Travel Channel

Greetings! I am looking to purchase a camera, and finally have a budget of between $800 - $1500 to spend. Of course, I need the camera to be suitable for me as a yet-novice (new to the industry) filmmaker, but I would like it -- ideally -- to be able to see me through possible growth as a more professional filmmaker as well! (Read: It's a big investment; I don't want to "grow out of it" too soon!)

So far, I've seen the Sony HDR-HC7 and the Canon HV20 recommended, and was wondering if anyone has experience with either and can offer their feedback? Also, given the criteria I mentioned, what sorts of things would you recommend looking for, or taking into consideration when "doing my homework" on my options?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Adrianne
TCA114 (Chicago; March, 2008)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: adriannemikosz,

There is a newer model of the Canon Vixia camera: the Vixia HV30. It costs between $800-950 and is available at Best Buy, Adorama or B&H.

I use a Sony HDV-V1U for most projects and have added the Vixia HV30 as camera two (too). The quality of the HV30 footage is excellent and the color space fits well with that from the larger Sony camera (cinema like). The HD image (of the HV30) is crisp and the colorssaturated. The camera is easy to use and compact.

It also has a minijack for a stereo microphone if you don't want to use the one in the camera.
The camera is quiet and I haven't noticed any motor noise on the footage. There are compact Sennheiser microphones with miniplugs that can be attached to the hot shoe on top of the HV30.

Some reviews (search Google) of the HDR-HC7 mention that it does not perform well in low light conditions. I remember seeing some videos in the TCA class (Chicago) that looked 'dark' with dull color under those conditions ... although, I'm not 100% sure if they were shot using a Sony HC7.

Anyway, I'd suggest looking at the online review of the HV30 (search Google) and going to Best Buy to see the Canon camera. They are on display. They are well made, but, probably a little heavier then the Sony HC-7

Hope that helps.

Paul Kurth (TCA Chicago ... the Pizza Due' guy)

Hey Adrianne,

I already had an older Canon DV cam when we started looking at an HD model. I read tons of reviews and just liked the HV20 best. This basically was THE HD cam to get in '07, and it has had a modest upgrade in '08. We do all of our shooting with it and it performs great. We bought from hhgregg in Nashville last year during a sale, and I did find one problem. Some people reported that they were recording motor noise, and sure enough our first cam did as well (barely noticeable, but was there). We went back and they were nice enough to let us try a second cam which didn't have the problem. You want to make sure, whatever you buy, that they have some kind of return policy in case it just doesn't work out for you. While I loved the Sony Z1 during our Academy, in the sub $2000 market you just can't beat the HV20 or HV30 (seriously, the biggest difference seems to be black vs. silver plastics). I also can't recommend enough the Rode VideoMic shotgun mic. Costs about $150, but the sound is amazing. It's very directional-has to be pointed at the subject, but sound quality is a good as when I have someone mic'd up. If you do go the Canon route, let me know and I'll let you know the accessories we've bought for our cam.

Mac Burke
2reds Productions/2reds.com
TCA002

I use the HV20 and like it a lot. I heard that it's not great in low light and I haven't had a problem yet, but I haven't really put it to the test there. I also have a Panasonic DVX100b and Canon A1, and the HV20 performs just as well. A very nice little camera.

I use a Rode shotgun mic to get better sound.

Kathy Fleming
TCA110