What are a few Prosumer camcorders?

GOOD PROSUMER CAMCORDERS? LESS THAN $1300?

• I am planning to begin my career as a freelance videographer and I am doing research on which type of camcorder I should buy. I do not want to spend more then $1300. I had been looking at the Canon GL2 camcorder as a strong possibility. Any suggestions? Any suggestions or info about the Canon GL2 would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks

• Answer:

  Good for you for sticking with miniDV tape... though you would be a bit challenged to find anything prosumer or pro-grade camcorder that uses any other storage media. The GL2 has been around for a few years and is basically a workhorse of the standard def prosumer/pro camcorder environment. The only other camcorder that comes close is the Sony VX2200 (but it is more $ - same with the Panasonic DVX100 series). The GL2 will perform better in lowlight that the Sony HVR-HD1000U - but under good lighting conditions, the 1080i hidef of the HD1000U will beat the GL2's standard def any day. The GL2 has only a 1/8" audio-in jack, so consider getting a BeachTek or juicedLink XLR adapter for pro-grade wired mics. As with any camcorder, the battery in the box is not very good. Consider a high capacity rechargeable. They are not cheap. Other things to consider - a good tripod or a SpiderBrace... and a LANC.