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Independent filmmaker
- I'm planning a documentary or a creative video, and I want a camcorder that will give me the advanced controls I need for shooting.
- I want excellent image quality, and I need output in a format that is optimal for editing and applying effects.
- I can do without consumer-oriented bells and whistles, but I need compatibility with sound and lighting accessories--I want to shoot like a pro.
The Specs That Matter
- Design Horizontal with side-loading cassette
- Lens type Fixed lens with 10X or greater zoom or interchangeable lens system; zoom control via lens ring and switch; optical image stabilisation
- Sensor Three 1/6-inch or larger CCDs (1/4- or 1/3-inch recommended); minimum 250,000-pixel effective (a.k.a. actual) video resolution per sensor
- Minimum illumination rating 2 to 7 lux (lower is better)
- Recording format MiniDV
- Ports and connectors FireWire (a.k.a. i.Link or IEEE 1394); A/V; S-Video; LANC; accessory shoe; microphone terminal; headphone terminal with volume control; XLR ports or optional XLR adapter
- Exposure controls Automatic; exposure shift; manual aperture and shutter settings; selectable gain settings; zebra stripes to aid exposure adjustment
- Focus controls Automatic; manual focus ring on lens and automatic override button
- Viewfinder and LCD Colour or black-and-white viewfinder and 2.5-inch or larger colour LCD
Nice features to look for
- Progressive scan sensor;
- selectable frame rates (24P, 30P, 60i);
- high-definition capture;
- SMPTE colour bars;
- cam-driven zoom and focus rings;
- on screen focus reference numbers;
- selectable gamma curves,
- black point, and zebra stripe pedestal;
- manual saturation and sharpness adjustment;
- 16:9 aspect-ratio mode for wide-screen playback;
- interval recording;
- customisable settings
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