Video camera

[jonessoda]

I wanted to get a video camera to work on some short films and record the comedy gold my friends come up with.

Here are my requirements:

The picture MUST look good (and, preferably, be at least 640x480)
MiniDV format
RCA-out and IEEE1394
Ability to take input from an external microphone (this is, I suppose, optional, but highly preferred)

My budget is no more than $2000. The less spent, the better, so I have more money for a video editing suite.

Suggestions?

 

[narcotic]

HDR-HC1 is probably your best bet, but if you want to sepnd a little less, and still get an amazing cam, get the GS-400

 

[Mrvile]

Aww I was gonna recommend the XL2 but it's about twice your budget. Such a cool camera 😀

 

[jonessoda]

Hmmm... Zeiss lens on the Sony... vs. Leica lens on the Panasonic...

Wow. That's a tough decision...