What Camera to Buy?

I'm going to set the budget from anything up to £1500 (tops!) that is about $3000 (or $2500 more likely)

I did put on order an XM2 (GL2 in us) but I've been waiting for too many weeks and now I think I should cancel that order.

What are your suggestions?

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Given the price and you ordering a XM2 I guess you are looking for a prosumer type cam.

If you are going to stick with SD, then the XM2 or the Sony VX2100...

But I'd look at HD. The problem is there you have the FX1 (which is £2000+), or the HC3 (great little cam for around £700, but doesn't have the manual controls...).
Sony has announced the FX7, sort of a cheaper FX1, out in Oct with US list price of $3500.. .if you can wait that may be an option.

Thanks for that.

One thing, I bought a DM50 which is a microphone by Canon which fits onto xm2, costing £100. Would this go onto those cameras you suggested?

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No, I don't think so. That mic says:

Suitable only for Camcorders with Advanced Accessory Shoes, such as the MV30/MV30i, MV450/MV450i, MV550i, MVX1i, MV650i, MVX100i/MVX150i, MVX250i, MVX25i, MVX3i and XM2.

Sony has their own special accessory shoe (which they call AIS); I don't believe they are compatible with the Canon system.

How about this:

http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/publi...r=sony_hvr-a1e

Got any info on that cam for me?

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The A1? Yes, how could I forget that one. I really wanted one of those, but due to price settled for the HC1 (which I love). The A1 is the same basic camcorder as the HC1 - same lens, CMOS, etc. The main differences are the A1 comes with an XLR module and external mic, and has many more features/controls available (i.e. it has different firmware which allows much more control).

Quality is excellent.

So the mic comes included?

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Yes - the mic is included, plus the XLR module.

Nice, could you explain the advantages of HD cameras and what is this XLR?

Thanks for all your help it is much appreciated.

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Advantage of HD camcorders is the same as the advantage of HD Television or DVDs - much greater resolution, so more detail, clarity, etc. Of course you need a HD display to take full advantage, but even if you don't have a HD display there are advantages:

1. I find that watching the HDV material, even on a SD display, is better than SD DV.

2. The camcorder can also shoot DV, and can convert HDV to DV on the fly... and is excellent in this mode too... so you have the best of both worlds.

3. Eventually we will all have HD screens... and our SD stuff won't look as good to us. Shoot HD now and you are prepared for the future.

XLR: Generally professional type microphones are balanced, and they use a 3 pinned connector called XLR. Balanced audio avoids noise on the line, and is important if the cable run is long. For a camcorder mounted mic, the run is short, so generally unbalanced is fine. Mics which connect to a consumer camcorder using a mini-jack (or smart shoe) are unbalanced. The main thing the XLR gives you is the ability to plug in a greater variety of pro mics...

Oh thank you!

I think I will get this HVR-A1E. Do you know where'd be cheapest?

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Cheapest I know is here
http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk/showp...hp?prodid=1402

Do you know if theres any sample footage available?

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Some nice stuff here (even if you aren't into trains)
http://www.nymrfootage.co.uk/

Shot with the HC1, not the A1... but as I said the camcorders share the same basic hardware. A1 will be as good, or if you can take advantage of the extra controls, better.

Thanks buddy!

I bought the camera and hopefully it will arrive on Friday or Monday.