Pro Camcorder

[Vlabguy1]

I would suggest to buy as much camera as your budget allows.  The Canon LX2 is very nice or if you want HD then go for the XL H1 both can accept SLR lenes! and can do 24fps(more like film).  To me Canon has the most natural output with looking like
plastic or oversharpened which I find with the Sony's.  Plus the Canon video cameras tend to have a button for everything on camera vs..diving deep into sum menu&sub-menu system.  

The DSLR might seem like a good option but.. your going to need a ton of accessories to make that in to a very usable video camera option.  I can provide links for you..but it
just seems like an awful lot of gack, when you can get a pro video camera pull it out
the box and start using it.

my2cents..

Pm me if you want those links on how to make your DSLR perform like a pro-video camera.

Rich
NY

I want to save to buy a pro camcorder. Does anyone have a recommendations?

I am looking at the 1000.00 to 2000.00 US dollar range and the 2000.00 to 4000.00 us dollar range.
Thanks.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_n_0?rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3Apro+camcorder%2Cn%3A%21493964%2Cn%3A502394%2Cn%3A172421%2Cn%3A196577011&bbn=172421&keywords=pro+camcorder&ie=UTF8&qid=1275453135&rnid=502394

[Vlabguy1]

Being able to change the glass(lens) is the best option.  With the Canon XL series the options are practically limitless with the amount of lens choices.  Your footage is only
as good a the lens that captures it.  I would go for the 3CCD over Cmos.  
Oh and 28 Days Later used the Canon XL2 just to give you an idea on the cinematography that can be achieved.

Rich
NY

Thanks everyone, my old boss wants me to do some work for him. I hope to save the money up from him and help my brother out too.
I have too many hobbies. lol
*******************
I like the interchange-able lenses. I guess the 3 CCD vs. CMOS debate is still going on today. I hear that CMOS is catching up.
I am looking to use these as a way to guage a camcorder.
1.Light Level
2.Color Range.
3.Speed Range of Objects / CCD/CMOS Reaction Time. See Also Number 11
4. Storage Media
5. Ease of Use.
6. Weight and Size.
7. Lens System.
8. Manual/Auto Focus
9. White Balance
10. Manual/ Auto Aperture
11. Shutter Speed.
12. CODEC   I Believe a CODEC Can Make or Break a Camcorder.  See Also MOD and TOD File Format.
12B. Does It Have a Raw File Input. Camcorder?
13. HDRI  I Do Not Know If This Applies to Camcorders. (High Dynamic Range Imaging)
14. Accessories
edit
15. Frames Per Second
16. Format 16 by 9, 4 by 3

[Vlabguy1]

XL2 also does 24fps.  The HD version XL-H1.  Seriously check Ebay for prices on new and gently used machines.  Another option is, you can buy just the body and then buy a Canon
dslr lens.. as well as you can get a Sigma slr lens in a Canon mount!.. At least you have options with the XL series of the Canon camcorders.

Rich
ny

xl2 is great. There is an HD equivalent but I think it's out of your range. XL2 has amazing 24p footage.

[Vlabguy1]

You need to look at dealer sites! And the XL2 is with-in your budget.  

Rich
ny

Looking at canon usa, the prices are high.
OEM sites are usually high anyway.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=172

[Vlabguy1]

I was going to suggest the GL2....Just thought the XL series would offer more options and it is with in your budget.
.. I don't think you can go wrong with the GL2..

ha can you tell I'm a Canon vid. cam fan?? lol
I really like Canon's output as well as the interchangeable lens options with the XL cams.

The audio capture is equally as important as the video footage taken.  Watching a vid. with the audio clipping is a struggle even if its HD..

Rich
ny

The GL2 looks good, but seems to have only a wide angle lens adapter.
Panasonic looks old school.

[Vlabguy1]

dslr HD video capture is nice..but its not a natural way to capture video the way you hold
an slr camera.  Of course they have dslr rigs to make using the camera in video mode more natural..but its just more added gak not too mention it looks a bit cumbersome to get dialed in.  You will get more capture options with a dedicated video camera than you will with a micro 4/3 cam.  With a video camera it helps to have some heft makes for smoother video.  
Course try pricing out a pro level dslr from Canon or Nikon.. ( a couple grand for body only) add the video holding rig(unless you plan to use a tripod for every shot), lens, external mic.. um your now over budget!

Good luck .. read the reviews see the sample clips.. find out what movies/commercial or other pro footage used what cameras.

imo- micro 4/3 = fad..kind of a gimmick..do you have to up size video captured with micro 4/3??  just a question Im not sure.

Rich

Look at the Pan/olymp MicroFourThirds offers.
Cheaper than canon and superior lenses for less bucks.
Lots of videos on youtube where the panasonic especially are close to equal to the 5D II.
In any case if you can wait till Photokina, do that.
Lot of companies are expected to bring out interesting products that will fit your use.

Whatever you do. Take a camera with you at all times.

OP

[Vlabguy1]

Do you mean a frame grab from an HD camcorder?? if thats what you mean then no its not a good alternative.  Your going to get much better quality "still" image from a DSLR than from a an HD vid cam.  Especially since the DSLR shoots in the raw format and gives you a much larger file and many options for editing the image with out loss of quality.

I suppose for an occasional screen grab an HD video camera would be fine, depending on what you actually need from the image captured.  Just saying a dedicated SLR is the best
choice if you need stills..


Not sure about the Dslr getting warm while shooting HD.. my Sigma SD14 does not shoot video..

Rich
ny

I wonder if the DSLR HD video gets warm compared to a camcorder.
I wonder if doing a frame grab would be a decent alternative to having a DSLR?