Yes, I would have said either the JVC GY-HM100 or the Panasonic HMC-150. I don't know how much either camera is in Euros. Keep in mind the 3CCDs in the JVC are 1/4'' and the Panasonic uses 3CCDs at 1/3''.
Help on buying a Professional camcorder
2
Hello people.
I've been into video recording for 1 year now and I really enjoy it and I've been saving money to buy a professional camera..
I've been using a MiniDv Panasonic (cost about 300euro) and I want to take it to the next level (maybe skip some levels
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I've seen all the professional camcorders which cost like 4.000-8.000 but I don't really have that much money,
my price range will be about 1.500-2000 euros..
I don't really care about the resolution , but I want the camcorder to have dismountable lens (meaning,not built-in lens so I can change them) with manual focus (from the lens), also another thing I would love the camera to have is solid state drive, but I've seen that most solid-state camcorders are much expensive.
I have found this JVC camcorder : The JVC COMPACT HAND-HELD 3-CCD CAMCORDER GY-HM100U(2500euros) , which suits me perfectly because I'm using Apple Computers and Final Cut Pro editing program, but it's tooo expensive and because I don't make money from it, and I'm only an amateur, it's not worth paying so much!
Oh, I forgot to mention that I don't want those big professional camcorders,i'm talking about a handheld one just like that JVC ^
I hope you will help me and thanks for the ones who do!
I'm sorry for my rush talk but I'm in a hurry.
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I've been into video recording for 1 year now and I really enjoy it and I've been saving money to buy a professional camera..
I've been using a MiniDv Panasonic (cost about 300euro) and I want to take it to the next level (maybe skip some levels
I've seen all the professional camcorders which cost like 4.000-8.000 but I don't really have that much money,
my price range will be about 1.500-2000 euros..
I don't really care about the resolution , but I want the camcorder to have dismountable lens (meaning,not built-in lens so I can change them) with manual focus (from the lens), also another thing I would love the camera to have is solid state drive, but I've seen that most solid-state camcorders are much expensive.
I have found this JVC camcorder : The JVC COMPACT HAND-HELD 3-CCD CAMCORDER GY-HM100U(2500euros) , which suits me perfectly because I'm using Apple Computers and Final Cut Pro editing program, but it's tooo expensive and because I don't make money from it, and I'm only an amateur, it's not worth paying so much!
Oh, I forgot to mention that I don't want those big professional camcorders,i'm talking about a handheld one just like that JVC ^
I hope you will help me and thanks for the ones who do!
I'm sorry for my rush talk but I'm in a hurry.
1 - 20 of 36 Posts
Well, you do know what the Euro pricing is on the JVC as it is in the original post, E 2500,-. The Panasonic is E 3000,- to E 3500,-. Generally one can swap the E for the $ sign, even with the weak USD. His budget fits the high-end consumer camcorders, like the Canon HF-S10, the Sony 500/505/520 models, either with harddrive or the new Flash models, or the Panasonic TM-300. All are at least three, perhaps four steps up from his current SD tape camcorder.
There is at least one Sony prosumer HDV camcorder in that pricebracket, around 1200,- euro, but that's bought by folks looking for a consumer camcorder, that has professional features like proper shouldermounting and focusring, and xlr mic inputs. But the poster didn't want a bulky shouldercam.
There is at least one Sony prosumer HDV camcorder in that pricebracket, around 1200,- euro, but that's bought by folks looking for a consumer camcorder, that has professional features like proper shouldermounting and focusring, and xlr mic inputs. But the poster didn't want a bulky shouldercam.
I'm a bit confused here..
Which camcorder then do you think would be suitable for a amateur that wants a very good cam with dismountable lens?
Quote:
Originally Posted by donaldk /forum/post/16881871
There is at least one Sony prosumer HDV camcorder in that pricebracket, around 1200,- euro, but that's bought by folks looking for a consumer camcorder, that has professional features like proper shouldermounting and focusring, and xlr mic inputs. But the poster didn't want a bulky shouldercam.
I'm a bit confused here..
Which camcorder then do you think would be suitable for a amateur that wants a very good cam with dismountable lens?
Don't think you'll find a camcorder with a swappable lens in that price range. The new Panasonic GH1 photocamera does have that option, it is something like 1500 euro, but availability is still limited.
And the JVC 100 doesn't have one, it has a fixed Fujinon lens. BTW, 2500 euro seems to be a good price, overhere the dealer is charging 2995,- plus 19% VAT. http://www.fofic.nl/index.php?p=deta...VC%20GY-HM100E .
