Need Advice since I have no way of testing a camera.

lcraker
Member

Hi All,
I know this question is probably one you have heard many times, but I appreciate any help.
I am presently in the Martial Islands, some 8 hours flight from a shop that sells cameras.
Also for 30 years I have been a still photographer. I am a member of the NPPA and am doing a 2 year project here with the indigenous peoples. My ultimate goal is a book and documentary film, suing both stills and movement.
I currently have a Canon ZR500 camcorder. For numerous reasons this camera is not cutting it. Most notably the latitude and general image quality of the films made with it are quite poor.
I only have about $1200 to invest in a motion camera (I know, I know, my D2x and D2h are 3 times that price, but now IÃ¢Â€Â™m strapped funding wise).
What do you all recommend for a camera in that price range for BEST picture quality?
Thanks

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

Lee,

I almost hate to say this, because I'm thinking of buying it myself, but there is a guy on the Trading Post forum here, selling a vx2000 that looks pretty nice. This will definitely get you better images than anything else you could possibly buy in that price range. The 2-Lux rating will help you shoot in low light. The body is metal and can take a beating. Images are outstanding.

I don't know the seller or this particular camera, but it looks good and they guy seems ok.

Posted 5 years ago #
lcraker
Member

Thanks Hank.. I'll look later today. I have to go do the day job for a while ..
But thanks buddy

Posted 5 years ago #
TheLukaMan
Member

I also have the canon ZR500, and the picture quality is crap. I use it for capturing and exporting footage only, Other wise I use my schools cameras.

Posted 5 years ago #
lcraker
Member

Yeah Luka, And what is frustraiting is that way out here and no way to test --- all the reviews said it was a great camera. I think reviewers sometimes say good things to keep getting cameras to test. X-D

Posted 5 years ago #
lcraker
Member

Well I have the opportunity of buying two cameras for almost exactly the same price.
The Sony DCR=VX2000 http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_DCR_VX2000/4505-6500_7-6145072.html and the Canon GL2. Both look in good condition/
Which way should I go in everyonrs opinion?
I need to make a decision quickly, so I appriciate your posts.
Thanks

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

The VX2000 is a lot better in low light, but is heavier, a bit larger. The GL2 is pretty small and lightweight. Also, it has a stronger zoom, which you may find helpful. Both may be pretty old for a digital video camera since the GL2 was released in 2002 and the VX2000 in 2000. They still sell the GL2, so it could possibly be fairly new. There might be a way to tell by the serial number if the seller can't provide a copy of the sales receipt. Since the heads only last so many hours, I would be leery of buying a camcorder much older than four years. No, wait a minute - I'd be leery of buying a used camcorder period! Be very careful.

Posted 5 years ago #
lcraker
Member

Thanks Hank,
Speaking of being careful ...
I was asked to shoot a bunch of sharks tomorrow for the newspaper from underwater.
So the whole question may be academic after 3 PM my time .... lol.
But I hear ya ... sometimes I wish money was just not an object.
Lee

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

One thing I forgot to mention -

The GL2 has 1/4" CCDs while the VX2000 has 1/3". Larger CCDs not only offer better resolution, but better lattitude as well.

Posted 5 years ago #
lcraker
Member

Thanks Hank

Posted 5 years ago #