Okay, so I've seen a lot of topics now, asking for the "best camera" in a certain price range. I know this is a constantly changing field and more cameras are coming out all the time, so I thought I'd make this thread as a starter point and update as technology changes.

Here goes...

Under $500

Pansonic PVGS320

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/477103-REG/Panaso...S320_3_CCD_Mini.html

The Panasonic PVGS320 is a solid camera. It has 3 CCD's which gives you the best color reproduction and avoids what CMOS cameras are susceptible to - a rolling shutter. Although the size of the CCDs are only 1/6", its quality in a lower price range. Panasonic is known for making quality camcorders and the PVG series is a great place to start.

It has a manual focus ring and white balancing options which are great to take advantage of when trying to get the best picture possible.

The only real con with this camera, is that it does NOT have an external microphone port. If you've ever used an on-camera mic, you'll know why this is a deal breaker for some. There are adapters and DIY options to work around this though, but if you'd really like quality AND external mic capabilities...take a look at our next contender.

Under $1000

Canon HV20

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/481076-REG/Canon_...2_96MP_CMOS_HDV.html

www.hv20.com

This is one of the best "bang for your buck" cameras on the market at the current moment. If you can, I'd STRONGLY advise saving up for this. It shoots 1080/24f - this means it shoots HD footage at 1080 resolution, at 24 frames per second. 24 frames per second is the frame rate of actual film, so you get the most possible film-like look. I know a couple people in the industry that have recently bought an HV20 as an additional unit in their arsenal, simply because of portability. The quality is incredible and very sharp, so you can be assured it is well worth the money. It also has an external mic port so that you can get started using sound other than from your camera.

You can view some footage and read users opinions/reviews here:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/forumdisplay.php?f=104

There is however, the issue of the rolling shutter here, but there are workarounds that you can find at the link above. The HV20 does offer a decent set of manual controls, but some find it tedious, especially since they're mostly in-menu and not physical controls. If you really want physical controls and are taking your projects more seriously, take a look at the next option.

*Let me just take a moment here, to explain that since cameras have exploded with so many features lately, there's not much of an in-between in the lower thousands price range. It really becomes a harder decision when you're debating $3k cameras and up, but for under that - the HV20 really does an incredible job. However, if you're willing to go used (which is never really a problem with equipment of this calibre as its usually well taken care of - make sure you do extensive research on the buyer first).*

Under $3k

DVX100a/b

http://dvxuser.com/articles/shoot3/ - review

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/406855-REG/Panaso...VX100B_3CCD_24p.html

Personally, I bought a DVX100b two years ago, when it originally came out. I found it to be one of the most useful learning tools I've ever purchased. It has a LOT of manual controls, shoots 24p (same as the HV20 in terms of film frame rate) and has a lot of different settings to control the image. It has professional audio (XLR ports) and allow for dual channel audio. Although it does NOT shoot native 16:9 (widescreen), it shoots "Squeeze" mode which mimics 16:9. Many short films, documentaries and even FEATURE films have been shot with this camera. It offers the professional grade options to shoot a wide range of things, but the colors tend to lean towards the film side. If HD is really your cup of tea and you feel you've already mastered the manual controls and want something a little more...this is what I sold my DVX for a couple weeks ago:

Under $3.5k

Canon XH-A1

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/447098-REG/Canon_...D_HDV_Camcorder.html

This is pretty much the DVX100b that shoots native 16:9 and HD. It also has a 20x zoom, which almost doubles the DVX's. It's very helpful, but it does make it a little front heavy. The extra resolution is really sharp, has loads of presets that users have created and the quality is just incredible. You can view footage from this camera here:

http://www.pinelakefilms.com/reel/short_reel_720.mp4

Under $5k

HVX-200

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381410-REG/Panaso...3_CCD_HD_Format.html

http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/HVX200/ - review

http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/xha1/ - xh-a1 vs HVX

The HVX is the HD upgrade of the DVX. Its been nicknamed Jr. Varicam, as it shoots variable frame rates. It uses solid state recording (in this case, P2) and has 4:2:2 color sampling (thanks to Cinematical for suggesting to add the HVX). Because it is the successor to the DVX, the image is more film-like and the colors are very vibrant. It's been used in many films since its release and prices of P2 storage are coming down. At the moment its the only real thing stopping people from going over to the HVX. You can also record to tape, but only SD footage.

Under $10k

Sony EX1

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/520761-REG/Sony_P...X1_XDCAM_EX_SxS.html

http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/awilt/story/revi...3_cmos_hd_camcorder/ - review

Although I have not used the Sony EX1, I have heard the image is extremely sharp. On paper, it appears better in certain aspects than the HVX but hopefully someone can give me a little more information to add in regards to this camera. It does however use SxS storage, which is a solid state storage as well, but from initial reviews - not as fast or as effective as P2. Will add more when someone can shed a little more light on the camera.

Keep in mind, the cameras chosen above were considered for use of making movies and not event videography or corporate work. You can certainly use the cameras for other purposes, but they were specifically chosen for short film work.

I'll be updating as more information comes out, cameras change and I become more educated.

Til then, hope this helps,

Kegan

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

You've got to keep going up. Under 5k the indisputable king is the HVX.

But now there's a new kid on the block! For 6.5k there's the EX1 - true 1080p sensors (1/2 inch, no less!), 3 stops more light sensitivity than the HVX, a very decent codec.

But! The HVX does 4:2:2 while the EX1 is still a rolling-GOP 4:2:0 system! The plot thickens!

Ah I know, I like the HVX. The only reason I didn't include the HVX and the EX1 is because I don't believe that many users on this site have the proper equipment or know-how to handle the workflow.

The EX1 is nice (spec-wise...I haven't actually used it), but I've heard many mixed opinions on it. The HVX is tried and true though. I've done multi-cam shoots with the HVX (rented) and my XH-A1 and been able to match the footage very nicely. Post production really is an incredible thing.

The two new cameras coming out from Sony (the Z7U and S720u) also promise great things, including interchangeable lenses for a lower price.

I'll edit the original post to include links to the HVX/EX1 and possibly the new Sony cameras, although most of it is just speculation.

-Kegan

I disagree that the HVX and EX1 are too advanced in terms of workflow - indeed, the workflow for both SSD-based cameras is remarkably easy. The price, on the other hand, is almost certainly a restraining factor.

Another great resource I'd like to tack on for the HV20/30 is www.hv20.com . It has a lot of useful info there, as well as lots of footage people have shot.

Thanks a lot Heliotrope. I'll add it to the original post.

-Kegan