I am currently needing to buy a good camera for making films. I am an amateur and do not know that much about film making and I dont really know what look for. I want to spend as little as possible. I looked into the Cannon Gl2 and so far that is my favorite. But, how big of a difference is it between standard and high definition. If i have to I will go a step up and buy one ofthe Cannon Xl's. Any ideas?

I am severely lacking in my technical knowledge of digital/prosumer camcorders, but if you're willing to spend enough for a GL2 you might consider bumping up to a Panasonic DVX-200. Then again, buying enough cards to capture enough footage will get expensive, fast...

Hey, Gl-2's and DVX-100B's are often used by professional companies as B-roll, so I'm sure you'll do fine with those. Maybe put the extra cash into the art department. Or lighting.

Let us know what you decide, and how it goes.

I just keep getting more confused. Does anyone know what is the better buy between the Canon Gl2 and the canon HX g1? or even the lower end HD cameras. I guess i just want to know the difference in quality between the canon SD's (Gl2, xl1s, and canon xl2 ) and the XH A1 and the XH g1. I will probably buy a used one, I just need to know which one to buy. I am 90% sure im sticking with canon.

Again from my limited understanding:

The earlier generation HD cameras record onto tape (MiniDV) and then go from tape to capture on the computer. The latest generation cameras have the option of recording directly to hard-disk or memory cards which make for easier transfer to your computer without having to account for "capture" time.

An oversimplification, but that's the main difference -- besides slight improvements in quality.

Push comes to shove? Get the Gl-2 now. Later, use it as a B camera. I'm sure it will still get the job done.

Anyone else have thoughts?

Hey Sterling Adgate,

I'm an owner of a GL2 and I can tell you that I love it. It's a great camera, easy to use and it delivers a very good quality.

I got mine years ago, before Hi-Def became common place and (some what) affordable. I haven't personally gotten to play with canons xh-g1 (the hi-def successor to the gl2)but I've read and heard great things about it. If a hi-def version had been available when I got my camera, I would have taken that (assuming I could have afforded it).

There is a definite difference in detail and quality between hi-def and standard. But there is also going to be a significant difference in price. You just have to decide if its worth the extra money. If money isn't a concern, go with the HD option.

But if you need to mind your budget get the GL2. You won't be disappointed!

ada_23 said:

quote:

The earlier generation HD cameras record onto tape (MiniDV) and then go from tape to capture on the computer

HDV = 1080 x 1440. It is recorded onto a Digital tape.
HD = 1080 x 1920.

The problem with the HDD based camcorders is the compression used. You get full HD but your MBps is lower. +- 15, where is HDV is +- 25. Its also "a pain to edit" and needs a hectic hardware enhanced systems.

quote:

Push comes to shove? Get the Gl-2 now. Later, use it as a B camera. I'm sure it will still get the job done.

Its a good camera. You could also try a miniDV based HDV cam. Canon HV30's a good model.

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How much money are you willing to spend?

$1749 for the GL2 at B&H (though you could probably find it for less)

as opposed to $3299 for the XH A1 again at B&H (which you probably shouldn't find for less)

Also you should take into consideration how long you want to be able to use the camera and what you're using it for.
If you want it to last more than two years I would say don't get something that records to tape. In my opinion, miniDV is such a low quality format compared to mostsolid state (assuming you back up, back up, back up) that buying a camera that records to it (miniDV) is a bad investment in the long run.

I've been using the XH A1 for all of my projects this year. It makes beautiful images, it's HDV (both a pro and a con) and it's 24p (ish). But it records to tape and is HDV.

If you want to spend a little more money you could go for the Panasonic HVX200A ($5200 at B&H) or the Sony PMW EX1 ($6450 at B&H). Both of those record to flash memory (P2 for the Pamasonic and SxS for the Sony). Both shoot at variable frame rates so you can get real slow and fast motion. They are not HDV they record full frame HD. The Panasonic records in DVCPRO HD and the Sony in XDCAM HD, both of which are far superior codecs to HDV (in my opinion) because they record significantly more color. And you can import in less than real time, something tape can't. This technology should last you a good amount of time.

If you can wait until early next year (I know that's a long way off) you should look into the Scarlet made by RED. 3K for $3000. Google it.

It also depends on the system and software you're using to edit. If you want to go HD or HDV you have to make sure you're system is robust enough to handle the footage and the editing software you are using can edit the footage or specific codec (ex. HDV, XDCAM HD, DVCPRO HD, RED RAW, etc).

But if you need a camera now I'd say go for one of those two solid state cameras if money isn't a factor. If it is, then I'd suggest either the XH A1 (the GL2 HDV upgrade kind of) or the DVX100b (which is not HD but is the end all and be all of prosumer SD Cameras, $2249 at B&H). Don't get a GL2 unless you only have the money to. It was an amazing camera when it was released, but there are now much better cameras for just a little bit more.

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