Best miniDV camera for $1,000?

[smcockey]

Hi everyone. I just discovered the board recently, and have really enjoyed reading all of your comments and advice!

Anyway, I'm a student filmmaker, am looking to buy my first camera, and have about $1,000 to spend. I'm looking for miniDV, as that's what I've used in school and am most familiar with. I used the Canon GL2 at school, but at over $2,000, it is out of my budget. If anyone has any suggestions as to my best options for around $1,000, I'd really appreciate the advice. Thanks so much!

 

[binba]

Not an easy one. Indie/student cameras are in the $2000 (DVX) to $8000 (HVX) range.

Whatever you use, make sure it has the most basic tools that enable you to control your pictures - and not have the camera control your movie - manual focus ring (not buttons), manual exposure, and an external microphone input.

Panasonic PV-GS400 has all these, plus 3CCD and 16:9, for $850. Also look into Cannon HV20 and Sony HDR-UX1.

But really, do you need to spend all that money to own your own camera? That's what school is for! Befriend whoever runs things there, and exploit (I mean, use ) it to learn.
Use the money for production neccesities, like renting a van, or buying food for your crew. If you make good movies, and feed your crew well, you'll soon have guys owning these $3000-cameras wanting to work for you.

 

[smcockey]

Thanks so much binba. I'd gladly use the college's equipment, but they don't hand it out over the summer, so I'm kind of stuck until the fall.

I've looked a lot at the Panasonic GS 400, and really like it a lot. But every time I've seen it, it goes for $1200-$1400. If I could find one for $850, I'd jump on it. Any ideas?