Which video camera should I buy for upcoming film school?

Iridflare is right, Why people want to use a stills camera to record video I beyond me, you don't use a street car to drive off road? Go for something that is designed for the job, not as a balancing act, getting camera to do both jobs. neither do each others jobs well. Get the information from your School. P=progressive i=interlaced RR

A lot of choice is available on amazon, check it first: http://amazon.imam4u.com/search/?s=video+camera -smn-

I'd say go with a 7D or an HVX. Both have variable frame rates (24p, 30p, 60p...) and are known for their quality. The thing about the 7D is you'll have to get in the habit of incorporating different lenses for your movies (which you'll be learning anyway in film school), as opposed to a fixed lens on the HVX. Additional to video, the 7D takes pictures. Below are links to both cameras. Good luck!

I use a Canon zr800..with DV-tape..and I can set my camcoder to record in Wide Screen(16:9).. The upload file will remain in wide screen..so I use my Video editing software to choose--720p or 1080p.. 1080p for useing DVD-Maker..720p is a archive file.. === My other camcorder is a JVC GR-DA30u.. I use this in 4:3..aspect ratio..standard.. My upload file remains in 4:3 aspect ratio..so I use DV-avi to create DVD-video..disks.. === ..that's the simple part.. I prefer the DV-tape camcorder over the SD-card..or the Flash memory.. Then there's the HDD camcorder.. These allow for compression inside the camcorder..DV-tape does not.. === Now its your file..choice at the time of video capture.. MP4..H.264..HD.. === I prefer DV file..and I edit in DV-avi.. === The keyword now being [Consumer] So the product that is easy to utilize as a computer program has issue.. === I'm still useing DV-tape..but may need to move my PC Desktop to Work Station--to continue in DV-tape format..(this is my assumption).. === Your asking about some type of a Professional Camcorder.. I would suggest you get a Canon Product-- And not the professional stuff..until you experiance the full process.. Get a DV-camcorder.