And the JVC 100 doesn't have one, it has a fixed Fujinon lens. BTW, 2500 euro seems to be a good price, overhere the dealer is charging 2995,- plus 19% VAT. http://www.fofic.nl/index.php?p=deta...VC%20GY-HM100E .
hmm,then a semi-pro camcorder?
You got msn or email? Because I got alot of questions..
Mail me or Add me if possible :
Msn: [email protected]
Mail : [email protected]
thanks
You got msn or email? Because I got alot of questions..
Mail me or Add me if possible :
Msn: [email protected]
Mail : [email protected]
thanks
But how much do you have to spend, that you are thinking of getting extra lenses that cost several thousand euro a piece!
oh, I was aware of that!
Then forget about the dismountable lens camcorders..
I want a camcorder with manual focus,like I said..
Any email so we can contact?
Quote:
Originally Posted by donaldk /forum/post/16882943
But how much do you have to spend, that you are thinking of getting extra lenses that cost several thousand euro a piece!
oh, I was aware of that!
Then forget about the dismountable lens camcorders..
I want a camcorder with manual focus,like I said..
Any email so we can contact?
Well 'semi-pro' or pro-sumer is what we have been talking about. Budget 3K (JVC 100 and so on) or a step up around 4-5K (Panasonic HMC-150, JVC 700), 6K (Sony EX1), then 8K (Sony EX3) the pro-sumer category tops at around 10K with camera's like the Panasonic HPX-300. BTW, the Sony EX3 has a swappable lensmount, but that's an 8K $/E camcorder.
So you're saying that the cheapest "pro-sumer" camcorder is the JVC GY-HM100U..
So what cameras are available on the price range cheaper than the JVC ?
For example, the Canon XL1 or XL2 ..what about those?
So what cameras are available on the price range cheaper than the JVC ?
For example, the Canon XL1 or XL2 ..what about those?
I am not sure that I am the expert to contact on this. If you are looking at consumer camcorders, 1000-1300 euro range, then most don't offer a focus ring. Or a viewfinder.
The exceptions are the two Panasonics "HDC-HS300 and HDC-TM300 — also feature a manual focus ring", the TM has flashmemory, the HS an harddrive for storage. And the Canon HV-30 and its replacement the HV40 have a focusring, these are HDV tape based camcorders.
The exceptions are the two Panasonics "HDC-HS300 and HDC-TM300 — also feature a manual focus ring", the TM has flashmemory, the HS an harddrive for storage. And the Canon HV-30 and its replacement the HV40 have a focusring, these are HDV tape based camcorders.
Ok then, thanks for all your help but I'm thinking on buying the JVC 100,which is 1500euros more expensive than the Panasonic HDC-TM300 and I think the differences are worth it ..but I have to find an expert..
Quote:
Originally Posted by donaldk /forum/post/16883055
I am not sure that I am the expert to contact on this. If you are looking at consumer camcorders, 1000-1300 euro range, then most don't offer a focus ring. Or a viewfinder.
The exceptions are the two Panasonics "HDC-HS300 and HDC-TM300 also feature a manual focus ring", the TM has flashmemory, the HS an harddrive for storage. And the Canon HV-30 and its replacement the HV40 have a focusring, these are HDV tape based camcorders.
Ok then, thanks for all your help but I'm thinking on buying the JVC 100,which is 1500euros more expensive than the Panasonic HDC-TM300 and I think the differences are worth it ..but I have to find an expert..
No that was just an example of that pricecategory.
No idea what those cost, the local canon price list doesn't list those anymore. Only list prices for three pro camera's:
PROFESSIONAL
XL2 € 5,689.00
XM2 € 2,709.00
PROFESSIONAL - HDV
XH-A1S€ 4,522.00
CONSUMER - HDV
HV40 € 1,099.00
CONSUMER - AVCHD
HF 20 € 949.00
HF 200 € 749.00
HF S10 € 1,549.00
HF S100 € 1,349.00
HG 20 BLACK € 729.00
HG 21 € 939.00
All are list prices including 19% VAT, here in Holland the consumer camera's generally have going prices a couple of hundred below the MSRP/list prices. The HF20 goes for around E 780,-, the HF-S10 for E 1150,-.
