Starting a new project....

Since I can't ride for a while and my long term goal is to get into wake film, I'm hoping to start my first vid this fall was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of a good high quality digital video camera? I'm saving all my $$ this summer for it, I don't mind paying extra $ for quality. Any ideas? Thanx a bunch.

go with ol'reliable, a sony VX model. 2100 is the current model out there. everything has its pros and cons, I think the sony VXs will make it easiest for you to get help with, learn how to use well, and sell if you want out of it. This is due to the action sports industries love for the VX.

Try to go with a 3 CCD chip camera. Here's a list of the most popular. (Sony VX2100, VX2000 TRV950, TRV900, Canon GL1, Panasonic DVX100 or DVX100A)

The links below are to resellerratings.com and I found to be a good source when pricing items. I've listed the "smart buy" price which isn't necessarily the cheapest, but it's from an on-line store that you can trust.

Latest Models
Pana DVX100a $3299 - http://resellerratings.dealtime.com/xPC-Panasonic_AG_DVX100A~S-6~OR-0~PG-1

Sony VX2100 $2253 - http://resellerratings.dealtime.com/xPC-Sony_Sony_21317134~S-6~OR-0~PG-1

Sony VX2000 $2253 - http://resellerratings.dealtime.com/xPC-Sony_Sony_21317134~S-6~OR-0~PG-1

Canon GL1 $2038 - http://resellerratings.dealtime.com/xPC-Canon_GL1~S-6~OR-0~PG-1

Sony TRV950 $1528 - http://resellerratings.dealtime.com/xPC-Sony_DCR_TRV950~S-6~OR-0~PG-1



Older Models
These are the older models which can be found on eBay or other similar web sites.

Pana DVX100 - Contact Bryan from Offcell @ bbarton@offcell.com

Sony TRV900 $600 to S1100 - http://search.ebay.com/TRV900_W0QQfromZR8QQsbrsrtZlQQsosortorderZ2QQsosor tpropertyZ3

Sweet, thanx for all the info guys, Fu what is a 3CCD Chip? What are the advantages to it?

Definition: CCD's collect visual images and convert them into an analog or digital signal. The larger the CCD, the more video it lets in, and more quality is possible.

Also Known As: Charge-Coupled Devices

Comments: 3CCD camcorders capture clearer images because each CCD is responsible for separating a single color from the RGB spectrum. A single CCD camcorder handles the task of Red, Green, and Blue separation all by itself.

This Explanation is from here: http://desktopvideo.about.com/library/glossary/bldef-CCD.htm

As with any camera, lighting is very important! A 1 CCD camera with excellent lighting will look better than a 3 CCD camera with poor lighting.

The benefits of a 3 CCD camera are:
1) Better color definition
2) Better low light shooting ability

Sorry, I forgot the Canon GL2

Canon GL2 $1873 - http://resellerratings.dealtime.com/xPC-Canon_GL2~S-2~OR-0~PG-1

i would recomend the GL2. You can find it for $2,229 at bhphotovideo.com. I is a great camera that takes high quality video. I would recomend the Canon GL2 or the Sony VX2100 VX2000 or either panosonic listed

iwould us the panisonic dvx100a or even the 100 theres not that much difference, but 24p is the way to be trust me, its the closet you will get to film, using good tapes panisonics are good.

I use a Sony DSR-390 at work and it rocks, but for home applications i would go with a XL1s. nothing less. Dont try to get and of the new JVC cameras claiming HD. Its not true HD.

If you want the best quality, got to go with a three chip..
I would go against getting an XL-1, I've owned one for four years, In my opinion, for wakeboarding or any other action sports, you are much better off getting a camera like the GL-2. The frame mode gives a great film-like quality.
But if you really want to throw down, you've got to get the new Panansonic 24P.
Anything you buy, you should buy from b&h in new york, they have best service, and best prices, just make sure you get the USA versions, not the grey market ones.
any when you are ready to get a housing...
http://www.chacconne.com/DM_Info.html

the new XL1-S is alot better than the old XL1.

It boils down to getting a decent camera and learning how to shoot every thing on manual if you want professional results.

Panasonics shoot a little cold for my taste.

Erik H: why would you recommend a waterhousing from a company that holds no warranty whatsoever? or maybe all waterhousing companies dont have a warranty against design/manufacturing flaws...

i prefer the XL-1 over the GL-1/2. it all comes down to personal preference. i happen to like the extra weight as it provides a steadier shot in rougher water.

Actually if you truly want to get the best then grab the canon xl2 when it comes out in the fall i beiieve( best camera on the market by far and it will give you more time to save your money)