Ok NS, I need your help. This one is targeted towards Allen since he has used a few cameras I am interested in. So this summer I think I will finally invest in a decent camera. I am thinking a HMC40, FX7, or DVX100b. Before you tell me, get a HV30 noob, I have experience as a photographer. I understand things like exposure, white balance, etc. I have no interest in putting this camera on auto and pressing record. I am thinking of getting one of these cameras for a few reasons.
1. I want to make edits of me and my friends skiing. I'm not going to make any full length movies (yet), but I want a good quality video that won't make me want to shoot myself (we all know how painful it is watching videos were you can't even see the skier).
2. My mom is going to take a few film courses. She did a project as an intern directing a professional documentary. She wants to take it to the next level, so she decided to go back to school. Although the course has to do with more script writing and stuff, a nice camera is always nice to have. She would probably pay for a small amount of this camera so she could use it.
3. I love videography and would shoot things like wildlife and people. I live in a big city (Toronto) with tons of interesting things to shoot. Also, I have a cottage that also offers great things to shoot. I am also taking a film course next year. Its just grade 11 film so it isn't a big deal, but a nice camera would really help.
Here's were you come in. I'm not looking to spend tons of money. I'm not getting a camera like an HVX or HMC150. I want something that will get the job done on a budget. HD would be nice, but I have seen a lot of footage from the DVX that looks really nice. Also, the DVX is about $800 more then the HMC40/FX7. I have read allen rip apart the HMC40 and the FX7, but I think they would be good for me. They both even have handles!!! I like how the HMC doesn't have tapes, but my computer isnt the fastest so hopefully the AVCHD doesnt rip it apart. Allen said he didnt mind the FX7, and the footage from it didn't look bad. The DVX will obviously have better manual controls/low light performance but I like the idea of HD in these times. Sorry for the really long post. It will probably bore you to death but I could really use some help.
P.S. I saw this N.I.G. edit. It says it's filmed with the DVX100b, but on vimeo the HD feature is on. The other DVX footage I saw didnt have this. Was this a typo or what? Link:
http://vimeo.com/10420278