What's a really good video camera I can buy?

Whats the best video camera I can buy (ones without changeable lenses)?

• Answer:

  Hi Eric: Even though I understand from your other Y!A Q&A's that you are 19, it might be good if you indicated a realistic budget figure or price range, since there are "prosumer" and pro-level camcorders in the $3000-$7000 USD price range with non-changeable zoom lenses (like the Sony HVR-Z1U, -Z5U, and the original PMW-EX1). Canon's XH-, XM-, and XF-series are in the same high-end price bracket (e.g., the XH-A1 for $3300 and the XF-300 for $6000). Even within the "pricey" range of cameras, there are features that make a difference in the style of shooting or the subject matter you plan on videotaping. (Action sports is totally different from scripted drama or talking-head documentary style. Music videos present different challenges and feature requirements, especially with audio & synchronization.) Here on Y!A Q&A's I frequently say "Pick the right tool for the job." I have everything from a dinky GoPro Hero and Canon ZR-series palm-corders (in the under-$500 class) all the way to the Sony Z1U and the S270U shoulder-style cameras (one with fixed stock lens, the other with changeable zooms) running into the thousands of dollars. You won't find me trying to mount one of the big Sony's onto a surfboard or motorcycle. And I won't take the GoPro to a large conference to record a 2 hour speaker's presentation from the back of the room, or tape on-camera interviews. At a baseball game, though, I might take both the GoPro (for mounting behind the batter & umpire) and the two big Sony's -- the S270 with a long-zoom sports lens (for shooting up in the stands) and have the Z1U with its non-changeable lens set up in a hallway or locker room for player interviews. Feel free to use the Additional Details link on the Action Bar to update us with more info as to what you wish to accomplish with your video gear. hope this helps, --Dennis C.