On 28 Oct 2002 22:11:18 -0800, ckavanaugh@yahoo.com (C. Kavanaugh) wrote:

>I want to get started in professional quality video production on a
>very tight budget. I want to have the least amount of capital
>invested in hardware possible without the quality being embarrassing.
>From what I have gathered from an hour of Internet surfing, the Sony
>VX-2000 might be the camcorder for me. Would you agree?

Yes, though there are other options (most more
expensive...). See for more:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/vid_pict_characts.htm
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/sony_dcr-vx2000.htm

>As far as editing and copying videos, I gather that this can be done
>with a PC, some editing software, and a firewire card. Any tips on
>where to start to learn about all this? Am I even on the right track?
>
>Any helpful responses will be greatly appreciated.

On a tight budget, a couple of VX2000s, some basic
accessories (good WA converter, short-shotgun mic,
possibly a wireless mic set, a good fluid-head
tripod [not easy, on a budget - look for used...],
etc.), an inexpensive PC (or Mac, if you must - but
it will cost more...), and a good editing program
will get you started - but "professional" is an
"iffy" word, and this gear (and talent, good
salesmanship, and some experience) will get you
into the low end of good-quality commercial video
production, but not into high-quality production.
Built into D25 are limitations, good as this medium
is - but it costs a LOT more money to improve on
it...