Any other good camera choices besides the HV30?

[leglez]

I currently work for a video production company and we use nothing but Sony VX1000s or VX2100s I can't remember. I am currently trying to find another second job because I don't make enough money with this company. But I would rather get a good job, and then just do videography on the side by myself rather than with the company. I was talking to Kaido tonight and he got me really hyped up about the Canon HV30. My budget for the camera is around $500-$700. It will mostly be used for weddings, but I want to do some short films with it too. I would also like to do some youtube work. The HV30 looks like the perfect camera, but I thought I would check and see if there are any other cameras I should consider looking into. It needs to support HD, and needs to use tapes. I would like to find one with tape and flash support. I will be using tapes for all weddings so that I can keep the originals incase something happens to the stuff on the computer. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Oh and I was watching a review on youtube and someone pointed out the manual focus and how it is very small. On the Sonys we have it has a huge focus and zoom wheel so the zoom and focus is very smooth. On the review it looked like the focus was very choppy. Anyone have any comments on this?

Thanks!

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: leglez
I currently work for a video production company and we use nothing but Sony VX1000s. I am currently trying to find another second job because I don't make enough money with this company. But I would rather get a good job, and then just do videography on the side by myself rather than with the company. I was talking to Kaido tonight and he got me really hyped up about the Canon HV30. My budget for the camera is around $500-$700. It will mostly be used for weddings, but I want to do some short films with it too. I would also like to do some youtube work. The HV30 looks like the perfect camera, but I thought I would check and see if there are any other cameras I should consider looking into. It needs to support HD, and needs to use tapes. I would like to find one with tape and flash support. I will be using tapes for all weddings so that I can keep the originals incase something happens to the stuff on the computer. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!

Maybe a used HV20 still under warranty???

Video isn't my thing, admittedly.
Just my 2 cents.
From what I can gather, Kaido is well versed in videography and film. You may want to just save up a little bit more and get the HV30. Sometimes the 'upgrade path' isn't feasible in the long run.

 

[leglez]

Oh no the HV30 is in my price range for sure. If it is between the HV20 or HV30 I am getting the 30. I just wanted to see if anyone else had any other suggestions for other cameras in the same price range.