Best HD 3CCD Camera for Handheld Under $6,000

[jody]

I am looking for a HD 3 CCD camera that will be good for handheld shots. I also need one that can be a second cam on tripod. My budget is around 6k. Any suggestions? I was thinking about the new XL1-hd widescreen.

Thanks,
Jody

 

[David Mullen ASC]

Do you need 24P? Do you need interchangeable lenses?

 

[jody]

Yes Mr. Mullen, I can get away with having interchangeable lenses on the handheld main camera, I do want 24p on both cameras. I was thinking about the Canon XLH1-3-CCD as my main handheld camera http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.aspx?prodid=342803
and the Canon HV-20 as the 2nd camera that stays on a tripod.

I am so pleased that I am now in a point in my career that I can start thinking on a professional level. Obviously taking this camera upgrade very seriously and hope to get as much research as possible to get the best cameras for the jobs, while being wise about the costs. Have you ever used the new XL1-HD or HV-20?

Respectfully,
Jody

BTW, I watched the documentary on DP's (Vision of Light) the other night. Very good movie.

 

[David Mullen ASC]

Right now, it's sort of between the Canon XLH1 and the Panasonic HVX200 in that price range, but I think these are nearly $10,000 cameras once you get the accessories and whatnot.

The Canon does a credible simulation of 24P called 24F, but for all intents and purposes, it's 24P in post.

Canon has cheaper versions of the XLH1 that have permanently mounted zooms (XHG1 and XHA1). Sony has the new HVR-V1U that does 24P.

But if you can afford the XLH1, a lot of people like the quality it produces.

 

[pigeo000]

The younger siblings of the H1, the A1, were tested and they said the quality was the exact same. Just a smaller camera so moves maybe a little tougher, but for a fraction of the price it's quite worth it.

I would also check out JVC's HD cameras. I don't know about their quality but they are putting out some very professional looking cameras for about 5 g's.

As for the Panasonic, I've heard it's very overrated and not to mention the money you have to fork out for their P2 cards in order to shoot in 24p, like 900 dollars for 16 gigs which I think is like 36 minutes.

That's just what I have all read.

 

[jody]

Thanks. I am thinking the same way. I will look at the A1.

Respectfully,
Jody