What should I look for in a camcorder for filmmaking?

Question by Hawkinator: What should I look for in a camcorder for filmmaking?
I’m kinda knew to this, I’m a student filmmaker and am look to buy my first camcorder. My budget isn’t too high, under 1,000. I can definately pay 500 but anything higher than 750 is probably pushing it. I just want to know what are somethings i should look for in buying a camcorder. Also, I will be editing these on a PC using Windows Movie Maker.

Best answer:

Answer by Little Dog
Mic jack. Manual audio control.

Canon HV40 (if your computer has a firewire port) or HF S100 (if your computer has no firewireport).

And get Sony Vegas. It can deal with either the HDV or MTS files from the above camcorders. MovieMaker cannot.

You will also want a tripod (don’t go cheap – you never want to shoot handheld). The Sunpak 7500TM is an OK consumer-grade tripod.

Invest in an optional high capacity battery or two from the camcorder manufacturer. And a case (Pelican 1500) and maybe a video light (Dot Line DV-60) and camera bracket (Bescor VB-50) and a shotgun mic (NRG Research SA-568).

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