Filming in Middle East. What camera?

[no-idea]

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!

[senu]

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

[ade4all]

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