I’ve been reviewing some other camcorders and it seems that the Sony is the best option, it fits into my budget although I’d preffer to purchase a Canon XL2, but too expensive…
I’m looking to shoot in interiors, as well as exteriors (beach in the morning with no excess of sunlight and night streets).
Software wise, I’ve installed Adobe Premiere and I’m planning on purchasing a steadicam and some lights too…
Well first consider the fact that although HD is growing, still not that many people have HD sets. Also, while HVR-A1 is a good camera, it isnt really something that youll be using forever, and eventually you’ll have to upgrade. Get it if you really want HD, but otherwise, Id say wait and get something cheaper (dare I say it, go consumer even), and then once you have the money, get something like the HVX200 or XH A1, which will be cheaper than they are now anyways, and even cheaper on ebay used. Also, more of your money can be spent on lights (BTW, lowes and home depot have cheap 500w worklights for $20-$30), steadicams (http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/), mics (rode videomic), etc. Basically, save as much money as you can now so youll be able to get a nice HD cam later. Also, remember that if you do choose to get the HVR-A1, be sure your hardware supports HDV editing. As far as I know, premiere doesnt, but premiere pro does (1.5 needs a plugin), so if your software/computer part of the equation wont support HD, and you dont or cant spend an extra $500-$1000 on upgrades, then, obviously, choose something else. And if you plan on getting the A1 and not record in HD at all, then you might as well get a better but cheaper SD cam. I hope this made sense and helped as well!
You could rent a Canon XL2, and if you wait a while the prices are going to drop. There are now 3 "consumer" grade HD cameras – JVC, Panasonic and Sony all make one. Good luck with your project!
References :
Well first consider the fact that although HD is growing, still not that many people have HD sets. Also, while HVR-A1 is a good camera, it isnt really something that youll be using forever, and eventually you’ll have to upgrade. Get it if you really want HD, but otherwise, Id say wait and get something cheaper (dare I say it, go consumer even), and then once you have the money, get something like the HVX200 or XH A1, which will be cheaper than they are now anyways, and even cheaper on ebay used. Also, more of your money can be spent on lights (BTW, lowes and home depot have cheap 500w worklights for $20-$30), steadicams (http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/), mics (rode videomic), etc. Basically, save as much money as you can now so youll be able to get a nice HD cam later. Also, remember that if you do choose to get the HVR-A1, be sure your hardware supports HDV editing. As far as I know, premiere doesnt, but premiere pro does (1.5 needs a plugin), so if your software/computer part of the equation wont support HD, and you dont or cant spend an extra $500-$1000 on upgrades, then, obviously, choose something else. And if you plan on getting the A1 and not record in HD at all, then you might as well get a better but cheaper SD cam. I hope this made sense and helped as well!
References :