Video Camera Info

Thought I'd sticky this thread to answer a lot of the common video camera questions. I've included what I feel are the heavy hitters in BMX videography and will be updating each as I find out more information in my readings. Feel free to put in your input or experiences.

3-Chip Mini-DV Camcorders:

-Panasonic GS320 $500

This was my first real camera. Great picture, awesome in low light and small. Very affordable.
3 1/6" CCD's
10x Variable Speed Zoom
Leica Dicomar Lens
Auto/Manual Iris
Image Stabilizer
2.7" wide LCD monitor

-Sony VX1000 $1000

This camera some argue is dated. But at the same time many still clan it to be their favorite Sony camera to date. Amazing colors and resolution make this a favorite among filmers such as Ryan Navazio.
3 1/3" CCD's
4 Lux Rating
10x Optical Zoom
Image Stabilizer
No LCD Monitor

-Sony VX2000 $1300

This camera picks up where the VX1000 left off and adds amazing low light capabilities to an already amazing camera.
3 1/3" CCD's
4 Lux Rating
12x optical/48x digital zoom
Image Stabilizer
2.5" LCD Monitor

-Panasonic DVc30 $1350

This is the little brother to the popular DVX100b camera.
3 1/4" CCD's
4 Lux Rating
16x Optical/160x digital zoom
Optical Image Stabilizer
Slow Shutter
3.5" LCD Monitor

-Sony VX2100 $1500

Another addition to the Sony VX line, feature upgraded imaging systems and technologies, this was an instant classic and favorite among many of BMX's more OG filmers. Much of the Props series has been filmed on this camera.
3 1/3" CCD's
1 Lux Rating
12x Optical zoom/48x digital zoom
Image Stabilizer
1/4sec Slow Shutter
2.5" LCD Monitor

-Canon gl2 $2000

Another OG in the 3-chip camera line, the GL2 is Canons top prosumer camera. Canon may not have the best imaging system but no one can argue the quality of their lenses.
3 1/4" CCD's
0.37 Lux Rating
20x Optical/100x Digital Zoom
Image Stabilizer
1/8sec Slow shutter
2.5" LCD Monitor

-Panasonic DVX100b $2500

Top dog in the Prosumer 3-chip range, the DVX was the first camera in this line to feature progressive frame rate shooting. This camera offers 24p, 30p and 60i formats for ay shooting situation as well as highly customizable scene settings to achieve the look you want and tons of extras such as slow shutter speeds for time lapse shooting. An instant classic which revolutionized videography.
3 1/3" CCD's
3 Lux Rating
10x Optical Zoom
Optical Image Stabilizer
Slow Shutter
3.5" LCD Monitor


HD Camcorders:

-Canon HV20 $600

A great beginner camera with a beautiful image and highly upgradeable with lenses and adapters
3 Lux Rating
10x Optical/200x Digital Zoom
Image Stabilizer
2.7" LCD Display
1080/60i, 1080/30F, 1080/24F, 1080/24P
Mini-DV (HDV)

-Panasonic HMC40 $1800

This is to the HMC150 what the DVC30 was to the DVX100. A smaller version minus the more professional features. Instead to having 3CCD technology, this camera features 3MOS. It shoots in an AVCHD format on SDHC cards and is therefore highly affordable. But being AVCHD you want to make sure your editing system can support this highly advanced workflow.
3 1/4.1" 3MOS Imagers
1 Lux Rating
12x Optical Zoom
Waveform Monitor
2.7" LCD Monitor
1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p, 720/60p, 720/30p, 720/24p
SDHC (AVCHD)

-Canon 7d DSLR $1800

One of Canon's new line of DSLR's that shoot amazing HD video. This is the more affordable little brother of the 5D MK2
CMOS sensor
Manual Exposure
3" LCD Monitor
1080/30p, 1080/24p, 1080/25p, 720/60p, 720/50p, 480/60p, 480/50p

-Canon XHA1 $2800

Another popular prosumer HD camera, the XHA1 was the camera of choice among filmers for quite some time before the inception of the HVX200 and also after for those who did not want to deal with the great expense of shooting P2 workflow.
3 1/3" CCD's
0.4 Lux
Optical Image Stabilizer
20x Optical Zoom
2.8" LCD Monitor
Mini-DV (HDV)

-Panasonic HMC150 $3250

This is the new favorite among BMX filmers whom want high quality HD recording at an affordable price. The HMC shares the same imaging system as the HPX and HVX camera while shooting to the affordable SDHC memory cards in the new AVCHD format. If your computer can handle it this is my definite top choice.
3 1/3" CCD's
3 Lux
Optical Image Stabilizer
28mm Wide Angle lens w/ 13x Optical Zoom
Waveform Monitor, Vectorscope
3.5" LCD Monitor
1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p; 720/60p, 720/30p, 720/24p
SDHC (AVCHD)

-Canon 5d DSLR $3250

This DSLR is another of Canon's range that are changing media in every industry in the world. This 21-megapixel camera shoot astounding HD video that was enough to make Joe Simon sell all his traditional video cameras and pick up a few of these to shoot his weddings and BMX films such as Let's Get Mystical.

-Panasonic HPX170 $4400

This Panasonic 3-chip god is the next generation of the P2 HVX200. The main differences between the two, besides upgrades to the system, are the loss of the SD tape deck and about 1,000 pounds. The HPX has one of the best imaging systems in DVCPRO HD and when matched with the top solid state memory systems in the P2 card, this is the most powerful prosumer camera in the business. If you can afford the expensive P2 memory, about $400-$2000, this camera definitely takes the cake as filmers choice. With progressive frame rates from 12p to 60p this can shoot anything from a beautiful time lapse to incredibly smooth slow motion.
3 1/3" CCD's
3 Lux
13x Optical Zoom
Optical Image Stabilizer
Slow Shutter
3.5" LCD Monitor
1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p, 720/60p, 720/30p, 720/24p, 480/30p
Variable Frame Rates from 12fps-60fps
Panasonic P2 Card (DVCPRO HD)



This is just a small taste of the capabilities of these cameras and also of what is available out there. I am very tired of typing and will update this more later but always do your own research, find a budget and decide what is right for you.