[MacDV] Re: $2000 mini-DV camera recomendations?

[sb]

What do you want to do with the camera? (What features are important to
you?)

Try shopping at B&H Photo online to see what's available in PAL in your
price range.
<www.BHPhoto.com>

I look for:

3 chips (bigger chips is better)
longest optical lens (12x, 14x etc), not digital zoom (400x, 700x etc)
Largest LCD viewfinder
Analog input as well as analog output
I use XLR audio, so I prefer that as well.

Then it's a matter of where the buttons are and how comfortable it feels.
I also don't like a camera that ejects the tape from the bottom (try that on
a tripod!)

I like the Sony PD series (150--170 etc)
I like the Panasonic DVX100a
I like the Panasonic DV400 (still 3 chips, but a consumer camcorder)

The new sony FX1 HDV camcorder is close to your budget and shoots great
pictures.

I don't care for the Canon DV cameras at all, but I like Canon still cameras
a lot.

 just my .02

 regards,

 sb


On 5/13/05 8:40 AM, "Derek Roff" <derek at unm.edu> wrote:

> I need to buy a PAL mini-DV camera.  The budget is $2000.  I've looked at a
> few review sites, which seem somewhat outdated.  I would appreciate
> suggestions for cameras, vendors and review sites for camcorders in this
> price range.
> 
> Thanks,
> Derek
> 
> Derek Roff