Im looking for a freind for a good (minidv)camera that will shoot 24 fps. But she wants the price to be around 2500. I know a little low for a good quality camera. Any suggestions?

DVX100a is a very popular choice for this price range.

I bet you could get a gently used Panasonic AG-DVX100A or B for that price, if you're cool with used stuff. If not, I bet you might be able to get a Canon XL-2, but the choice between the two has to be the DVX, if you ask me. Actually I'm on ebay right now and it looks like they wouldn't even have to be used if you were willing to shell out a couple hundred extra. Good luck!

Although those low prices on Ebay are tempting, be wary about those deals that are too good to be true. There are a ton of grey market cameras out there from those sellers that have cameras along with an infinite about of crappy extras (UV filters, tripods, etc.). I was in the same boat as you a couple months ago, but I decided to save up a little more and go with a company like B and H, which is guaranteed trusworthy. They go for 2700 there, and you know exactly what you're getting the second you order it. Good Luck

Panasonic

I can vouch for the DVX100b haha. I must be considered so bias on this forum. Every time I post, it's usually to say something great about this camera. It's definitley a great camera. Don't buy them off ebay though. Like said before, it's just a bunch of scams and the probability of you getting a grey market camera is really high. If you wanna buy it used, which is probably a great idea...you can check out DVXuser.com as they're always selling them.

They're not selling because its a bad camera, but some people are upgrading to HD because their clients require it. The DVX will be a good, solid camera for quite a while so don't think it'd be a poor choice.

-Kegan

I'd go with the Canon XL-2 if I were you. Buy it from the B and H used department and it's 2,700. You can change the lens on it also unlike those stupid DVX's. haha

I think either would get the job done. However, I would suggest waiting a bit and saving a little more to get up to HD. Panasonic HD's aren't too terribly bad used if I remember correctly

You could save up for a JVC HD110. Or you could look for a used HD100u for cheaper (I love mine).

Great cameras, but a bit pricey.

The panasonics are nice too, though.

quote:

Originally posted by Cinematical:
You could save up for a JVC HD110. Or you could look for a used HD100u for cheaper (I love mine).

Great cameras, but a bit pricey.

The panasonics are nice too, though.

I like how we evolved from $2500 consumer cams to $4000 HD monsters. I'm not sure the HD series of JVC is in his price range.

Haha, yeah, I know. Very sorry. Still...

But yes, I've worked with the DVX100a and they are very nice cameras. I don't know how much you're actually going to be changing lenses on your budget (lenses are pricey). That would make the a or b a good option.

Agree with the DVX recommendation. I was a Canon XL devotee for years until I used the Panasonic. Ebay is safe enough; just investigate your seller and talk to him/her directly about the camera. Consider escrow.com.