What Camcorder would be good for film?

What's a good camcorder for an amateur film maker?

• My friend and I are attempting to create some professional looking movies. We have some specifications that we would like met for our camcorder, but if you can find something close, that would be good too. It should have: 1 Standard Definition (because we dont have HD capability) 2 MiniDV 3 Mic Input 4 Manual Focus 5 Able to shoot well in bright and low light 6 <1000 dollars 7 Wide Screen capability 8 Image Stabliztion 9 Able to add audio later (dubbing) We were thinking about the Canon HV30, but didn't know if this would be a good choice or not. Also, other equipment suggestions would be welcome (mics, editing software, lighting etc)

• Answer:

  The HV20/HV30/HV40 will work - as will the Sony HDR-HC9. While they are HDV camcorders, they can easily be switched to DV. Later, when you have "HD capabilities" (whatever that means), you can upgrade rather easily. These are the least expensive camcorders available (of which I am aware) with a mic jack AND manual audio control. These listed camcorders will meet all your requirements - except #5. They are consumer-grade camcorders and have small lenses and imaging chips. All camcorders can do well in good light. Low-light with small lenses and imaging chips will mean grainy video. As for #9 - the camcorder is not really an "editing device"... the computer video editing application can be used for your audio correction and dubbing - and adding other sound design, soundtrack (music) or audio effects. Because these camcorders are miniDV tape based, your computer needs to have a firewire port so the the video can be imported. Transfer using USB will not work. Since you did not provide any detail on your computer, recommending editing software is a challenge. Windows/Vista: MovieMaker (bundled with Windows XP SP2 or newer) Sony Vegas Adobe Premiere Macintosh: iMovie (bundled with OS 9.2 or newer) FinalCut (Express or Pro) Adobe Premiere Lighting: Cheap work-shop lamps are fine. Check Wikipedia for tips on "Three point lighting". Steadying device: Try to NEVER shoot handheld. Use a tripod (SunPak PlatinumPro is a cheap consumer tripod for $90 at BestBuy or better). There is a DIY SteadyCam device... or make a SpiderBrace-like shoulder mount. Tables, chairs, rocks, whatever is around... also works - just no handheld. Mics: Wireless lavs are nice to have, but acceptable units from Shure and Sennheiser are expensive. Good shotgun mics generally use XLR connectors - but there are a few sort of OK ones that can use the 1/8" (3.5mm stereo jack on the camcorder. NRG Reasearch's SA-568 switchable mic is useful as is the RODE video mic. The Audio Technica ATR-55 is OK, too. If you get into good mics using XLR connectors, you will need an XLR adapter like those from juicedLink or BeachTek. You will need a long audio extension cable - which is what drives the XLR requirement. Long unshielded cable is like an antenna and can pick up radio frequency and electromagnetic interference (RFI & EMI). XLR cables are shielded and the probability of picking up interference is hugely reduced. Dolly shots can be done with a flat hand-cart or a wheelchair or an office chair with wheels. Best when a flat surface swept of small debris is used. Learn to use the white balance feature. And use it. Try not to pan. If you must, pan s l o w l y. Try not to zoom. If you must, zoom s l o w l y. Write the script then story board it then create a shot list. This is you "plan". Stick to the plan - changing the plan means reshooting and potential issues with continuity. The shot list will allow you to capture video in one place rather than set up and tear down - only to find that you had more shots to do in the same place. Changing the plan means you have not done enough planning. ALWAYS: SAFETY FIRST. Don't do stunts or stupid stuff if there is ANY possibility of anyone getting hurt. You cannot afford the financial, emotional or physical issues if something happens - whether accidental or not. The professionals carry LOTS of insurance.