What is the best camera for professional use?

What is the best camera to use for a web show?

• I am starting a web series this summer, and I need A LOT of advice! I've been doing some research on cameras, mics, and more. I've read a lot of suggestions, and my main question is what is the BEST camera and microphone (the ones that clip on your shirt) to use for a web show that's going to have HD quality? *I need a camera that can do those really cool features like blurring the background in a scene.* I've also done a little research on YouTube and there's this user named polcan99 who is an award-winning filmmaker. In one of his videos titled, "How to Film a Dialogue Scene: Angles, Framing & Rule of Thirds," he talks about ways to film a dialogue scene. He also mentions what type of lens to use for certain scenes. I don't know which type of camera he's talking about where you can switch lenses. If you could tell me which camera he's talking about, that would be fantastic. Someone suggested the Canon FS200 for the camera and the ATR35 Lavalier for the microphones. eHow.com suggests the HDV Handycam, but that is a REAL camera that ranges anywhere between $1,000-$3,000. *Please keep in mind that I am 15 years old.* -I also have a few extra questions! 1.) Are these cameras any good? 2.) Does the ATR35 have a jack that is inserted into the camera and the mic that clips onto your shirt where you don't need to wear that little box on your hip like I've seen with other mics? 3.) Is the ATR35 a good mic to buy? 4.) I'm doing a skit show so I'll have nearly 26 interchangeable cast members; how many mics do you suggest I buy? 5.) I was thinking about buying 3 cameras to shoot from 3 different angles instead of buying one camera and doing a scene 3 times to get each one from a different angle. Do you think that's a good idea, and is that enough cameras? 6.)Again, I'm 15, so I won't be paying for an HDV Handycam anytime soon, but I don't how good a Canon FS200 is; I need a camera with HD features so I can make the show look legit, but I'm probably buying 3 of them, so could you keep your suggestion under $250, please? 7.) Are there any more supplies that you suggest I buy? -If an experience filmmaker could answer this, I would be very grateful! Thanks! :)

• Answer:

  Consumer level HD camcorder. You would need to spend in excess of $3500 on a HD camcorder in order to even get close to the video Quality that a $300 MinidV Tape camcorder has. If your web show includes any movement, forget a HD camcorder. Any video I have watched, shot by a consumer level HD camcorder, the video is out of focus around the edges of people and blurry edges also. A simple movements, such as lifting an arm in front of the camera will create screen artifacts. Terrible for sports videos HD cameras are. You can get a MiniDV Tape Canon ZR 930 for about $300. Has a mic jack, your web show will appreciate that added feature