Looking for my first camera

[emerrow]

Hi everyone, I'm a digital media student and I'm looking to get my first camcorder. I'm interested in producing any sort of video really. I'm looking for a camera that has a great picture. I have experience with the jvc GY-HM100E, and the bigger GY-HD110U. I really liked all the features on the GY-HD110U (ability to disengage the servo motor, and individual rings for the iris, and focus) especially all the individual rings. I have more experience with the smaller GY-HM100E, but my reservations lie within the picture quality of the unit. To me, the picture always seems a little bit out of focus or blurry. I also really like the convenience of recording straight to an sd card with the GY-HM100E, but I think that's mostly because I'm a tad bit intimidated with the capture process since I have little experience capturing. I'm willing to learn about the capturing process though. I've been leaning more toward a bigger, more professional camera rather than a smaller handheld camera.

One of the biggest concerns that has come about since I have started my research is deciding between a camcorder and a dslr. I really like Shallow DOF shots and I've come to find that a lot of dslr cameras do a great job at achieving such shots. I've posted this in the selected forum because I 1. Have a canon s3is and I really like it, and 2. have looked into the xh-a1 camera and it seems pretty nice.

My ideal budget is about $2000 but I'm more focused on getting the best camera for my wants/need rather than spending all of, less than, or more than my budget.

I am open to any brand, and I really appreciate any suggestions and help that anyone is willing to give me. Thanks!

[Erik Bien]

Hi emerrow, and welcome to the forum!


I also really like the convenience of recording straight to an sd card ... have looked into the xh-a1 camera and it seems pretty nice.

Although a new one is a bit above your budget, you might look for a second-hand XF100. Canon basically beefed up or eliminated everything that usually breaks on the XH-A1 (onboard mic, menu wheel, etc.), gave it solid-state recording to dual card slots and shrunk it slightly.

[cgbier]

Yeah, but the XF was that long on backorder that you'll have hard times to find one second hand... and, sadly, not for $2K. I've seen them for 500 bucks OVER new price on ebay in-between. The infra structure is also more expensive than the JVC's - CF cards vs. SD. It's a very nice cam though.

[Krane]

Then perhaps its little brother the Canon XA10 Camcorder would fit the bill? Its Canon's smallest and least priced professional camera and comes in right on budget. I'm not sure you can get any DSLR for as little, that can do as much.

http://images.gizmag.com/inline/canon-xa10-handycam-camcorder-14.jpeg


http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/professional_camcorders/xa10

[cgbier]

I know that you only post to get via the spam minimum, but you shouldn't forget that this is a video, not a photo forum. You might want to try your luck with dpreview.com or such.

[Dr. Benway]

A-ha, it's Benjamin3 alright. What has this forum come to?