What are good cameras to buy for serious film making?
I'm looking to buy a camera for FILMING and so far I have come across the Canon 60D which is 1, 000 dollars. I would like it to be light and portable but also a little cheaper than the Canon 60D. I wouldnt mind if it had been Nikon or another company. I also know that the cheaper cameras won't be as high quality but if anyone has any recomindations
I'm currently looking for the same thing, and if you want something a little cheaper than the 60D you could go with the Canon Rebel T2i or T3i, they're about $600 or $700 and they take really great quality video and photos too!
The HDR-FX1 is a solid camera with pretty much everything you could want in a camera --- and more. I've been using mine for a little while now and not once have I regretted the purchase. It was worth every penny, and the thing is simply a joy to use. You absolutely can't go wrong with it.
Here's what Sony has to say about it:
Presenting the world's first consumer 1080i high-definition camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-FX1. A revolution in form and function, the HDR-FX1 allows you to play and record interlaced high-definition video at resolutions up to 1440 x 1080 for professional quality video with vivid colors and striking detail. It even offers the ability to switch to standard DV recording and playback as the situation warrants.
The HDR-FX1 is eminently portable and ergonomic. The HDR-FX1 features the real-time HD Codec Engine, which offers professional-level MPEG2 video compression, and 14bit HD DXP (Digital Extended Processor) for increased processing speed.
Images are captured on three-chip Advanced HAD CCD system that provides increased detail and improved video performance without the color bleeding found in other system. Optical capabilities include a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 12x optical zoom and Super SteadyShot image stabilization.
The HDR-FX1 offers an unprecedented amount of control to the user, including manual zoom, focus, and iris control. Picture Profile allows the user to create a number of preset video modes for a variety of shooting settings. Composing shots is easier than ever with the 3.5-inch precision hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display and the extra-large electronic viewfinder.
The Sony HDR-FX1 HDV Handycam camcorder: the revolution begins.
Sony Handycam(R) HDR-FX1, the first true 1080i high definition camcorder, is the perfect introduction to the world of high definition video. Record your most intimate moments in the highest quality. With advanced features such as the newly developed wide 3 sensor 1/3? CCD, 72mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens and Real Time Codec engine, the HDR-FX1 is equipped to handle every video task. Relive your memories in vivid HDTV quality colors and clarity. This may not be the camera to use for family and touring. If you're into professional or serious creative use, this camcorder offers vast opportunities that were previously unavailable at this class. You've been waiting for your chance. Here it is! 3.5 LCD Viewing monitor Manual control of camcorder functions allow settings of the camera to be adjusted so that creative effects can be achieved while filming 12x Optical Zoom with 4-way zoom capability for different situations Widescreen LCD monitor lets you see every detail as you shoot in 16 - 9 mode High-performance Down Conversion Function Precision DV- wide Recording Personal Menu Battery Information Continual shooting time Sony iLINK (HDV/DV) Connector for easy video transfer to a PC or Macintosh computer for DV edit and enhancement - and back again SteadyShot Active Lens System (Menu) Shot Transition Picture Profile - 6 Picture Profiles - You can set each of 6 Picture Profiles with Color Level/Color Phase/Sharpness/Skin Tone Detail/AE Shift/AGC Limit/Auto Iris Limit/WB Shift/AWB Sensitivity/Cinematone Gamma/Cineframe.
You can't film with a digital camera, there's no place to insert the film reels!