Digital SLRs, Interchangeable Lens Compacts & Lens: What is the best camera for filming a documentary film?

Friday, May 13, 2011

What is the best camera for filming a documentary film?

I have done lots of still and digital photography, and have also used the standard home variety digital camera for work and home, but for a more professional, clean look, which might be more commercially adaptable, what is the best camera and venue. Super C, Beta, or something else?
Also, is there a good computer program for editing video that you would recommend?
As an Anthropologist I am very interested in shooting some documentary films, so this is the application I will be using the camera for.

Thank you everyone in advance for your time and consideration.

Answer by Spankin:]
I use a Cannon GL 2, so I prefer Cannons.
I also use Adobe Premiere to edit the videos.
Some people use Final Cut, but Premiere is my favourite.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Could anyone give me some insight on some major differences in these two models. I am looking for something that can give me quality video and sound, indoors and out. Using this to put a portfolio together to enter Graduate study film school. The HVR-A1U is a professional quality camera and about 600-700 dollars more, but i don’t want to go over 2,000 if i don’t have to. Sound is important as well and i know the xlr mics are much better. looking for opinions and links to guides on the subject…HELP ME OUT!!!AHH

Answer by Little Dog
I hope if it is OK that you look up the details:

The FX7 has a larger lens diameter.
The FX7 has larger imaging chips.
The FX7 records DV/HDV to miniDV tape.
The FX7′s pro sibling is the Sony HVR-V1U. The V1U handles DVCAM format (and DV/HDV).
The V1U has XLR connectors (the FX7 has a 1/8″ or 3.5mm stereo audio in jack that can use XLR mics if you add a XLR adapter like the juicedLink CX231or BeachTeck DXA-6).
The FX7′s tape mechanism is a top loader which makes it easy to switch tapes when mounted to a tripod.

The A1U is the “pro sibling” to the HDR-HC1.
Lenses are small (37mm) like a consumer cam.
Imaging Chip is small (1/6″ single CMOS) like a consumer cam.
The A1U can handle DV/HDV and DVCAM.
The A1U has XLR audio connectors.
The A1U has a built-in infrared emitter for monochrome video capture in zero light.
The A1U tape mechanism is a bottom loader – changing tapes is a pain (you have to take it off the tripod, remove the plate… or buy/make a spacer).

The reason I got my HDR-FX1 is because adding the XLR mics was easy – and the pro sibling HVR-Z1U had stuff I knew I would not need (like DVCAM compatibility). My HDR-HC1 and HDR-FX1 are good companions.

I think you would have more flexibility with the FX7 because of the better low-light behavior (bigger lenses and imaging chips). It also has separate focus and zoom rings compared to the A1U’s single ring that is shared and can be either zoom or focus, but not both at the same time. The FX7′s audio control knob is on the outside of the camcorder compared to the A1U’s LCD panel menu access for audio gain control (if the internal mics are used – there are gain knobs on the XLR “adapter”).

Go to sony.com’s support area (consumer for the FX7, Broadcast and Industrial for the A1U) and download/read the manuals and make sure the specs above are accurate.

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