Camera for $1500ish or less

[gunkis84]

Our church is wanting to start to record services, and were looking to get started for as cheap as possible.. I asked a few different people for suggestions on cameras, and I got (more than once) to pick up the canon 7d (HDSLR). The camera and the imagery in low light looks great.. I was pretty much sold on that camera until i found out today that you can only record 12 minutes at a time with it!!!

So on goes the search.. Looking for a cheap camera that works well in low light.. HD doesn't matter to me at this point. We only plan to load the services on the Vimeo.

[mcbob]

There are a ton of good used HD cameras available on eBay for less than $1500... in particular, the Panasonic HVX-200, various Canon VIXIA camcorders, Sony FX1, and so forth.

For newer, look into the Panasonic GH2. It's DSLR-like in form, can use just about any still camera lens with adapters, and doesn't have the Canon, Sony, or Nikon DSLR record time limitations or overheating problems. Video quality is outstanding and it can take a 2.5mm stereo in.

[Gracetech]

Through hacks for DSLR cameras i have been able to produce 28min recordings. The only issue is that the file size cap stays the same so your quality suffers. I've heard of people shooting even longer but i dare not.

When it comes to low light sensitivity the CCD can really do wonders. I've become a CMOS fan over the years from the extra dynamic range you can achieve. Yeah the bigger the sensor you can get the better your low light performance will be. At that price range though you will really have your work cut out for you.

Best bet would be to find a slightly used Sony VG10. The VG10 is basically a DSLR without the limitations in recording time. A hybrid if you will.

crt

BTW Welcome to CMN!

[mcbob]

Unless you find one used, a VG10 is well over $1500

If you don't already have a good fluid-head tripod, you'll also need one of those (~$500)

Two more choices for you to consider, based on criteria of tapeless workflow, long record times, quality audio-in, and decent low-light performance:
Canon VIXIA HFS30
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...S30_Flash.html

Sony HDR-XR550
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Handycam.html

[gunkis84]

Considering something like this JVC GY- DV500u

i know its older, not hd, and runs tapes, but a 3- 1/2" ccd camera has got to put out some decent low light vid. you think?

http: //cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300620395496#ht_500wt_1052

[jajack71]

I have a JVC DV 5000 that I'm selling and its great and its professional. I'm looking to sell it for 2500.00 that comes with a tripod and I have an entire unit for 4k that includes decks and other gear that you will end up buying in the long run. This camera has the capacity to go tapelss if you need it to.

[mcentrye]

Originally Posted by mcbob

Unless you find one used, a VG10 is well over $1500

If you don't already have a good fluid-head tripod, you'll also need one of those (~$500)

Two more choices for you to consider, based on criteria of tapeless workflow, long record times, quality audio-in, and decent low-light performance:
Canon VIXIA HFS30
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/749189-REG/Canon_5127B001_VIXIA_HF_S30_Flash.html

Sony HDR-XR550
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Handycam.html

Do you know if these cameras provide live output from the HDMI connections? It seems that this is a feature that some camera support and others don't. Specs don't say.