Anything Goes : Low Cost Cameras by Lawrence J Diggs

Check out the Canon R32 Not many cameras in your price range with an audio input.

I only need one :-).

You may want to look at DSLRs You can get a better quality of image for less than most video cameras. It will give you more control over focus and depth of field. If you go this route you'll need to record sound independently because of lens noise. There are a couple of cameras in your price range one with 1080p and a decent sensor size. Just do a search for 1080p dslr and your price range. I think Canon and Nikon both have a low end model. You might want to check to see how much more you would have to pay to get the next model up.

AS I mentioned I would like it to have audio input. I have a mic. Please note that I am looking for the "best" solution as opposed to the "perfect" solution. I am well aware that none of these are likely to match the "Red" camera :-). I am interested in what people feel is the best that can be done with that budget. Of course comments on what would be missing would be very instructive.

After I posted it occurred to me that Gerard might be commenting about the DSLR solution? Would that be correct Gerard?

I actually mentioned that about the DSLR. The on board audio is a problem through out most of the DSLR models. Not only is lens sound a problem but the audio inputs are dodgy as well. But you will get way better looking video. Sorry I guess it all comes down to what you're wanting to do with the footage you shoot.

Thanks for the clarification Noel. COuld you elaborate a bit on what you mean by dodgy?

No xlr jacks. Or hot seat for audio. You have to use line in adapters and it's really not worth it. I'm not even sure if you can record in stereo. But the video is so much better. I think on our project we'll be shooting with the red but using DSLR s as secondaries. There's something to be said about how portable and light these cameras are. Plus they record to SD cards.

Noel, can some of these dslr cameras handle smte code?

Michael, I agree with you but I don't know how to have an objective conversation about used equipment since prices would be hypothetical and dependent on availability. That is why I would like to talk about new equipment. That said what would you suggest.

In order to bring a DSLR up to "production" standards - especially for primarily documentary work - it will cost more than the "under $500" Lawrence has in his budget. No argument that many of the DSLR's produce excellent images but the audio is quite poor in all of them.

Thanks for the insightful input. If I am understanding you, since the audio will likely to be less than stellar on all dslr solutions, I should get the best video solution for the best price and put other money into improving the inherently poor audio? also my budget might be a bit low :-)?

canon hv20 or rebel t2i or another cheaper dslr

Ultimately it will come back to the story or subject. The wort subject can look great with great camera/sound etc. So work within your budget and make sure you do your exceptional best with whatever you end up with. Renting a better camera (depending on your shoot length) and finding a sound person with their own mics etc. can be a budget saver but you have to do the work up front and stick to a tighter schedule.

Thanks all for great input. Keep it coming. I agree, it all starts with the story. I also believe any equipment you have is better than any equipment you don't have. A lot of stories are left untold because we think we don't have the best equipment or conditions. I am trying to bring together a body of knowledge that helps story oriented film makers, like me, to move past what they lack. I appreciate all of input more experienced film makers can share.

I have a Canon Vixia hf S100. It records to SD cards, shoots 24fps, and has a 1/8" audio input for a mic. You can find used or refurbished in your price range. Also, it has the 58mm lens, which is larger than most consumer camcorders. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/745508-REF/Canon_3569B002AA_VIXIA_...

We are shooting with Cannon T2I's right now. Great cam. Great in low light. T3i a little more expensive but the swivel LED display is a nice upgrade if you can afford it. Do yourself a favour though and rent a zoom for audio. Most cameras in that price range not fantastic for audio as they take a 1/4 " input if anything at all.

Canon DSLRs are definitely the route you wanna take. You can probably snag a Canon T2i for under 500, with a stock lens. The audio equipment will set you back a little, however, since you'll need a mic, boom stand/pole, and capture device.

I use sony handycams and the one i bought for about 500 came with a bunch of good features to it. The sony handycam hdr-cx360v.

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