Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 DSLR Camera

The Lumix DMC-GH1 ($1499.95 MSRP) is Panasonic's first foray into the realm of video-capable DSLR cameras. The camera isn't exactly a DSLR, per se, as it uses Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds lens mount system, but its functions just like one. The GH1's video features are quite impressive, and it definitely has the most polished and extensive video controls we've seen on a digital camera. Among the GH1's benefits include options for AVCHD and Motion JPEG recording, the ability to capture full 1920 x 1080 HD video, and direct control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—even while the camera is recording video. Most importantly, the camera has a live autofocus system that functions just like the autofocus does on any run-of-the-mill camcorder. This may sound like an insignificant feature, but it is something that neither the Nikon D5000 (Review, Specs, $729.00) nor the Canon Rebel T1i (Specs, $785.00) were capable of. Any way you look at it, the Panasonic GH1 is the most appealing video-DSLR we've seen so far.

Cameras

Video Cameras, Learn how to shoot.

Now they are getting closer to producing film like quality with video cameras and some really interesting one are going to hit the market soon within the price range we could afford. One of the best out now is the Sony HDRFX1 HDV High Definition Video Camera w/12x Optical Zoom . This camera will give you quality that is transferable to 35 mm film.

Digital Cameras the key to Independent Films

Video Cameras have been key to this great advent. Because of the ease and low cost of video tape makes it possible for the Independent Film Maker to produce these great films at a cost that can be afforded by people out side of Hollywood. Hollywood had long had a hold on Films and Movies due to the great cost of film and processing, but that has now changed.

But film, even 16 mm to a point, gives you the definition needed for the big screen. Now if you need to shoot with film there are places that rent all the equipment you'll need but it's still going to cost an arm and a leg.

Digital on the other hand is great for TV and the internet. Many movies that are on TV are shot with Digital Video Cameras. These Video Cameras did cost upwards in the tens of thousands of dollars. But that has changed just recently. Now the cam corders that you buy for around $800. like the Panasonic PVGS400 MiniDV 3CCD 4MP Digital Camera that gives you almost the same quality as the studio Video Cameras that cost well over $50,000. just 5 years ago. Many television stations are getting less quality then the guy on the street with his Canon XL1 MiniDV Digital Camera. Why is this, well not too many people are going to go to their boss and say " Remember that $80,000. camera I told you we needed, trash it, there's this LESS THAN $6,000. Canon XL2 Digital Camera Kit that is better.

What do you need to be an Independent Film Maker? Well your going to need a Digital Video Camera that can at least connect to your computer because your are going to have to edit your video. So most of you with that little cheepo camcorder can start shooting your movie now. The quality of the picture is not going to be that great but with editing software you can do wonders.

Now let me give some minimums for buying a Digital Camera. First your going to need to get a Digital Camera with 3 ccd's. A 3 ccd camera is a camera that has a receptor for each basic color, red green blue. By getting a camera with 3 ccd's that is going to boost your quality of the picture and give you greater control concerning post effects, especially Blue Screen effects. Cannon, Sony, Kodak, Olympus, and Fuji all have models that come with 3 CCDs. Next your going to want that camera to have manual control for just about everything; focus, iris, white balance, etc... Why? Because you need to create your scene. The Auto controls give you a more or less look of what the camera thinks you want. Cameras don't think too well, and even if they could they'd have no idea of what you wanted. And although there are many situation where you might want that home movie look, you won't want it all the time.

Here's what you don't want to happen. You don't want to get a camera that after you shoot your scene you find it's pretty good but the digital camera doesn't have the ability to perform that task needed to create your scene. And once you start shooting and your going over and over the shot to see if you can get that perfect Hollywood look, not being able to do what you need to do is going to hurt.

My recommendations are, minimum you should go with the Panasonic PVGS400 MiniDV 3CCD 4MP Video Camera. Its a great camera for the price. It will allow you to create that Hollywood look and it has all the features of a pro camera. Picture quality is very close to broadcast and there are add on lenses you can get if you need to go to tele photo or wide angle. Not as good as being able to change the lenses like the canon digital cameras but you can get the job done. Very important also is an external mike connection.

My recommendation if you have the bucks is the Canon XL2 Digital Camera Kit . It has BroadCast quality and you can change the lenses on the camera. Canon is the only video camera that allows you to do that. Again When your looking for that perfect shot, being able to change to a wide angle lens when you need to, will make that shot a reality.