handheld HDV cameras, aka hv30. It's getting alot better than it ever has been.
Jun 11 2009 7:26PM
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dowalibeast
Posts: 3339 - Karma: 207
I disagree completely.
Jun 11 2009 8:36PM
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miroz
Posts: 10333 - Karma: 3,945

The stuff that comes with the GS320 isn't super necesary.  You can do follows with neither the handle nor the wide angle - you just gotta get good at them.  And probably the most important accesory is a tripod, which isn't included anyway (unless I skimmed incorrectly).  I'd say get the HV30 and a decent tripod, and start shooting. 

Regardless of camera quality, the fun in filming comes from the creativity you put into it.  Get what you feel is best, go out there, and start shooting! :)

Jun 11 2009 8:44PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
I guess I'll probably be going for the HV30 then. Sound good?
Jun 11 2009 11:34PM
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zagfan5
Posts: 2608 - Karma: 144
def get the hv30

better camera in the long run.
Jun 11 2009 11:51PM
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.peter
Posts: 1222 - Karma: 63
I'd say the panosonic as long as its good SD
nobody is going to notice the difference plus it's cheeper
and comes with extras!
Jun 12 2009 12:18AM
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*Fujative*
Posts: 8554 - Karma: 183
HA! Really?
Jun 12 2009 12:24AM
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dowalibeast
Posts: 3339 - Karma: 207
I'm all about SD. Still shooting on my DVX. But people will definitely notice the difference between SD and HD.
Jun 12 2009 3:09AM
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dowalibeast
Posts: 3339 - Karma: 207
zoom, zoom, zoom!
Jun 12 2009 3:10AM
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dergblerp
Posts: 1303 - Karma: 77

11/10 karma.

HV30, no questıon.  The pıcture ıs 4 tımes the resolutıon of a gs320, and whıle ıt's only a 1 chıp camera, ıts a really bıg chıp, so the qualıty of the ındıvıdual pıxels wıll be much better, and ıt wıll perform better ın low lıght.  And ıf your worrıed about colors, I thınk my hv20 produces some of the most vıbrant colors Ive ever seen.  Get ıt!

Jun 13 2009 3:02PM
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thisandthatfilms
Posts: 7714 - Karma: 526
damnit... i was gonna sell him the GS
Jun 13 2009 7:15PM
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Powdered_Donuts
Posts: 2180 - Karma: 187
im really loving the hv30 we have, if you can get a good deal on one its great for your situation
Jun 14 2009 1:29AM
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4ReeL_
Posts: 3187 - Karma: 1,563
please only talk if you have something to say.
Jun 14 2009 1:37AM
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dowalibeast
Posts: 3339 - Karma: 207
he said its ridiculous to suggest that you should only go hd if get something that shoots 60p.
Jun 14 2009 2:06AM
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