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Filming in Middle East. What camera?

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Old 27-03-2009, 1:56 PM   #1
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Filming in Middle East. What camera?

Hi, I'm going to be staying in a refugee camp in Palestine for 3 months and whilst I'm out there my aim is to film and interview as much as possible besides volunteering.

I am looking for as near to a broadcast quality camera as possible. I'm currently working at a British TV network post production facility and will use their equipment afterwards to cut and produce (they mostly use FCP if relevent).

But I know nothing about cameras. I have lots of people who can teach me how to use them but they all recommend different models etc. The Z1 would be the ultimate- the BBC news teams use them a lot. But they are too expensive. I'm looking at no more than £2000.

Also because I am going to a sensitive region I need a camera that isn't too large to attract attention.

What are your thoughts?
The list I have compiled so far:
Sony:
HDR FX1E
HVR FX7
HVR V1
HVR Z1
HVR A1P
VX2000
VX1000
PD150
PD100
Canon: XH A1
XH G1
XL2
Panasonic:DVX100

Thanks!

Last edited by no-idea; 27-03-2009 at 1:59 PM.
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Old 27-03-2009, 2:27 PM   #2
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Re: Filming in Middle East. What camera?

All the Video cameras you have listed there are very good to excellent in quality

Some are aliitle older now but nonetheless quite capale
However I would base the short-list on Size and budget in order to get a smaller shortlist
Also some of them are excellent SD models, Would the BBC be interested at all in HDV? ( Hi def). If so you may need to vary the list.
I quite like the Canon XHA1 for size quality but I do actually own the FX1 and Vx2100 and like them so there isnt any particular bias there
I aso have the HC1 ( the NonPRo version of the A1P) It is really small and compact but possibly not as good as its bigger siblings ( FX1 Z1 ect)
It is popular with roving journalists because of its compactness though

It does seem that there is no escaping a bit of size and weight for quality and if you are shooting with broadcast in mind,most camcorders capable of that are not going to be pocket able

Last edited by senu; 28-03-2009 at 12:38 AM.
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Old 27-03-2009, 6:37 PM   #3
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Re: Filming in Middle East. What camera?

I'll 2nd the canon xha1 out of those you list, should be able to get a slightly used one for under £2000
Unfortunately I think the bbc are very picky on what they regard as broadcast quality, check their website for the latest specs
On the bright side if you make a great film then content wins over camera specs, check out this
IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS
which won an oscar for best documentary a few years ago filmed on the last camera you listed - the dvx100 which is only sd but I think is the best std def camera around for image control (progressive) & audio quality - can get a new one for about £1700, much lower if you're prepared to buy 2nd hand
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