Due to various financial reasons I won't go into, I really need to buy a camera now--as in, in the next couple days.
I have dabbled in TV commercials and industrial video, but that was 15 years ago. I am now getting "back" in the biz. I have some immediate opportunities to make some commercials, movie trailers, industrial vid, and I want to get into documentaries and short films.
I have a final cut setup, and a good friend is going to be helping with shooting, directing and production. Renting and/or hiring for specific shoots isn't something I'm interested in right now, as I am going to be working on the documentary and other creative aspects over a long period of time and want constant camera access (and self-training).
I know there are tons of factors, and I've read extensively on the camera, but just looking for some learned opinions: if you had about $10,000 to spend on a camera and a few basic accessories (really basic, like a case, memory card, and a tripod), would you even consider anything besides the EX3? (I will likely be renting lenses and doing some multicamera work, eventually, so I'm willing to pay more for EX3 over 1).
I had planned to wait to see if a successor was released, but I have decided it makes financial sense (long story) to buy now.
I've looked at the newer JVCs too, but I'm really drawn to the 1/2" chips of the EXs.
Advice, opinions? Thanks!