Video Camera

[Vicis]

Hey, everyone. I don't know much about video cameras and that's why I'm here, so I can learn more about them and what are the best kinds of video cameras. I have a question.

What is the absolute best video camera for shooting anything from amateur movies, to professional movies?


Thnx!

 

[Red Prince]

Re: Video Camera

What is the absolute best video camera for shooting anything from amateur movies, to professional movies?

There is no such thing as an absolute best. Amateur movies and professional movies have completely different requirements.

For example, a good professional camera tends to be bulky. It would make no sense to take it with you on vacation. For that, you would need something much more compact.

A good professional camera requires you to focus manually. That allows you to shoot great professional footage. But on vacation, where you want to capture something spontaneous, you simply do not have the time to focus manually, so for that you are better off with autofocus.

So, the point I am trying to make is that "best" is relative. What is best in one situation may actually be a major disadvantage in another situation.

So, someone might decide that a compromise is the "best" for his needs and may get a good prosumer camera. Someone else may decide it is best to have two (or even more) different cameras for different occasions. And the major studios usually decide not to even own the cameras they shoot with but to rent whatever camera is the best for whatever they are doing at any time.

 

[Vicis]

Ok, I see what you're saying. But let's say for a person like me, an amateur filmmaker, what is the best video camera for me to use for shooting if I were to create a film?

 

[David Mullen ASC]

If you're an amatuer, almost any camera would work to practice on, it doesn't have to be fancy or even look that good.

Eventually you'll want to consider a camera with a 24P option for more of a "film look" in terms of the motion, but you'll also have to learn all the ramifications of shooting 24P for post and how you want to finish the project.

A good deal these days for a 24P camera is the little Canon HV20 HDV camcorder.

The most popular 24P DV camcorders over the past few years are the Canon XL2 and Panasonic DVX100B, though they may be too advanced for an amatuer's needs. There is also a Sony HDV camcorder with 24P, the HVR-V1U.

 

[Vicis]

Thanks for your help!