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Which Camera would be better?

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shintastic48
Posts: 2909 - Karma: 46
So i'm currently looking at an upgrade from my current camcorder (Sony HDR-SR12). It isn't a bad camcorder I'm just looking for something I could manually play with the focus with and have it actually make a difference. I'm currently looking into these two. Other suggestions are welcome. My budget is around 3,500. So go crazy.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/589903-REG/Canon_3238B001_XH_A1s_3CCD_HDV_Camcorder.html#specifications

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/461818-REG/Sony_HVRV1U_HVR_V1U_HDV_Camcorder.html
May 9 2010 12:42AM
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1337
Posts: 31059 - Karma: 29,329
Panasonic HMC150
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/575992-REG/Panasonic_AG_HMC150PJU_AG_HMC150_AVCCAM_Camcorder.html

If you really want to get into manual features and are committed, go Canon 7D + use the rest of your money on lenses
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-7D-28-135mm-Standard/dp/B002NEGTU6

PRIMES
Canon 50mm f/1.4
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12140-USA/Canon_2515A003_50mm_f_1_4_USM_Autofocus.html
Canon 24 f/2.8
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12091-GREY/Canon_2506A002_Wide_Angle_EF_24mm.html
WIDE
tokina 11-16 f/2.8
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554036-REG/Tokina_ATX116PRODXN_11_16mm_f_2_8_AT_X_116.html
TELEPHOTO
Canon 70-200 f/4
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/183198-GREY/Canon_2578A002_EF_70_200mm_f_4L_USM.html
MICROPHONE
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/363083-REG/Rode_VIDEOMIC_VideoMic_Camera_Mounted.html
May 9 2010 12:57AM
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1337
Posts: 31059 - Karma: 29,329
oh to respond to this, I suggest staying away from tape media, there are better mediums out there that are more reliable. Tape cameras have moving parts that don't always deal well to shock/temp/etc and are more likely to break in the long run. If you are choosing between those two go with the XHA1. I've never heard of that sony but i'm gonna advise against it, the XHA1 is better by far. See my above post for suggestions.
May 9 2010 1:02AM
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MANDER
Posts: 4017 - Karma: 2,038
I agree with everything he said. Smart man. I was looking at cameras in this range. I was going to get the HMC 150 until I saw the quality of the 7d. I would look at those two. If you really wanted one from the OP, get the XH A1.
May 9 2010 1:13AM
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shintastic48
Posts: 2909 - Karma: 46
What would be a good camera that isn't hdv? I'm looking at the panasonic and it sucks in low light. I live in the midwest (generally always low light) And the 7D would be strange to use to me.

maybe something like this?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/671535-REG/Sony_HDRAX2000_H_HDR_AX2000_AVCHD_Camcorder.html#reviews
May 9 2010 10:59AM
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MANDER
Posts: 4017 - Karma: 2,038
Never heard anything about that camera. I assume its similar to a FX1 but AVCHD but I honestly have no clue. I think the HMC will do fine in low light if you know how to handle it. Look at some of Charles B's videos. He's a professional videographer on here and uses the HMC. He has really nice videos.
May 9 2010 12:24PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
the 7D destroys all video cameras in low light. I've shot footage using only street lights and no external lighting. Also, you will get much more for your money with a DSLR. for $3,500, you could get a camera, some nice lenses, follow focus, steadicam, slider, etc. This setup would make your footage look MUCH better than any video camera in your price range, provided you learn to use it.
May 9 2010 3:05PM
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dergblerp
Posts: 1303 - Karma: 77
The Panasonic HMC150 has basically the best low light performance you can find in a camcorder of it's class (non-dslr).  Way better than the Sony V1U.  The XHA1 does pretty well in low light, but the panasonic is better from my experience (I've used both cameras quite a bit).  You can probably find an XHA1 used for around 2500 or so.  I'm thinking about selling mine actually...  PM me if you're interested.
May 9 2010 11:48PM
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shintastic48
Posts: 2909 - Karma: 46
After looking at the Sony HDR-AX2000 I really like it. Only question is what does it shoot to? It doesn't say anything about internal memory so i'm assuming it's not like my current camera that has a HD that it shoots the film to. It says that there are two Memory Stick Pro Duo Slots which can fit two 32GB cards in it. I'm assuming it shoots to there? Or is it still tape?
May 13 2010 8:00PM
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1337
Posts: 31059 - Karma: 29,329
•Uses: Memory Stick PRO Duo / SDHC Cards.

May 13 2010 8:18PM
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shintastic48
Posts: 2909 - Karma: 46
Thank you sir. I think that will be my choice. Reviews swear it is good. Thanks for your help with the other camera's everyone that did. I really had to decide between the Panasonic and the Sony. My father suggested purchasing the Sony because we are familiar with there products and we felt safer buying a Sony product.
May 13 2010 9:24PM
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