Which video camera for film making?

and before i close, remember to save as much of your money as you can, and that what you put in your film is just as important as what you film it with (although you probably know of all of this). so get something in the price range you have now, but dont get something too much over the limit, or too much under.

so this was just a brief look at some possible cameras. if you would like in-depth reviews, go to www.camcorderinfo.com

hope all of this helps! Ideally for low budget film making you'd want a DV camera with 3 CCD and the ability to shoot in 576/25P (progressive scan) for that pseudo-film look. Second hand you might be able to pick up a used Sony VX1000 or VX2000, maybe a Canon XL1. If thinking about new you'd need around 1.5/2k to get a Panasonic AG-DVX100AE or Sony HDR-FX1E (the latter capable of HD filming) or settling for the 1CCD version of the Sony to reduce your budget.

The only tip I can give for buying new is to hire before you buy if you can possibly stretch to it. You know, if you want it to be future proof and get a longer life out of it (and more professional work) then you'd be better going for a HD camera. My boyfriend uses a Sony HVR-Z1E, but that costs about ￡3000 even now (he's had it 18 months). We recently bought a Sony HVR-A1E for ￡1500 which might be good for your needs as it is small and lightweight, but we think it underperforms a bit as auto focus etc is slow to kick in, which isn't good for us when filming weddings in realtime, but isn't a problem with films as you take more time setting up shots, whilst wedding films are documentaries where every shot could be vital - you can't miss a single shot!