Best camera choices for my buck??

[butchnap]

Hi everyone, and my apologies if this thread is in the wrong section,
but..

I’ve just got some tax money back and have sold my old GL2 and a bunch
of accessories.. I now have about $2500 to spend, and I want to get the
best HD camera(s) I can for the loot. I plan to not only shoot short
films and music videos, but also wedding videography and commercials.

I was almost entirely sold on a 5D mark II or possibly a 7D, but I came
to the realization that those cameras, awesome as they are, aren’t real
great for weddings (the 12 minute video clips, possible overheating,
zoom/focus would be trickier, would have to buy a separate audio
recorder).

So I’m left with the option of camcorders. My idea was that for the
money I have, I should be able to get a Panasonic HMC40 and potentially
also a Panasonic HDC-HS300 as a second camera. I’ve been pouring over
the specs and reviews for both cameras and feel I have a pretty decent
understanding of their shortcomings (poor low light, etc) but that is
where I’m at.

Would love to get a HMC150 for the controls as well as CCD over CMOS,
but finding one for $2500 hasn’t happened.

So I’m asking everyone out there.. Does my plan to get these two cameras
sound good for the money, especially in the light that I aim to start
doing weddings seriously? I’d still need a wireless lav, but that
wouldn’t be too big a problem.

If any of you have a better idea or camera choice for the money, I’d
love to hear it.

Thanks in advance,
Nick

[EarlC]

Purchasing and outfitting an HMC40 is going to take your money, but should give you a good start in HD production so long as you’re familiar with the negatives or potential negatives of 1/4″ sensors CMOS and the related imaging problems presented.

By the tie you’d look into the 5D or even 7D, and/or even if you hope to HDC-HS300 in addition to the HMC40 your stated available funds will not cover it iMHO.

[butchnap]

Thanks for the reply!

I can get a used HMC40 with less than 10 hrs for $1600 (craigslist) and then would have to buy the XLR adapter for like $250. Might have to raise a couple more bucks but the HDC-HS300 goes on ebay for $700-800 all the time.

I guess this is my best option for weddings.

[cyorkgo]

Check out this link at BH Photo http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/625605/Panasonic_AG_HMC40PJU_AG_HMC40_AVCCAM_HD_Camcorder.html

Hmc40 used for 1399.99 – with warranty.

[butchnap]

Haha!! I know, I was the one who bought it! Thanks.

I’ve got that and just ordered a big battery, XLR adapter and 32 GB SDHC card (class 6).. Going for the HDC-HS300 next..

[Author]

Posts