No idea what those cost, the local canon price list doesn't list those anymore. Only list prices for three pro camera's:
PROFESSIONAL
XL2 € 5,689.00
XM2 € 2,709.00
PROFESSIONAL - HDV
XH-A1S€ 4,522.00
CONSUMER - HDV
HV40 € 1,099.00
CONSUMER - AVCHD
HF 20 € 949.00
HF 200 € 749.00
HF S10 € 1,549.00
HF S100 € 1,349.00
HG 20 BLACK € 729.00
HG 21 € 939.00
All are list prices including 19% VAT, here in Holland the consumer camera's generally have going prices a couple of hundred below the MSRP/list prices. The HF20 goes for around E 780,-, the HF-S10 for E 1150,-.
That JVC looks like a really nice camera. Panasonic is coming out with a new AVCCAM camcorder, that might be a nice alternative to that JVC, now the US list price has been slashed by 900 USD to only 2300,- USD. It is not yet shipping so it would depend on how soon you would need it.
Looks like the Euro model is shipping end of August, at a higher list prices, of E 2470,- plus VAT. http://www.panasonic-broadcast.com/e..._objectID=3757
It doesn't have an XLR mic input though, if that's important to you, and it records in the AVCHD format, instead of the JVC's MPEG2 with an Apple .mov wrapper. And the JVC has CCD sensors, with CMOS for the Panasonic. But prices need some time to drop, before it can be much cheaper than the JVC.
Looks like the Euro model is shipping end of August, at a higher list prices, of E 2470,- plus VAT. http://www.panasonic-broadcast.com/e..._objectID=3757
It doesn't have an XLR mic input though, if that's important to you, and it records in the AVCHD format, instead of the JVC's MPEG2 with an Apple .mov wrapper. And the JVC has CCD sensors, with CMOS for the Panasonic. But prices need some time to drop, before it can be much cheaper than the JVC.
wow, that's actually a pretty good model!
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Actually this is a good thing because I was going to buy the camera on August so that won't be a problem..
But I'm thinking now : JVC or Panasonic ? They got same price and JVC is perfect for final cut pro users,like me
Quote:
Originally Posted by donaldk /forum/post/16883208
That JVC looks like a really nice camera. Panasonic is coming out with a new AVCCAM camcorder, that might be a nice alternative to that JVC, now the US list price has been slashed by 900 USD to only 2300,- USD. It is not yet shipping so it would depend on how soon you would need it.
Looks like the Euro model is shipping end of August, at a higher list prices, of E 2470,- plus VAT. http://www.panasonic-broadcast.com/e..._objectID=3757
wow, that's actually a pretty good model!
Actually this is a good thing because I was going to buy the camera on August so that won't be a problem..
But I'm thinking now : JVC or Panasonic ? They got same price and JVC is perfect for final cut pro users,like me
I have seen some review videos on the JVC, http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/04/17/...jvc-gy-hm-100/ , but nothing yet on the Panasonic.
I like the fact that the JVC uses the XDCAM EX codec, but I don't like 1/4'' CCDs. So, I am more partial to the HMC-150. The HMC-40 also uses 1/4'' CCDs, so between it and the JVC HM100, I would take the JVC. I have also not had a good first hand experience with JVC reliability. I am very partial to Sony, but Sony (and Canon) has a huge hole in its semi pro products. If you ignore HDV, like I do, Sony has nothing between a HDR-XR520V/CX520V and an EX1. And Canon has nothing higher up than an HF-S10? I have no idea how Sony is going to fill that gap. Whether it will do a semi-pro version of AVCHD like Panasonic does. Or will Sony bring in smaller EX cameras with 1/3'' chips etc? It will be interesting to see if anything gets announced at IBC. Canon also only offers HDV at the moment (in semi-pro market). So I hope Canon has some big announcement soon. Like the rumored flash-based XLH1 replacement with dSLR sensors. I won't believe it till I see it, but I hope it happens.
Anyway back on topic, I would still go the Panasonic HMC-150 at the moment if I were you. It's small enough, but still laid out for manual overrides. It has balanced audio inputs, which is great for an enthusiast. AVCHD is a great codec for consumers and enthusiasts on a budget. It's not like using P2, which records at 1GB per minute.
Anyway back on topic, I would still go the Panasonic HMC-150 at the moment if I were you. It's small enough, but still laid out for manual overrides. It has balanced audio inputs, which is great for an enthusiast. AVCHD is a great codec for consumers and enthusiasts on a budget. It's not like using P2, which records at 1GB per minute.
We're not talking about JVC GY-HM100U vs Panasonic HMC-150,
We're talking about JVC GY-HM100U vs The New Panasonic AG-HMC41E that will come out on August.
