So, my company is giving me ~$2000-$3500 to buy a professional quality camcorder.

We will be shooting employee events, using this to broadcast through our Tandberg video conferencing systems, Webex, etc.

What do you guys recommend?

The key features to be considered: 1) live video output; 2) Good video quality (3-CCD); 3)High Definition 4) Name brand.

Currently, I'm looking at:
Sony HDR-FX7 (street price $2000)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/459129-REG/Sony_HDRFX7_HDR_FX7_3CMOS_HDV_1080i.html#features

Sony HVR-HD100U (street price $1,600) NOTE: Has 1080i but a CMOS (lesser quality) Sensor
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518555-REG/Sony_HVRHD1000U_HVR_HD1000U_Digital_High_Definition.html#specifications

Canon GL2 ($2,050) NOTE: Has 3-CCD sensor, but is not 1080i
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/255811-REG/Canon_7920A001_GL2_Mini_DV_3CCD.html#features

Panasonic AG-HMC40 HD ($2000) NOTE: uses propietary 3MOS sensor (assuming it is between 3-CCD and CMOS). It is 1080p
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/625605-REG/Panasonic_AG_HMC40PJU_AG_HMC40_AVCCAM_HD_Camcorder.html#specifications

Canon XL-2 ($3,400)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/339002-REG/Canon_9549A001_XL_2_1_3_Inch_3_CCD_Widescreen.html

Canon XH-A1s ($3,400) NOTE: may be backordered
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/589903-REG/Canon_3238B001_XH_A1s_3CCD_HDV_Camcorder.html



I realize some of these can be found cheaper. Are there any other camcorders I should be looking at in this price range?



[Edited on November 11, 2009 at 1:25 PM. Reason : .]

11/11/2009 1:19:53 PM

i've heard good things about this panasonic:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/575992-REG/Panasonic_AG_HMC150PJU_AG_HMC150_AVCCAM_Camcorder.html

i think the most common recommendation would be the Canon XL-2 though.

11/11/2009 1:23:16 PM

Red One: http://www.red.com/store/100-0001

Seriously though, get the Canon XH-A1.

11/11/2009 1:23:51 PM

Thanks. Yeah, I'm definitely leaning towards the XL2, but it's been around for so long that I'm leary of buying something that will be "outdated" soon.

11/11/2009 1:24:08 PM

+1 for the XH-A1. Great experiences w/ it over the past 3 (i think - it's been a while) years.

11/11/2009 1:44:33 PM

what's the biggest difference between these and a high-end $1k-1.2k 1080p consumer camera?

11/11/2009 1:54:28 PM

Everything.

11/11/2009 2:02:05 PM

i quite honestly doubt that

i'm betting that the chemical composition of the plastic pieces is practically identical

11/11/2009 2:05:39 PM

i, too, think the plastics are probably pretty much the same

probably a PC/ABS blend..Bayer T85 perhaps

11/11/2009 2:18:21 PM

I mean like

What's the difference between a Toyota Camry and a BMW 5 series?

They're both sedans. They both have four wheels. They both have air conditioning. They both have a CD player.

Same to me!

11/11/2009 2:19:33 PM

lol that's like the typical GPS unit argument people try to make when comparing a nice garmin nuvi to a piece of shit chinese brand

OH WELL, THE FEATURES ARE THE SAME SO WHY PAY MORE!!1!?

11/11/2009 2:44:47 PM

^^ i'm not saying they're the same...i'm specifically asking what the differences are...you said "everything" and i suspect that that's not even remotely true

i don't doubt that the "professional" cameras are better, but i want to know HOW they're better...are the sensors in the pros different than the sensors in the consumer-grade models? better glass? more metal in construction?

you see, some things are worth paying for and some aren't...to use your comparison, if all i want to do is get from point A to point B, that toyota camry is BETTER than the BMW 5 series because it does everything i want for less money

you really don't get this?

11/11/2009 3:07:13 PM

Compare the imaging devices of the XH-A1 to the Red One

Quote :

"3 1/3" Native 16:9 CCDs at 1440 x 1080 (Interlaced) "

vs

Quote :

"4520 X 2540 pixel (12-megapixel) CMOS Sensor "

11/11/2009 3:21:04 PM

Quality of picture, white balance, sound recording, adaptability to other lenses, variable FPS recording, format recording, battery life. Basically shit you'd need to make a professional film.

11/11/2009 3:27:44 PM

Panasonic. I do a bit of video work and use a HVX200. Panasonic optics are very nice.

You can look on VIMEO.com for the different models to see footage. That's the best way to decide.

11/11/2009 9:51:43 PM