If you had to replace your camera today...

[DenDen]

I know you guys have a sticky about which cameras you use. But what would happen if your camera (miniDV) died today, and you needed to replace them. Considering your budget aspects (this isn't a fantasy question of what you'd love to have...) which camera(s) would you get? Would this be a matter of shopping/browsing in a retail store until you found something that struck your fancy, or do you guys have a "planned" replacement model, or must-have features?

 

Just curious, I'm going shopping for one this weekend to start a new online sketch-comedy.

 

Thanks!

Dennis

[SharkTums]

We haven't bought one in a store in a VERY long time. You can usually find the same model (new in box) online for $100 cheaper. I don't know all the details so I'll let Robb chime in now!

[robbalvey]

Interesting question. Because I'm not sure the answer I would give TODAY is the same as I would have six months ago.

 

We normally always go for a lower end Sony model. One that at least has an A/V input option for the lipstick camera, but a lower end camera.

 

Why? Because the abuse we subject our cameras to means we have to buy new ones every year. So the lower end, cheaper models, which seem to produce the same result as a higher end model, especially with the lipstick lens with the camera is just serving as a "MiniDV deck" is pretty much the same.

 

Now TODAY there are several things to keep in mind. Now that flat screens and HD are becoming more and more common we'll have to start shooting in at least 16x9 starting probably next year.

 

And then there is the whole HD question. When will that become mainstream? My guess is probably not for quite a few more years. At least until an HD-DVD format becomes commonplace. But 16x9 is becoming more and more the 'standard.'

 

Also, 3-chip cameras are being priced more reasonably too. So that's something to consider.

 

Basically, as much video as we do, I'm probably the wrong person to ask when it comes to buying a camera that you plan on using for multiple years. Because our buying trends are much more different. We ask the question "what's the best quality for the price we can get over the next 10 to 12 months." And the answer has always been a Sony model.

 

Other things to keep in mind: Nighshot, steady shot, etc.

 

Anyway, I hope that helps, somewhat!

 

--Robb

[benzo41190]

what online store would you recomend? Because there is a MiniDV camera that I want to buy but I dont know where to shop.

 

Its either going to be B&H or Butterfly....

[robbalvey]

I've had good luck with www.camerasandelectronics.com

[DenDen]

Actually, that helps a lot Robb! Thanks a bazillion!