I currently own a JVC HD-GY201E with a fujinon standard lens and a wide angle converter. I have been filming with it for nearly 2 years and I like it, however, I find that when I have to be really fast there are too many things to do on the camera before I can get the shots that I want. It’s really nice when I am ready and it is quite static but if I am on the move and don’t have the time to set-up then it is quite a stressful experience and heavy on the top of that.
I am currently filming farmers in France and England and will be shooting a docu/drama in The Phillipines, so I am looking for a camera that allows me to get the shots that I want without being too much in the face of people specially in the case of farmers where I am meant to film over a year following them around, so preferably not slowing them down.
Ok, enough for the description. I have been looking at HD DSLRS which as a photographer I have used a lot before but never for video so I am sceptical. I have jsut tried the 550d this weekend. My fear is that although you can shoot in low conditions which I will need to, I will also need to shoot in very bright conditions so not having an in-built ND filter might be an issue. Also, despite the great shallow depth-of-field, I wonder if using the zoom in a shot actually gives you a smooth shot or not. Also, from looking on the internet, I have seen that you have to put it on a rig or shoulder mount, then have a viewfinder, then a field recorder and radio-mics attached as I work a lot on my own so I will end up looking like robocop and having a lot of setting-up to do before I actually can start filming.
So, would anyone have any advice on all my dilemnas?
I have been wondering if I should go for the canon 5D Mark II or for a camcorder like a sony pmw ex1r or canon xh-a1s or something similar. I wonder if it is going to be much faster and much lighter than my jvc and will it be great for low light and fast focusing.
To finish, I have a budget of £6000 or 9000 DOLLARS.
I am really confused and really wonder what I should go for, could somebody advise me please?
Many many thanks