As a professional event videographer, you'll need a high-end, 3-CCD camcorder to chronicle broadcast-ready gatherings like weddings, rock concerts and corporate conferences. For events involving a lot of action -- such as soccer games or marathons -- you'll want features such as optical image stabilizers, fast shutter speeds, large optical zooms and manual controls. For staged events such as plays, awards shows and other ceremonies, you'll need not just manual video options but also adjustable audio controls, effective low-light performance and a tripod mount.
With suggested retail price tags that range between $700 and $5,000, these 3-CCD DV camcorders offer a wide array of essential features. On the lower end of the spectrum, the well-respected Panasonic PV-GS250 ($1,000) is equipped with a Leica Dicomar lens, captures sharp images in low light and allows you to adjust the focus, exposure, gain, white balance and shutter speed manually.
If the Panasonic's solarizing LCD screen and unwieldy navigation keypad prove distracting, you can upgrade to the Sony DCR-VX2100 ($3,000). In addition to manual zoom and focus rings, the Sony DCR-VX2100 offers a 12x optical zoom, an aspherical 58mm lens, an optical stabilization system (preferable to a digital system), a progressive shutter system, 340K-pixel image sensors, manual white balance and shutter speed controls, a 19-step exposure dial and an wide array of video, audio and USB jacks.
To create high-quality commercials, music videos, feature-length films and more, many filmmakers and videographers -- whether recent film school graduates or seasoned camera professionals -- have begun to consider the recent HDV trend. Although a relatively new format, HDV entices moviemakers because it stores 16:9 high-definition video on regular DV or Mini DV tapes. With HDV, prosumers can now achieve professional quality of expensive HD cameras for under $5,000.
As with any fairly new technology, however, the HDV format is still experiencing growing pains. While the image captured via an HDV camcorder can indeed look sensational, variables like contrast, exposure and shutter speed can prove problematic. In addition, HDV compresses video in an MPEG-2 requiring a non-linear editing system that specifically accepts HDV.
HDV users cannot simply aim, shoot and expect to edit on their old computers. Oftentimes, they must embrace cinematic lighting techniques, use neutral density and low-contrast filters and find compatible editing systems. Although major players such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro and Sony's Vegas Video currently support HDV editing or incorporate HDV-specific plug-ins, the longer you wait to invest in an HDV camera or HDV editing system, the more equipment and software choices will be available to you. As with DV, technology will continue to improve, even as prices decline.
In the meantime, Sony and JVC both offer HD camcorders that provide manual focus, iris controls, advanced audio options and optical zooms. The Sony HVR-Z1U ($5,950) supports a 1,080-line, interlaced-scan resolution, allows you to switch between HDV and DV recording, utilizes an optical stabilizer and contains 3 1/3-inch, 1.1-megapixel CCD imagers. For almost half the price, the JVC GR-HD1 ($3,500) also provides optical stabilization and a DV mode as well as a 1-CCD progressive imager, cinematic effects and in-camera transitions.
Many filmmakers, however, prefer 3-chip camcorders that offer a 24p-frame rate, which can mimic the look of film. Until an HDV camcorder can truly provide this preference, you might consider the Panasonic AG-DVX100A ($4,000) or the Canon XL2 ($5,000). Both provide an optical stabilizer, adjustable 4:3 and 16:9 capture modes, a FireWire interface for digital transfer, XLR audio inputs, manual audio levels and built-in color bars. Also, while the Panasonic provides cinematic gamma controls, the Canon offers an interchangeable lens system.
As the accompanying buyer's guides attest, there are a host of DV and HDV camcorders on today's market. Ranging from $300 to over $5,000, the offerings combine a wide assortment of basic features and thrilling innovations. So, take a deep breath and consider your needs. The perfect (or nearly perfect) camcorder is waiting for you.
Laura Martone is a screenwriter, producer and co-founder of the LA Indie Film Group.
