I am going to be making my first film this summer.

Unfortunately, I am completely ignorant about the kind of camera that I should use. The film is very low budget, but I've been thinking about renting a more expensive camera.

So, my question is:
-Is a camera like the Panasonic AG-DVX100 or the Sony PMW-EX-1 better than its smaller camcorder counterparts (such as the JVC GZ-HD300R, for example) even if you have decent editing software such as Sony Vegas Pro? Why or why not?

Thanks!

if you're renting, the Red One. Hands down.

I second the RED ONE!

Canon XH-A1 is really good

First film.

Unless you've a DP who knows what there doing I wouldn't go out of your way to rent a expensive camera.

If your making it yourself, just borrow something, you got to work on framing and style. No point having a 4K image if the biggest your going to blow it up to is your T.V.

Sony EX1 is a great camera. Its what I use the most for shooting.

I have Canon 550D and Canon 7D, very nice cameras.

I would go with the 5d mark 2 because its relatively inexpensive to buy and will give you video that 1080p and it has a full frame sensor so you will get the most out of your lens! If you have the dough to fork out the extra cash and rent the Red One I would say good on ya brother! But, I know I my self would prefer using the 5D mark 2 because of it's image quality and size! Anyways that my 2 cents, I may be wrong, but I think the 5d mark 2 is your choice.

7D or 5D2 is great for what you are doing. Sony EX1 is a piece of crap.

As many have said, you can't go wrong with Red.

I think Canon XL series digitals are great for low budget film.

The Canon XL cameras have a 1/3" chip which is the last thing you want to use in film. The tiny sensor makes it difficult to get shallow depth of field and makes it nearly impossible in bright day exteriors.

I have a Canon 600D, awesome camera and fairly cheap. I feel like most DSLRs offer better looking HD and give you more control that your average camcorder.

If you want to get a cinematic look, look in to the Sony vg10. It's essentially a dslr in a video form factor. If you can scrounge up some money, you should be able to grab one pretty cheap on eBay. Lenses can add up, so I suggest getting body only, and then getting a few old school canon fd primes dirt cheap on eBay.

Doesn't the vg10 only shoot 30 fps? Thats not a very "cinematic" look unless they updated the firmware to shoot 24.