Does anyone have a good "prosumer" camcorder that they would recommend? I'm interested in a professional HD camcorder, preferably using miniDV tapes and under $1800. Does this exist? Please help!

I hate to say this but the only true Prosumer HD camcorder that is taped based is the 2,500 dollar Sony FX7. It might be ambitious but if you can somehow spare some extra cash, it’s well worth it. If you’re lucky, you may find it for less but to be safe you have to make sure its coming from an authorized dealer.

Thanks for the camera recommendation. If I get rid of my "tape-based" requirement, are there any cheaper prosumer HD camcorders anyone could suggest?

There are no HDD high def camcorders that I'd call prosumer. I suppose it entirely depends on how you define prosumer, but I'd say the Canon HV20 comes pretty close to being what you'd need at well under your price requirements. It offers great color, if you get an add-on wider angle lens, you can get the same field of view as more expensive camcorders. If you really need 24p the HV20 can do it.

I know the HV20 is a great camera, but I'm planning on using the camera for work, so I'm looking for something more professional. The physical size is not an issue for me, so I don't have a need for the compact size of the HV20. I'd like an HD camcorder that's larger, and professional, but still affordable (<$2000). Any thoughts?

I don’t know if you’d be interested but Sony is releasing a shoulder mounted camera next month that will retail for 1900 dollars.
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/broadcast_production/release/31159.html
It’s cheep because it’s using 1 CMOS chip instead of 3 which is what the FX7 has.

The only other camcorder that might be in your price range is the Sony A1u but it came out around the end of 2005.

Camcorders such as the Canon GL2, Sony A1u, and the Panasonic DVC30 might be replaced soon, so if you have the time, it might be better to wait if you still can't decide.

...I'm looking for something more professional. The physical size is not an issue for me, so I don't have a need for the compact size of the HV20. I'd like an HD camcorder that's larger, and professional, but still affordable (<$2000).

This sounds like what you're saying is that you want a camcorder that LOOKS more professional and shoots in HD for under $2000. There is not a dramatic difference in the quality of video for HD camcorders at the $1k price point and the quality of a $2k price point. If you need a camcorder that LOOKS professional and delivers something more than the $1k camcorders, you need to increase your budget to about $3500, if you want a camcorder that offers significantly different features.

I think that new $1900 Sony might be just the camera you're looking for.

I bet it is basically an HC7 in a large sholder mount body.

Frankly, I think that cam's a smart move by Sony. It would give a videographer a big HD camera with a form factor that impresses clients. If I were in that biz, I would strongly consider it. Sometimes I think the image tweakability of the prosumer cams goes to waste in that run-and-gun environment.

Sounds like there's a market for moding the HV20 into a larger body!

Walking around the streets of Philly with mine (and occassionally handing it over to kind strangers to get some shots of me), I'm personally glad that it looks more like a $300 camera than an $800 camera. I certainly wouldn't want to make it look MORE expensive, but I realize that there are professionals who have appearances to keep up.

This is the only "prosumer" camera that fits in your budget. It's the pro version of the Panasonic SD1 for twice the price . Take a LOOK:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000NAW2PS/interactiveda654-20

More info: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-Unveils-AG-HSC1U-First-AVCHD-Pro-Camcorder.htm

Sergio

The perfect cameras to get is the Sony Z1u, V1u and the Canon XH-A1 but since they cost over 3 grand each, your next best choice is really the FX7 and last year it was selling for around 3,500 dollars. Amazon currently has it for a little over 2,900 but B&H is offering it for 2,500 which make it a pretty good deal. Another thing that may get you interested is that its zoom ratio is 20X which is the same as the V1u and the XH-A1.

I know you have a limit but like I said earlier, if you can somehow come up with extra cash, I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Take a look at the Canon XH-A1. It sounds like what you're thinking of.

Try to get a DVX100B first and foremost if you can. It shoots 24p and has the most film like look. It's highly customizable and is very good in low light. Or see if you can get the Canon XL2.

If you want something that is unbeliavable in low light though get the Sony VX2000 or Sony VX2100.

The Canon HV20 is a nice camera that shoots HD, but it's not as customizable, not as pro looking and you may have to upgrade or buy a whole new PC to be able to edit it.

Try to get a DVX100B first and foremost if you can. It shoots 24p and has the most film like look. It's highly customizable and is very good in low light. Or see if you can get the Canon XL2.

If you want something that is unbeliavable in low light though get the Sony VX2000 or Sony VX2100.

The Canon HV20 is a nice camera that shoots HD, but it's not as customizable, not as pro looking and you may have to upgrade or buy a whole new PC to be able to edit it.

The OP is looking for a HD camera. I have a prosumer DV camera (Sony) and the HV20. You can't compare the picture quality between ANY HD camera , even the cheapest one, and any of the cameras you mentioned although they are probably as good as it gets for standard definition.

The DVX100B is almost a legend between indy film makers and is certainly a wonderful camera but for the same price (+US$2500.0) you can buy a great HD camera and enjoy a 21st century picture.

Sergio

Totally agree with you there Sergio, even old legends gotta retire soon.

Based upon everyone's recommendations, I purchased an HV20 (for only $720 at buy.com via butterfly photo)...thanks for all the advice!

Based upon everyone's recommendations, I purchased an HV20 (for only $720 at buy.com via butterfly photo)...thanks for all the advice!

I'd be very interested in your reaction after using it a bit. Impressed? Disappointed? Pro? Con? Expectations met?

Richard