Choosing a camera

[Rxbandit3385]

Hey im a new film student that needs to get a very good DV camcorder to begin . I did a considerable amount of research and i found the panasonic PV-GS series . I was wondering if anyone here is familiar with the GS200 and 400. and if its even worth it to spend the extra bucks on the 400. thanks

 

[Lazlo]

I've done a fair amount a research myself on Mini DV. If are looking for a high end DV camcorder, I would not go with the GS series. Its a very good camera for its price range, but I would still drop it in the consumer camera box. Now, it depends what you're shooting, how serious you are and all that. It might be perfect for your purposes. At the top of the camera pyramid you have the XL series by canon. Then, still up way high in the sky you have the AG-DVX100a by panasonic. Then there's the VX-2100 by sony and the PD-170. All of these are great cameras-if 1. you're serious. 2. you will be shooting a lot (These are not cheap!).

Then below these high end cameras you still have some really good ones. Theres the GL series by canon, the AG-DVC15, 30, and 60 by panasonic, GY-DV300U by JVC (I would stay away from it), and PDX10 by sony. These are your prosumer cameras.

Then, a step below these you start getting near the bottom of the food chain of good mini DV camcorders with the AG-DVC7, and the GS series.

Make sure you do your research before you buy, and above all TEST THE CAMERA! I would recommend renting it if you can. It all depends are what kind of shooting you're going to be doing. Good luck.

 

[adamthegreat]

i was looking at the same cameras thinking the gs400 was too expensive. i ended up going with a camera in the middle of the two. it is discontinued so i dont know if youll be able to find it, but i got a panasonic pv dv953. its pretty much inbetween those two models and so far its been great