Videographers-what video camera / format for in-house Corp video?

[JoeM]

My little multimedia department needs to expand again. I will need to shoot some in-house, technical how-to videos for web and DVD. Nothing fancy, basically lock down shots with VO.

I will post on Mac Pro 2.66, 4GB RAM with Radeon X1900 XT card. I could probably get away with the iLife apps but might purchase FCP. I already have lighting and, as my old profession, audio is not an issue.

Would really like suggestions for video format and camera to get . Probably a 3CCD camera in the $2,500 price range is more than enough for my needs. Maybe something like a Sony DSR-PD170 or Canon GL 2?

TIA

[C(-)ris]

I'd probably go with the GL2.

[clay]

The GL2 would do well. I tend to like the panasonic dvx-100(a or b) in that price range.

each manufacturer has strengths and weaknesses.

[Markiscool]

Let me further the GL2. Good little camera.

-M

[JoeM]

So am I right in you guys suggesting a mini-DV system over Sony's DVCAM or HDD?

I was thinking it might be better to have something that shoots to a HD as a way of not having to dump video back into the Mac. Not sure if HDV is a better way to go either. I guess I have a lot of reading to do

[Markintosh]

Fifth to the GL2!

[dotman]

i second the dvx100b. do you need HDV for in house videos?

dot.

[Racer X]

I use a sony TRV-900 3 chip miniDV camera for that sort of thing ('99 vintage) probably a GL1 or 2 these days. I like progressive scan and manual shutter speed controls. basic cuts and assemble editing can be done with iMovie, but FCE/FCP is probably your best bet.

[JoeM]

[quote dotman]i second the dvx100b. do you need HDV for in house videos?

dot.
Probably not but it seems like that is where things are going and from what I'm reading it isn't more costly to go that way.

[dotman]

well the canon XA1 get's high marks. but it's not $2500 bucks.

http://www.dvxuser.com

Great forum for the panasonic crowd. This thread is actually just what you're asking.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=113974