I am looking pretty much only at Sony's becuase everyone that I talk to in the industry seems to lean towards those. FYI--I will be filming myself most of the time I think. I may be filming my dad a few times or a friend. I'm staying under the $2000 mark. Looking at the Sony HXR-MC50U. I'm wanting to know: 1. How important it is to have a lanc port on the camera? 2. Should I look at MiniDV or SD card type's? 3. What should I look for in a camera arm? 4. Are wireless mic's a must? Any other info is much appreciated. Thanks, Clayton
1. Extremely, especially if you are self filming. For $140 you can get a really good LANC controller that will be worth the money. Get this before you even think about a wireless mic. 2. Some here will disagree, but getting a mini dv camera will get you a good used HD camera with everything you need, for $2000. If you go SD, they are still too pricey for you to get something you will really like, with everything you will WANT. 3. Sturdy, quiet....go Muddy! 4. No, most Sony's have a good on-board mic. If anything upgrade to a decent shotgun mic instead. Look at a used Sony FX 1000, they use mini dv and have no XLR ports, but have a everything else the higher end cameras have. They are excellent in low light, have a really good on-board mic, are easy to use, and if you look, you may be able to get one for about $2000. (maybe a tad more) This camera will produce an awesome picture and sound and have everthing you need starting out. It will also have things you will learn to appreciate if you decide to really get into filming.
