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HI,
I am a independent filmmaker. At this point if my life i would like to concentrate making movies. Although, I have complete shooting a movie which I used a canon XH A1. I must be honest, and say that I did not like it as much, cause it is too fancy.
I want know which camera is the best for filming feature films. Does anyone uses arriflex, or bolex anymore. Nowadays, HD cameras are in the spot light. But i do not want a HD.
Please help me decide for a feature film camera.
Thank you very much,
Saul

That is an excellent question, and my answer for you is the Panasonic AG-DVX100B, a standard-definition camcorder for $2,500 (with rebates!) on www.bhphotovideo.com. Hands down, it was the top choice of independent filmakers, such as yourself, for years, until HD came along, but in my opinion, it is still one of the best camcorders around. It is rated as one of the best professional camcorders, even compared to professional HD cameras for thousands more $$! (www.camcorderinfo.com). Personally, the DVX100B is my favorite camcorder- I'd take it over any HD camcorder. The DVX100B has great picture quality, and 2 XLR microphone jacks (a must for a feature film).

However, the one feature that makes it better than anything else is its 24p mode; it was one of the first digital camcorders to come out with 24p, if I remember correctly. Cameras very similar to the DVX100B (and its older counterparts, the DVX100A and DVX100) have been used on several big budget films (I know for sure that Spy Kids and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones used cameras very similar to the DVX100B). 24p, or 24 progressive scan is a feature that similates the pleasing look of celluloid film on camera, producing a more artsy look. It was first requested by George Lucas, and Panasonic delivered! The 24p feature is loved by filmmakers seeking the benefits of analog film, without the extra cost, and if 24p is something you want, the DVX100B is the camera for you! Several other cameras also have this function, such as the popular model the Canon XL2. I am not too familiar with this model, but I have read reviews in specifically saying that the DVX100B is much better. The Canon XL-H1 also has 24p, but it is HD and much more expensive. I am pretty sure the Sony HVR-V1U has it too, but again it is HD and considerably more expensive.

One thing the Canons are better at is that they take interchangeable lenses, which may or may not appeal to you. Whatever camera you get, make sure it has XLR microphone inputs!
Oh and one more thing. I have noticed that the DVX100B is not so good with low light when in 24p mode, but that should not be a problem, just provide plenty of light!

Hope this helps, and good luck!

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