Anyone know good video cameras?

sublimize24 · 12-28-2005, 02:10 PM

I need to find a good used video camera. I'm looking at the Canon GL1 and the Sony VX1000. I need places to buy used ones besides ebay, some suggestions would be good too. I will have around $1,000 to spend.

not frodo · 12-28-2005, 02:39 PM

skateboarding forums should have a few for sale

google search skate all citys and look around that site.

trvx1000 ftw

sublimize24 · 12-28-2005, 07:21 PM

Well now I dunno if I'll be getting one... my dad was supposed to match what I was going to pay and I don't think he's going to. He also won't let me get a job. Damn it.

boomslang · 12-28-2005, 08:13 PM

I just bought a Panasonic AG-DVC30 off of eBay, $1375. It's a step-up, prosumer, and I hope it's worth what I paid. I haven't yet used it enough to offer a fair review, and I don't have much to compare it to. Here, however, is a pretty in-depth look at what it has to offer:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...der-review.htm

http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_AG...atingValue+asc

I bought mine new, maybe you can find it for less if it's used.

sublimize24 · 12-28-2005, 08:31 PM

I really like the Canon GL1. I've used my friend's GL2 and the controls on the top of the handle are really cool. I haven't used a GL1, but they seem really nice.

BLUEWAVE sc · 12-28-2005, 10:28 PM

depends on your budget.

$1000 and below, get something consumer recommended.

$1000-$1500, panasonic ag-dvc30, canon gl1, sony vx2100

$1500-$2000, canon gl2, canon xl1, sony pd 170

$2000 and $3000, panasonic dvx100a, canon xl2

if your budget is above this, i hate you and look at the various hd cameras from panasonic and sony.

sublimize24 · 12-29-2005, 01:41 AM

I'd really like to go with the GL1. I ruled the VX1000 out, since there's no LCD screen. It may be a while until I can get it though... anyone want to buy my stuff?

sublimize24 · 12-29-2005, 08:57 PM

The panasonic dvc-30 seems really nice. There's a guy on ebay selling them brand new as a package for $1500. Comes with an extra battery, light, etc.

BLUEWAVE sc · 12-29-2005, 10:28 PM

if it was between the gl1 and the dvc30, i would definately get the dvc30. panasonic is flat out awesome, the dvc30 is only a step down from the 24p dvx100. also, the gl1 is pretty outdated, so its just not a really valuable buy.
if your price range is about 1500, i would say go for the dvc30 or even a gl2.

check out ebay for nice deals.

sublimize24 · 12-30-2005, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUEWAVE sc

if it was between the gl1 and the dvc30, i would definately get the dvc30. panasonic is flat out awesome, the dvc30 is only a step down from the 24p dvx100. also, the gl1 is pretty outdated, so its just not a really valuable buy.
if your price range is about 1500, i would say go for the dvc30 or even a gl2.

check out ebay for nice deals.

Thanks man.

sublimize24 · 12-30-2005, 12:20 AM

Well I think I'm gonna go with the GL1 just because of the price. Maybe an XL1 if I can find one cheap.

BLUEWAVE sc · 12-30-2005, 01:40 AM

i've seen a couple xl1's bounce around 1800. gl2's are going for as low as 1400. gl1's i think are going for 1000, not too sure on that one though.

sublimize24 · 12-30-2005, 01:49 AM

Yeah, they seem to be going around $1000, or a little less.

BkOMasta808 · 12-30-2005, 08:35 AM

GL1 audio is terrible. The video quality is great though.

If you're looking for great sound and great video, check out any of the Sony VX cameras (anything 1000 or after, ex: vx1000, vx2000, vx2100).

GL2's have terrible audio, too, but that might not matter enough to you to influence your decision as it does to skateboard filmers (like myself).

Any higher end Sony, Canon, or Panasonic will give you extremely good video quality, there's just different quality in the audio.

what a thing (Banned) · 12-30-2005, 10:39 AM

just save up te money and go for the XL2. Or you can buy an XL1 on ebay. The XL1 can be had for about 2000 on ebay if you look around. Much better camera than the GL1 or 2.

BLUEWAVE sc · 12-30-2005, 10:23 PM

xl2 probably isn't what he's looking for if he's looking into skateboarding. the xl2 is big and bulky with no lcd screen, and most easily used on the shoulder, which isn't logical for skateboarding. it's also upwards of $2000.

if you DID want to go into the upwards of $2000 range, don't look to the xl2, look at the panasonic dvx100a (dvx100b is the same camera, except it was made with european environment compliant materials).

i still say ag-dvc30 or gl2 would be your best options.

boomslang · 12-30-2005, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUEWAVE sc

i still say ag-dvc30 or gl2 would be your best options.

These are the two I was looking at until I decided on the AG because of the review that I posted above in this thread. Plus, I found a good deal on ebay. Either should do nicely, I second this suggestion.

sublimize24 · 12-30-2005, 11:12 PM

the XL's are nice, but they're pretty big and there's no LCD screen. The VX1000 is really nice, but there's no LCD screen. I mostly make car movies with random stuff thrown in. The audio is important, but not that crucial. Did your AG come with that microphone and audio level adjuster like in the pics?

boomslang · 12-30-2005, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sublimize24

the XL's are nice, but they're pretty big and there's no LCD screen. The VX1000 is really nice, but there's no LCD screen. I mostly make car movies with random stuff thrown in. The audio is important, but not that crucial. Did your AG come with that microphone and audio level adjuster like in the pics?

Unfortunately, no. I would have to pay extra for the audio gear. The camera itself provides a typical 1/8" mic input on the camera body, as well as an accessory shoe to hook up a mic. However, if you want to up your audio game a bit, you have to spring for that "box" you see in the pics. The box is serves as an XLR adapter so you can use mics with XLR outputs, because Panasonic doesn't provide XLR inputs on the camera body.

No shotgun mic is provided standard, the built in mic can be found on top of the camera body.

sublimize24 · 12-30-2005, 11:34 PM

how much is a shotgun mic and that box? I like having options.

boomslang · 12-30-2005, 11:44 PM

As for options:

Right out of the box, you can use just about any shotgun mic that uses a 1/8th inch plug. As long as you have some way to mount it, probably via the accessory shoe, you're good to go. Shotguns vary widely in price depending on the quality you're looking for.

If you want the XLR adapter, you may be discouraged because the price hovers around $200 depending on where you look. It's my impression if you're willing to spend this much on audio gear when the stock setup is decent, you may want to look into spending more on the actual camera and get one with built-in XLR inputs.

Anyway, with the adapter, you'll be able to use any mic that uses an XLR plug.

I would recommend just using the provided 1/8th" hookup, unless you're an extra-duty video man. If skateboarding videos are the subject of choice, the built-in mic should be just fine. Hope this is all helping.