On 7 Jan 2000 13:53:14 GMT, tech1099@rdgz.net (_aatech1099) wrote:

>What do you recommend for someone who is just getting started in video
>production? I would like to get started in short films (any good links for
>this?)
>
>I would love to get a XL1 or VX1000, but I'm not sure if I want to invest
>that much, at this time, for a hobby. Any recommendation on cameras in the
>$1200 - $1000 price range?

Hi-8, directly viewed (without the generation losses
resulting from editing), can look quite good, but if
you want to edit, the choice is easy (and Hi-8 is a
waste of time and money...). BTW, if you are looking
for a top-quality Hi-8, I have a Canon A1-Digital in
nice shape; I also have a nice used 3-chip Panasonic
mini-DV for about the price of a new 1-chip mini-DV
camcorder (3-chips are generally better than one...;-).
Visit my web site for a comparison (with frame-grabs)
of several popular mini-DV camcorders - though most
are 3-chip, and above your budget (look under "I
babble"). One-chippers are useable, but often don't
have video and sound controls you may find desireable.
D-8 camcorders have the transfer advantages of mini-DV,
but the image quality may be lower than that of a good
one-chip mini-DV camcorder.