On 18 Oct 2002 15:49:16 -0500, raovat
[some opinions...]
>I'm going to purchase a Sony DCR-TRV950. I have a few questions that,
>hopefully, someone out there can help me out with:
>
>1. Accessories: Any suggestion on good video light/ remote controller via
>LANC/ shoulder brace/ wireless microphone? Should I bundle them with the
>camera purchase?
No. See what you actually need first - and buy from a good
dealer (avoid those with cheap camcorders and massively
overpriced accessories, shipping, etc...). I like the Canon
Lanc controller, but there are other good (but different
in operation) controllers available...
>2. Batteries: Which battery can feed both the camcorder and the video
>light for event taping (5-8 hours), belt pack or Sony stamina + power
>source for the light?
I would not plan on an on-camera light - better is buying
a camera, like the VX2000, that doesn't need a light
for most event uses (going without a light is less annoying,
and less power-hungry).
>3. Price: I found these dealers from online price search, how are they?
>ibuydigital.com, centraldigital.com, dbuy.com, and PCVideoOnline.com.
Stick with www.bhphotovideo.com, www.profeel.com and
a VERY few others... "Low" prices are most often not real,
and outfits can cost more than from good dealers...
>I've been a video junkie, spending more than I should on this hobby. My
>Hi-Tech industry employer is bleeding red and my job is on the line. A
>friend is helping me out by letting me help taping events for his video
>production company. He'd seen my video and my background in graphic art
>helped. Anyway, I'd like to turn my hobby into a career, starting out
>with getting the right equipment, then earn my way up. I'd appreciate
>your thought on the questions that I have. Thanks in advance for your
>time and help.
Hmmmm....
A good idea, starting out working with someone first...
I would rethink the camcorder choice for events (better
low-light reach is VERY useful) - and try using accessories
borrowed from the production company you are shooting
for, to see what proves useful... (a wide-angle converter
comes to mind as likely the most useful accessory, which
you did not mention - and a good short-shotgun mic can
also be useful...).