But I've seen alot of Videos from the JVC we're talking about and I got amazed. It's quality is like the film cameras..
I'm still thinking about choosing the JVC or Panasonic..
![]()
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chevypower /forum/post/16885296
Anyway back on topic, I would still go the Panasonic HMC-150 at the moment if I were you. It's small enough, but still laid out for manual overrides. It has balanced audio inputs, which is great for an enthusiast. AVCHD is a great codec for consumers and enthusiasts on a budget. It's not like using P2, which records at 1GB per minute.
We're not talking about JVC GY-HM100U vs Panasonic HMC-150,
We're talking about JVC GY-HM100U vs The New Panasonic AG-HMC41E that will come out on August.
But I've seen alot of Videos from the JVC we're talking about and I got amazed. It's quality is like the film cameras..
I'm still thinking about choosing the JVC or Panasonic..
The Panasonic AG-HMC41E seems to be sort of a "beefed-up" TM300, both in size and some more manual controls. It also has 24 Mbit upper video limit. I does seem to share both sensor and lens with TM300 so I guess video quality will be much the same. 17 MBit (TM300) is mostly enough to get good quality video. With my TM300 I have only seen the encoder getting into problems sometimes, typically involving birds in water.
You almost have full manual control (incl. zebra, histogram and focus assist) on the TM300. The only thing you can't do is combining extra gain with small aperture, something that should be avoided anyway. There are horror stories where professional shooters by misstake has the camera set to max gain compensated by very small aperture resulting in very noisy video in bright sunlight...
If you plan on "telling stories" with your cam Depth Of Focus (DOF) plays an important role combined with manual focus control. Larger sensor means less DOF where "unimportant" parts of the picture can be more blurred. If this is what you want the GH1 is the way to go right now. Many "low cost filmmakers" use 35 mm adaptors with there camcorders for DOF reasons but at the cost of bad low light performance.
If your computer is a couple of years old you will most likely want a new faster one to edit with some comfort. A couple of extra harddisks will also be needed for backups etc.
All cams except the JVC (I think), that uses older less efficient codecs resulting in much larger files, use h264 (AVCHD or plain mp4 container). h264 is not ideal for non linear editing. Often it's best to transcode to some intermediate (preferable lossless, keyframes only) codec where the computer don't have to do extensive calculations just to find out how the first frame of your cut should look like. Unfortunately this intermediate files will be substantionally larger...
If you are on a tight budget I would take a look at the Sanyo hd2000. It has better manual controls (except focus, though) than most with a rather (for camcorders anyway) large sensor. You will not look so professional with that cam but it can really be preferable if you're into documentaries or so...
You almost have full manual control (incl. zebra, histogram and focus assist) on the TM300. The only thing you can't do is combining extra gain with small aperture, something that should be avoided anyway. There are horror stories where professional shooters by misstake has the camera set to max gain compensated by very small aperture resulting in very noisy video in bright sunlight...
If you plan on "telling stories" with your cam Depth Of Focus (DOF) plays an important role combined with manual focus control. Larger sensor means less DOF where "unimportant" parts of the picture can be more blurred. If this is what you want the GH1 is the way to go right now. Many "low cost filmmakers" use 35 mm adaptors with there camcorders for DOF reasons but at the cost of bad low light performance.
If your computer is a couple of years old you will most likely want a new faster one to edit with some comfort. A couple of extra harddisks will also be needed for backups etc.
All cams except the JVC (I think), that uses older less efficient codecs resulting in much larger files, use h264 (AVCHD or plain mp4 container). h264 is not ideal for non linear editing. Often it's best to transcode to some intermediate (preferable lossless, keyframes only) codec where the computer don't have to do extensive calculations just to find out how the first frame of your cut should look like. Unfortunately this intermediate files will be substantionally larger...
If you are on a tight budget I would take a look at the Sanyo hd2000. It has better manual controls (except focus, though) than most with a rather (for camcorders anyway) large sensor. You will not look so professional with that cam but it can really be preferable if you're into documentaries or so...
iZapp, V8power is suggesting you lay out even more cash and go for the 150. Problem is that those P2 cards, even the new budget limited lifespan (5 years) version, are damn expensive. The Fuji cards seems a bit less expensive, but still around 1000 for 64 Gbyte, and just under 500 for 16 gig, 32 priced somewhere in between.
If you're not willing step up to the 150 he suggest going with the JVC.
If you're not willing step up to the 150 he suggest going with the JVC.
1 - 20 of 36 Posts
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