hey guys... im trying to make my first feature film and i need a new camera to do it.

i was looking at the sony hdr-hc3 high def camera. should i get a hdv camera. i know that camera doesnt have 3ccd. but how important is that? the quality is of 1080i is still unmatched right?

let me know
thanks

One thing people generally fail to look at is all of the other options on a camera. Are you planning to release your films on DVD or the web? DO you really need HDV?

Google this: what camera should I buy, or something similar. There are loads of webpages that present good information and guidelines on which camera to buy.

If you're so concerned about good image quality, what about an external mic? As far as I know, the HC3 doesn't allow one.

I'm going for the Panasonic NV GS series, because it allows an external mic, and it offers some other usefull options as well.

Look at durability, and mainly, reviews.


Also, HDV is not HD, but HDV still costs a lot of HD space, so you need to invest in some extra as well I think. A little bit extra RAM wouldn't hurt as well.

Hope this helps a bit,

Gotan

I don't think the cheap Sony HDV camera is a good choice for a feature. It's a consumer camera that happens to offer adequate HDV recording. It's even sold as 'Handycam.'

I'd stick with a tried-and-true model like a GL2, XL2, or DVX100a. Or you can upgrade to film Taking the camera cost into account, it may not be as much more as you think. You can easily do a 90 minute feature for $5000.

I have a couple HDV cameras and I can tell you that the quality is amazing. Both are either prosumer or professional grade so I can't judge the consumer model that you're asking about, but if you can't afford any of Evan's suggestions then it's an excellent alternative to pretty much any consumer DV camera out there.

A couple HDV cameras?!?

For multi-camera shoots (weddings and whatnot).

Well, if going with a DV camera and not going with HDV, the DVX100b is the best for a multi cam shoot. Maybe I'm a little bias in my favouring of the DVX, but with the B you are able to sync the timecode via firewire with either a deck, DVX100b or firewire device with timecode.

It's a great camera and the 24p look is fantastic for those who want the most "film like" images. I used to be one of those people, until I got the camera. I love the look, but I quickly realized it was one of the few things that made the movie look like it was shot on film. Or you can do as Evan does and shoot on actual film.

-Kegan

Sony HDR-FX1. its amazing.

I have a compilation of interviews on HD cameras, if you need more information.