I want to start making some independent films, but im not sure whether to buy a used 16mm camera or a new minidv camera. From what i've heard a lot of the bigger film festivals dont accept films that weren't shot on 16mm or higher. I may be wrong, i'm still a novice when it comes to filmmaking. Due to that reason i'm thinking about buying a used Arriflex 16S. But i'm also looking at a Canon XL1S minidv camera. Im lost. I need some serious advice from some more experienced filmmakers. Please any advice on which i should buy would be helpful.

Dont go to film so soon because it cost alot to buy and develop the film. I wouldnt go for the XL1S because it is a waste of money, go for the AGDVX-100 or GL-2 both have amazing audio and a better imaging system then the XL1S. The AGDVX-100 has a more film look but is more expencive.

Just go on google and search for either camera or click on the links below
GL-2 price
AGDVX-100 price
i hope this helps

Well more than likely the right answer for you would be DV. Since you say you don't have very much experience etc. There are pros and cons to everything so with this one you're going to have to weigh things out. Some of the PROS, especially for you, for DV are:

-Cheap Tape Stock ($4 or less)
-Portable
-No processing required
-Easy to start editing right away
-No mechanical noise
-Lots of DV film festivals
-You can see the footage you have INSTANTLY
-You can experiment without having to worry about costing you any money....the tapes can be used over and over and over like at least a hundred times.

The Cons:
-It's not "FILM"
-Some festivals don't take DV
-The camera generally doesn't look as cool

All in all I would say DV is the way for you to go since you're a new filmmaker. As far as specific models....if you can afford it the Panasonic DVX-100 shoots 24-p, meaning like film which is projected at 24 frames per second. DV usually shoots at around 30 frames per second, which gives it that feeling that hey! this is like a home video, not like a real movie. This has been programmed into your head whether you realize it or not. The DVX usually runs around $3,500 depending on where you get it. You can try ebay and as long as you buy from a reputable buyer you should be OK. Each camera comes with a warranty regardless of who owns it from Panasonic...you just have to make sure you file the correct paperwork when you buy or transfer ownership. Another important factor to keep in mind is how you plan on editing this footage. If you decide to use the DVX then that means you're either going to have to buy or "get" the latest copy of Final Cut Pro 4 or Avid Express. I know FCP 4 works with the DVX but I'm not a 100% if it does with AV express...you'll have to find that out yourself. AND make sure that your computer can handle the software, has plenty of hard drive space (or a separate hard drive if possible), firewire, and a decent video card. The best thing for you would be to check out everything first. Then make a decision based on that. There are plenty of cameras out there it all really depends on what your budget is like for sure check out Panasonic’s website….they also have an HD camera that’s under $5000….to me though HD unless it’s the Lucas $100,000 camera, looks a little cheesy.

Good luck!

"You may have seen more movies than me, but I've MADE more than you."

I'll check both of those out.

Unless you plan on doing a film out, or deliver on 24p, you don't need the newest modifications of FCP or Avid to edit your DVX's footage.

I would agree it'd be better for you to buy a Prosumer Mini-DV than a 16mm. I'd particularly avoid an Arri-S because they're loud (Even the crystal ones), the eyepieces suck and they jam quite a bit (Well kept ones don't, but don't expect a well kept one from ebay or the like).

I don't know why everyone hates on the XL-1 and XL-1s these days. I'd take either over a Gl-2. The advantages of 24p have been blown a little out of proportion as well. Film at 30p still looks like film and the DVX still looks like video. It is an advantage, but it's not the magical advancement that finally brings the two worlds together.

Nota "Owns nothing" Mono

still, the DVX does help the bridge the gap.

i meant "to bridge the gap" not "the bridge the gap"
the next thing ill buy is an education...

GL2 is better than the XL1?!

- C. Davis
YELLOW HAMMER PRODUCTIONS

Well, it does and it doesn't help bridge the gap. Teechnically speaking Vision 2 widened the gap more than the DVX shrunk it at the end of last year. Both advancements are good news for filmmakers.

Nota "Likes all the options available these days" Mono

Most has been said, but ill toss in something else as well. The days of film fests saying they "Only take film" id quickly fading, but there are a few that still stick to this. With the costs involved thereis a good chance that regardless of whethere or not your shot film, you wouldnt be able to afford a final print. Because of this many festivals will allow you to submit a video format for final screening. Most who cut film digitally dump out to a DigiBeta tape. So heres my point. Buy a DVX100. Light it well, compose your shots well maybe even do some color correction in post. In the end it will look like 16mm (A few anal techies might notice the "video" spots, but most people have no clue.) Then have your master put on to a digiBeta tape. Now you can make VHS entry screener for fests and tell them its 16mm. Who has to know otherwise. If your accepted, simply offer the DigiBeta as your screener tape and your set. My two cents.
R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans
Tizzy Entertainment "Redemption" Hi-Def trailer

Yeah and if they ask for the film, just say some jackass left it on the dashboard of their car while they were shopping in the mall - or something.

- C. Davis
YELLOW HAMMER PRODUCTIONS