I am an apiring digital filmmaker, and read everywhere that 3-chip cameras are highly recomended. I found a deal on a sharp viewcam-d5000U, one of the first 3-ccd mini-dv cameras. For the price (under $500), I really can't go wrong. The problem is that I'm told it has hardly any manual controlls, and it won't preform well in a pro situation. Does any one have previous experience with this camera? Do you think I really need the manual controls like manual iris, white bal., ect? I don't have much money to spend, and I know that old cameras are the way to go. Can anyone recomend some other 3-ccd camera like the vx-1000 that would perform well for under $1000?

don't waste your money, the cannon zr-45 is $495 here:

http://www.digitalliquidators.com/detail.asp?pid=cnzr45mc

you don't need a 3 chip, but if you're really set on getting one, then get the zr45 now and save your money and get a panasonic ag-dvx100 or the cannon xl1s later

Thanks but, nooo thanks for your help mr. salesman. My best friend got the cannon zr-45 for x-mas, and I have to say that it really sucks. His mom thought that it would help us make movies, but honestly my current trv-240 (Digital-8) even beats it. Besides, the company you are working for (Digital liquadators) has ripped off many people for a while. I've heard storries.. Can anyone else actually answare the questions I asked??

i recently got the ZR40...its a pos. im taking it back and getting a diffrent camera.

Well I like my Zr45 its a good entry level camcorder. Just depends what your looking for.

so much for trying to help someone out... this place is ruthless!

i don't work there, in fact i use http://www.tristatecamera.com , but i went to search the best price and thought i'd tell him where i found it

zr45 or any camera doesn't mean crap...unless you're shooting on film or hd, don't worry about your camera...cause it's not a commerical application you're working on

Don't buy anything from a magazine unless it has American Warranties. Most of those places are run out of New York and they get their production straight off the boat and most times they have Asian Warranties that are no good in the United States plus they will screw you most times on things like batteries and cords. Just a thought...hear of at least 50 people who have had that happen to them.

---------------> BUSH = EVIL <-----------------

~Don't Let BUSH Exploit 911~
infinitie00@hotmail.com

Sorry about me barking at you. My friend got that camera and we just were very dissapointed. The place you mentioned is also a very ruthless and horrible place to shop at. NO warranty, manual, and camera kit, c'mon.

Screewriter14 - I don't know anything about the camera you mentioned (or the ZR45), but if you can save/pool your money with your friend, you should try to find a new or trusted-used GL1. You should be able to get one for the $1300-1500 range (I think). I'm shooting with a GL1 now - and it has good low-light capabilities, a great lens and the on-camera mic is passable in most situations.

Definitely beware of stores - both magazine and online. If you go with a CANON (or any other major brand, like SONY or the SHARP), go to their website and look for authorized dealers. You might pay more, but you won't get screwed in the process. Confucious say: "A good-USA camera in the hand, is better than a gray-market up the butt". Or maybe he didn't.

I bought mine at B and H photo (great service) and have also purchasd products from pro-tape.com. I'm sure Chris has some input on where to purchase equipment also (not to put you on the spot, Chris!).

Shop around, do your homework. If you do a GOOGLE search for online video stores, most come with buyers' reviews. Read them. You'll learn a lot there - as well as people's stories that they have posted on other boards!

Good luck.

Mark M
Scooter Productions