Help choosing new camera

[ronni]

I'm interested in event coverage (ENG type) and I'm thinking of buying a shoulder-mounted camera, and use my HV for B-roll. There are 3 that I could possibly afford and hope to get your input before I buy:

1) Sony HVR-HD1000U MiniDV 1080i

Pros: I'm already comfortable with tape, and it's the least expensive of the 3.
Cons: Tape is pretty much replaced by cards now.


2) Sony HXR-MC2000U

Pros: This is very similar to the HD1000U, but uses SD cards. Maybe it's time to move on from tape. I have a quad core running w7, so I think I should be able to edit the footage. This one is only a little more than the HD1000U.
Cons: For (a lot) more money, I could buy the HMC-80 ...


3) Panasonic AG-HMC80

Pros: Although it is considerably more $ than either of the above, has a lot more features, of which I have a lot to learn about. Until March 31, it also comes with a rebate for some good accessories.
Cons: It's seems like it might be way out of my skill range.


Should I buy one of the cheaper ones and wait to buy something better when I feel more capable, or go for the HMC-80 and learn it as I go?

TIA for your thoughts.

[liverpool 1]

I use the hvr -hd1000e for weddings it is very good, then i use the hv40 for reception and first dance in cinemode, better for lower light, the hv1000e is terrible in bad light...unless you get a really good light then its ok again.... steve

[charlie_tango]

I'm interested in event coverage [...] or go for the HMC-80 and learn it as I go?

As I read it, you don't really need 24p, so both Sony could do the job for cheaper. The panasonic model can do 720/60p and 1080/30p, which is better than the Sony. And the panasonic sensor size is 1/4" 3MOS Sensors so i guess it means 1/4 x3 sensors, which is better than only one at 1/3, correct me if i'm wrong.
I would invest more and go with the panasonic, so you will have the ability to use the extra features that you don't need for now. my advice.

[maxsideburn]

probably the best ENG type camera right now would be the HMC150, it's a little more than the HMC80, but it's twice the camera. 1/3" CCDs will not only give you MUCH better low light ability but also won't suffer from "flash banding" like CMOS sensors do. HMC80 is basically consumer grade guts stuffed into a "pro" body. you'd be better off saving the money and getting an HMC40, it's the same internals, it's lighter to carry, and will be easier to use in a "run n gun" situation like weddings. even then you will at LEAST need a good LED on-camera light.

trust me, I do weddings for a living and that HMC80 is going to be about like my FX7 is in low light....BAD. I had to purchase some 2000W daylight balanced fluorescent light rigs to compensate, now I'm wishing I'd just spent more on a better camera.

do it once, do it right.

[ronni]

Thanks for all the replies. I've really been on the fence about this and appreciate the different perspectives.

Considering the dollar value of the current rebate with the HMC80, the HMC80 seems like a better buy than the Sony right now, especially if, as liverpool wrote, the 40 is better in lower light situations. charlie_tango, you are right, I don't need 24p, but I would like 720/60p to start playing with slow motion.

Thanks for pointing out the HMC150, maxsideburn. I think it might really be too much money for me, considering I'd have to buy a good bag for it and any other accessories. Also, I really wanted to go with a shoulder mount because I find it tough to maneuver through crowds with a tripod. I was surprised you wrote an HMC40 would be easier to use in a run and gun situation than a shoulder mount camera?

I'll have to think about it for a while more and do some more research.

Thanks again!

[charles29]

i like Sony HVR-HD1000U MiniDV 1080i

[Unframed Obituary]

Funny i read this now. I was looking at the hmc80 not long ago for 2k or so. As you may have guessed I didn't get it. Why didn't I get it? I was looking for 24p, focus ring, good low light (1.41 sensor isn't even worth filming indoors), plenty of external controls, shoulder mounted, solid state recording. It fit all categories except good low light and physical controls. I figured that was enough to say no even at that price point because it's basically a high end consumer cam in a shoulder mount body. I personally hate Sony cameras so that wasn't even an option.

[Benjamin3]

I would like to suggest you to purchase Nikon or Canon company's camera because these two companies are the best to make the photos and have a great and high quality result of the photos Sony is also the best company but Nikon D600 and D700 both are the ever latest models....

[Dr. Benway]

Not Benjamin3 again.

[cgbier]

Benjamin3? Successor to Benedikt16?

[sharjeel]

i would like to suggest to buy Nikon cameras,here you can get camera with your budget,

[Krane]

3) Panasonic AG-HMC80

Pros: Although it is considerably more $ than either of the above, has a lot more features, of which I have a lot to learn about. Until March 31, it also comes with a rebate for some good accessories.
Cons: It's seems like it might be way out of my skill range.


Should I buy one of the cheaper ones and wait to buy something better when I feel more capable, or go for the HMC-80 and learn it as I go?

TIA for your thoughts.

You should be looking for a camera you can grow into, no one that you will soon out grow. Nevertheless, you need to list more about how you will us the camera for a better suggestion as to the one that will best suit your needs.

For example, durability, battery life, sensor, flexibility/expandability, weight, warranty, media, cost, etc. Most important you need to make sure the camera you buy is compatible with your editing facility.

There's nothing worse than buying a camera then discovering it won't work with your computer without some expensive accessory or extra cost plug-ins. Be sure you have all the right matching up-to-date ports and cables.