Okay I recently joined the site, this is my first post.

I was hoping you guys could really help! I'm in trouble here.

Okay so im going to be filming a big production soon, this series thing im working on. I'm 17, amateur filmmaker, going to filmschool hopefully next year.

Anyways, I have shot with a Sony handycam Digital 8 DCR-TRV for years, and its been useful for just making movies here and there.

Anyways recently I've been considering getting a new camera, something 3CCD, not quite professional but high end.

Basically im sick of using an older camera thats only so-so when im starting to make more serious movies.

So I was reccomended a JVC GR-X5. Its expensive, but a great camera.

Only problem is...

1. It has a weird shape and might make me look less serious or professional. Very compact.

2. It has NO Viewfinder! For some reason I feel very uncomfortable about this...

So am I just being picky? Or what?

I don't want to shell out $1000 bucks and then have huge buyers remorse afterwards.

Basically im scared, but split as where I want to go.

Should I hold off on buying? Search for something else (Nothing really though...)

Any help would be great! Please!

Welcome

Weird! I'd never heard of that camera. The reviews seem to say it is good (for the price-range) but I too would be worried about shooting without a viewfinder. You basically need one to check true light-levels and colors.

Yeah, im real apprehensive about it. I figure, maybe I should finish shooting with my Handycam, see how it goes, and later on buy another camera.

Or maybe I could find a site that would let me return it. That way I could test it.

Anyone have any ideas?

Have you already started shooting this project with the old camera?

With your price range i would continue saving and buy a Canon GL2. Great camera, it's not that professional but at the same time it is.

I haven't filmed with my old camera yet.

How much do Canon GL2s run for?

around $1,750 at B&H including the mail-in rebate.

Don't buy used on ebay, cut corners on your budget somewhere else. The camera is the most important part of your setup, there's no use in setting yourself up for a major letdown. Buy fake guns instead of real ones for your next action sequence and save yourself a bundle there instead.