So I'm interested of getting into film. I want to get serious about it, but again I'm a pre-beginner. After searching around and investigating my options for buying a camera, I came upon the Canon HV20. Now here's the kicker. I know that it's for $800, but I crossed a site that said it was $499 if you bought it from them. It seems legit, but should I trust it? I've never been too keen on buying from online merchants. The link: http://www.techondigital.com/product.asp?productid=2059B001_
Now I don't want to make a dire mistake just to save a buck (Granted it's a big buck). Should I buy it from these people? Are there other sites that are cheaper than the standard $800? Is there a catch if I do buy it at $500? For instance will the lens come off or the LCD screen be made out of cardboard?

More than anything I want to start out with good equipment, but also I want to remain as economical as possible. So are there any accessories that are musts? I'm sure a steadicam and/or tripod are in order. What about lenses, or mics? How about anything else I'm missing (Which I'm sure I am since I'm a pre-beginner)? How much will the kit run me?

Thanks
-Dentsai

There are a ton of websites that offer electronics at these too-good-to-be-true low prizes...and unfortunately they are too good to be true. Just with a quick google search, I found overwhelming negative reviews that show this website is no different then all the other scam sites.
You can read some horror stories from this website here

Unfortunately lots of people are so happy about the super cheap prices, that they fall for these tricks and end up losing thousands of dollars

Ah, thanks. Per chance would you know where I could buy an HV20 for a good price? Well, considering it's a good camera for what you're paying already it may be too much to ask for, but perhaps a better deal that's legitimate?

Sometimes the HV20 goes on sale, but typically it is sold for $800 at legitimate stores. If you're in a position to buy it at a store (Best Buy, B&H, etc) then go in and do so. You might find it for $100 off, but that was more when the HV30 was being released.

Good luck, but don't trust those online "wholesalers" or stores that have ridiculously low prices. You won't get a warranty and by the end of it you'll be loaded with a bunch of crappy accessories that you'll never need/use.

-Kegan

A lot of people are hesitant to buy through eBay...but I've found if you buy from a seller that is an individual (and not a company or e-business) it is very rare and difficult for you to get screwed over. (especially with the added protection of Paypal)

I briefly checked to see what eBay had to offer...and I found a guy selling a practically new, fully-functional HV20 for $600. He had 100% positive rating too.

Also, on a different note, I would recommend working on ideas and scripts NOW. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money on nice equipment, only to have it sitting around collecting dust. I am probably going to wait until a week before I want to start shooting a completed script before I buy a camera.

Does anybody know anything about investing, not in a camcorder, but in a camera/lens set in general?

Just for fun, let's say you didn't have budget concerns (but you could only purchase just one)...what would be the advantages/disadvantages of getting a Super16 camera, a RED ONE, or a Panasonic HVX200, for example, if you wanted to shoot your own films?

I want to look into my options in this regard, and though it will ultimately be a factor, want to take price out of the picture at the moment, and simply focus on the gear specs, convenience, workflow, etc.

Bundle pack any good?

Hmm, I don't know. Opinions? Like i need to learn more about camera specs. to understand what to buy and not to buy. The camcorder I know for sure is a solid cam.