Camcorder, hire or buy?

[paul d]

I?m going to need to buy a camcorder pretty soon as a second camera on film shoots, the main camera I will be using is a Canon XL1, which is being hired along with a cameraman.

My understanding is that anything intended for broadcast must be filmed on at least 3CCD cameras, with this in mind has anyone had experience of the Panasonic NVMX 500B.

I can get one for just over a grand, which with everything else I?m going to need for the shoot is still just within my budget.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.


Paul.

[sandie]

u get what u pay for at the end of the day. and ive had no end of trouble with my sony trv950 which i paid ?1800 for.

[paul d]

Wise words, but do you think I would notice any considerable loss of quality with a cheaper camera such as the Panasonic.

Obviously it would be lovely to be able to to just go out and buy two XL1?s but that?s a bit beyond my means at the moment, I?m only just starting out producing my own stuff?. One day though.

[todge]

Paul , the panasonic has been very well written up and
proves there is indeed life beyond canon and sony

checkout

They're the cheapest UK Panasonic outlet selling proper "B" goods
ie not grey imports.
(+that includes good 'ol tottenham crt rd in my experience)
Website's not the best but they are 100% reliable
(note-they do different prices for either a 1 yr or 5 yr guarantee)

[paul d]

Thanks todge,

You?re right they are cheep and if you say their reliable then that?s good enough for me.

I had a look up and down Tottenham court road the other day and the prices were not as low as quoted on panasonic-technics-centre.co.uk.

I like the camera and if I don?t hear anything bad about it which has been the opposite so far then I think I?ll go for that one in the week.

After that there be no stopping me? I'll be like a kid at a wedding untill it all ends in tears..

[George]

I agree with Sandie that the Sony is excellent, but if money is tight you would be better off with the Panasonic. It offers virtually the same facilities and picture quality at not much more than half the price. I suspect that the Sony might last a bit longer, but if you only need this as a back up, that doesn't matter.

[paul d]

So all in all then it?s a thumbs up for the Panasonic,

Thanks for your advice

[Giles]

The only camcorder worth consideration is the Sony pd 150 at ?3k. It gives quality which is just a shade under digi beta (at least ?40k for one of these) and is broadcast standard. I can give you a few links of where to hire one for between ?70-100 a day if you e mail me. A lot of places are quite generous about hire, you pick it up at close of business on one day, keep it a night, the next day and following night and give it back in the morning. If you know the hire companies (as I do) there's no need to pay deposits.

[marcusallen]

I've been using a 3chip panasonic for about 4 years and they are great - easy to use and reliable. The Sony is slightly more complicated and of course more expensive.

[paul d]

Giles, Thanks for your offer of help, I have just emailed you and appreciate any contacts that you can put my way.


Marcus, I shall still be buying the Panasonic this week as I will need a camera for myself and just to act as a back up and second camera on shoots to pick up cut away shots etc and for the money people seem to rate it quite well.

Plus I will give you a call on Monday morning (not to early) as arranged to set up a time to meet in the week,

Thanks for your help.