Best $2,000 Camera?

MichaelS wrote on 11/15/2004, 7:05 PM
My local municipality has contacted me for a recommendation for a new DV camera. This camera will be used by various people to record and archive events relating to a 150th anniversary.

Here's what I'm looking for:

1. Must be under $2000 (all that's appropriated).
2. Easy to operate (auto focus, w/b, auto iris...usual consumer stuff).
3. Rugged (at least not too delicate).
4. Would prefer a shoulder camera, but not absolutely necessary.

I'm going to donate a light, batteries and shotgun mic and a few other accessories to the cause.

I've got a couple of Panasonic AG-DVC7's I use for backups. This is along the line of what they need, but a 3 chipper would be a plus.

Any suggestions?

Comments

p@mast3rs wrote on 11/15/2004, 7:39 PM
Panasonic DVC30. 3CCD and rugged as heck. You can get it at www.abesofmaine.com for $1700+. Awesome camera.
mhbstevens wrote on 11/15/2004, 7:54 PM
You can get a PD170 for $2k if you shop.
busterkeaton wrote on 11/15/2004, 9:27 PM
Abes of Maine is located in Brooklyn, NY. That may tell you something.

I don't believe they have a good reputation.
Chanimal wrote on 11/15/2004, 10:40 PM
I use the Canon GL2, which is now under $2,000. I haven't had any problems with it (over 60 videos with it so far), so it appears rugged.

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Windows 11 Pro, i9 (10850k - 20 logical cores), Corsair water-cooled, MSI Gaming Plus motherboard, 64 GB Corsair RAM, 4 Samsung Pro SSD drives (1 GB, 2 GB, 2 GB and 4 GB), AMD video Radeo RX 580, 4 Dell HD monitors.Canon 80d DSL camera with Rhode mic, Zoom H4 mic. Vegas Pro 21 Edit (user since Vegas 2.0), Camtasia (latest), JumpBacks, etc.

randy-stewart wrote on 11/15/2004, 11:24 PM
Check out the Sony VX2100. Great run and gun camera. Don't think you can get a new PD-170 for under $2,000. Just paid $3200 for mine a couple of months ago. Great camera. They have a $500 rebate going on now through Dec for those who live in the contiguous 48 states.
Randy
Grazie wrote on 11/15/2004, 11:52 PM
I have 2 Canon XM2 here [PAL ]. Cost here in the UK is well below the eqiv US $2000 . This gives plenty of budget headroom for getting those important accessories - don't forget the cost of those important accessories! BUT, but buit .. it is a 1/4 3CCD array, just like the Pannie .. so lowish light nees to have a gentle boost with a little light refreshment! - But you were gonna buy a light anyway - weren't you? ;-)

The Pannie DOES have the XLR box already on it. The XM2 needs an audio accessory bought.

Upshot for me? Now on my 5th - for me - major commission and loving the camcorder, but I would like a Manual Zoom ring - like its manual/servo focus.

Grazie