Acceptable 2nd Camera to FX1

[dnathan]

In about a year I’m going to get a second FX1 or better, but in the meantime I want to find something acceptable to serve as a tripod cam. What would be the least expensive SD solution?

[dnathan]

What a beautiful idea with the honeymoon camera. Hank, you’re a genious!

I had no idea I could have a second camera that inexpensively. I’m very excited about that. I thought a GL2 was my only option.

Gotta go shopping!

[dnathan]

I found several things; among them is a Sony HDR-HC3, a palm-held HDV camera for about 1K. It’s 5-Lux, but an HDV. It’s a question of how important is lux vs HDV.

I also love the idea of having the groom’s dad catch the reaction.

[dnathan]

I don’t imagine I’m following the beaten path on this one. I now have two cameras, an FX1 and an HC3. Both are HD, but the HC3 is a consumer camera. I justified buying the HC3 because:

1. It would simply sit on the tripod.
2. I felt that shrinking the footage of an SD would limit me too much, and that having 1080i would do the trick.
3. I don’t need an significant onboard microphone.
4. I don’t need it to do anything special.
5. The most important thing is image quality.
6. I like the idea of keeping everything HD.
7. I like the idea of my clients knowing everything is HD.

I paid $923, and hope I don’t regret it. My huge concerns are lighting (it’s 5-lux), and finding that important features are not adjustable.

[dnathan]

Down here in Arizona everyone gets married outdoors!

Yeah, it may be tha I need to put lights on my camera, but then I become just as obtrusive as those blasted photographers. Thanks for the followup.

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