Back from the HVX200.....What to do?

[Tunnelmen]

Hi guys, I have been through the progression of the hv20 rig to an HVX200 with RedRock. I had to sell because of financial issues, but am trying to get back on the horse. My camera budget is around 1200 USD. I am familiar with the mass movement to the DSLR's, but they are just not for me. Simply, because I'm normally a one man crew (I know...impossible) and cannot bring myself to go separate sound recording again..which I did with the Zoom/HV20. Sound is so incredibly important, and in my situation, a must to record to the camera. Are there any solutions out there for me? I am entirely lost with past few years releases of camcorders and am aware that I'm asking a lot, but just wondering whats out there that meets some of the following requirements.

-HD recording with manual focus and aperature (at the same time)
-Largest sensor possible in this price range
-24fps recording (I'm old, I know some out there think it's not important anymore)
-On board recording (with great sound....XLR input)
-Cinema style color gamut
-DOF adapater mountable (my assumption is that most are)
-Simple workflow...I use Vegas Pro 9

Just a shot in the dark to ask these things. I realize that I'm asking prosumer capabilities from a consumer camera...I have been around the block before,but it's been a while....just really need some direction. Thanks!

[mark84j]

HV40 with an Irv focus ring.
Beachtek adapter for XLR mics.

And IMO, a DOF adapter is not 100% necessary. While the focus capabilities of the HV40 is horrendous, practice with it will definitely pay off. And that itself shouldn't take long at all especially if you pick your shots carefully and you have a tripod. Did some tests with the HV40 not too long ago, and I feel I was a fool to sell it last year. But I've since bought it back and I feel set for a long time.

Nowadays, people are using DSLRs way too much - as you mentioned. And I feel the Vixia line has been forgotten.

[Tunnelmen]

thanks for the quick replay! what dof adapter are u using. I noticed some shallow dof in your videos. I mentioned to a friend that I posted and he told me about the Sony NEX VG-10. Seems pretty cool at 2 grand, but a little outside my price range...esp, since I would have to add a beachtek for sound.

[Mark G]

Well, there is the Canon G10 which is something like a modern-day tapeless HV40 on steroids. Normal price is $1,499, but you might be able to find an open box unit (B&H had one a couple weeks ago) for like $1,200. Great focus ring, lots of manual features. Extremely good low light. Wide lens and nice colors. I have a HV30 and my XA10 (same sensor as G10) has great video capabilities and low light capabilities. One weakness is (to me) a funky location for the 'mini accessory shoe' which would be nice if it were a cold shoe where the XA10's is located. I also like the HVxx zoom and menu access system control better. But overall, the G10/XA10 is a really nice camera that might fit what you are looking for.

Otherwise, you might look for a used Panasonic, or a used Sony Z5/Z7. A Z7 would allow you to get interchangable lenses as your budget allows and get the depth of field you are looking for. Well, those are some thoughts...