JVC GR HD1

or

CANON HV20

If you wouldn't recommed either of those (they are the ones I'm trying to decide between as of now) then which would you recommend?
I want a clearer picture than your avergae $600 camcorder, and I want nightvision but apparently there aren't many good cameras with nightvision...
If you know of an HD (preferably but at least clear picture) camcorder with nightvision that's fairly good, please let me know.
I'm hoping to have a new camera for when I start shooting my short film this Spring/Summer.

Thanks alot, everyone!

HV20 hands down- That JVC has been out for a looong time and its very much outdated. The canon on the other hand was released a few months ago, and is probably the best value you can find for under 1500 dollars. It records in actual 24p, and not that immitation stuff found in the consumer Sonys. In edition, I've seen clips on the internet of some of its footage and its comparable to my XH-A1, just without all the manual controls.

As for nightvision, I'm not so sure where you're going with this. Some cameras have "night mode" but it usually degrades the image signifcantly. If you're looking for that greenish effect they have on videogames, then you'd be better off doing it post.

Agreed - HV20. Full 1080p at 24 frames per second? I mean that's pretty impressive for a camcorder that's $1500. If you have some more cash you can score a used DVX100a/b. Wicked camera, but again you've asked between those two - the HV20 has impressed a lot of people and I think it'd be a great tool to use for your short film. (not too sure about the night vision on the camera though..)

-Kegan

While it does shoot 24 frames progressive, it's not full 1080p in terms of HD output. I think it does only 1080i HD, but I don't know of any prosumer or consumer cams on the market that output in full 1080p HD.

Sorry I should have noted that I want a nightvision camera to use in the dark at the annual Spooky Walk at I work at.
I want to film people's reactions to us scaring them and all that but it's pitch black in half the thing haha.

But it's not that important now.

Okay so it looks like I'll be going for the HV-20. It sounds like a great camera.

Also, I read somewhere that without a Mac and iMovie it would be confusing to shoot in HD.
Is there a difference to editing regular footage and HD footage?
I just imagina that the quality would be 9obviously) better on the clip you're editing.
Is that right?

I would say if you were looking at the HV-20 make sure you test out the night mode first because I've read in reviews that the night mode drops the shutter speed so any motion looks like stop-motion. I would be safe and find a place to test it out especially for the purposes of using the night mode.

What about this camera? This seems like a great deal...but I'm new and don't know much yet.

http://bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.aspx?prodid=193001&start=

Thanks!

Yeah, see that's a good camera - but no way are you ever going to get a GL2 brand new for a price like that. Those are scam sites. Check out reselleratings.com or search it in Google to find out more information.

-Kegan

Thanks Kegan,

I was wondering...It looked kinda fishy to me too. All of the prices there are way cheaper than anywhere else. Probably a scam site like you said.

No problem, just don't want people to get ripped off. Filmmaking is an expensive thing to get into in the first place and the last thing you want to happen is to be ripped off on your camera purchase.

-Kegan

I wouldn't buy a GL2 now anyway- its five years old, and will soon not even be in production. HDV is the way to go for now.

Alrighty so in conclusion,
I should go with the HV 20?

I would say it probably suits your situation best but I would strongly suggest that you find a place where you could test one out just so you know for sure it fits your needs. Since you are in long island you could always go to the B&H superstore in Manhattan which would definitely have one to test drive.

Yes, I actually plan on buying it from their website.
That's a good diea though.
I knew it was in Manhattan but I didn't think to go and test one out haha.
I'll go do that this weekend maybe.