I need a flash based pro camcorder. Any ideas?

drewU2 wrote on 2/10/2009, 7:27 PM

Like the subject says, I need advice on which camcorder to buy. My price range is $1,500 - $3000 and I really want to use an SD or flash based storage but I seem to only find miniDV HDV camcorders for the prosumer market.I own a canon vixia hf100 and LOVE it but I need slightly higher end for my new film company. Any advice is appreciated.

Comments

UlfLaursen wrote on 2/10/2009, 9:07 PM

I can think of Panasonic:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/576246-REG/Panasonic_HMC150SHOOTER_AG_HMC150_AVCCAM_Camcorder_Shooter_s.html

It is about 4.000,-

Canaon comes with a new HFS100, it's cheaper than the panasonic but specs. not as good of course. Should still be better than you current HF100.

http://hfs100.com/

I also have HF100 and I am considering the new Canon.
As soon as I can get hold of a test example (I work with Canon in my job) I will upload some clips here for people to see.

Sony might be up to something too - don't know.

/Ulf

Dave Stalker wrote on 2/11/2009, 8:48 AM

Budget aside, I am using the Sony XDCam EX1. For the professional commercial spot production and news gathering environment of broadcast TV I work in, it is an outstanding camera. Multi format: 720p, 1080i and frame rate adjustable, it is performing beautifully.

Shooting at 1080i/60p I get 39min. of video per SxS (Flash card), and cutting on Vegas Pro 8, produce broadcast quality anamorphic widescreen content, that looks outstanding on 16:9 plasma monitors.

Take the plunge and spend twice as much as you planned...it will be more than worth it in the long run.

Best of Luck in your new venture.
Dave Stalker - KNBZ Local 6 - Bend, OR

rmack350 wrote on 2/11/2009, 6:02 PM

Some of the higher end Sony HDV cameras include a CF card writer. These seem like a pretty good compromise between XDCam and total dreck.

Try looking at the Z7U?

Rob Mack

VideJoe wrote on 2/13/2009, 4:32 AM

I have the Sony Z7 and never record to tape, always use CF cards (16 & 32 Gb).
The Sony Z7 comes with the CF record unit included, the Z5 not, but has the same interface for the CF record unit (HVR-MRC1K).
You can use the Sony HVR-MRC1K on any camera with a FireWire connection.