Panasonic HDC-TM700K vs. Canon S200

C

CSmitty

Hey guys, I'm directing and writing an indie horror-romance film that I plan on showing in many film festivals (meaning digitally shown on digital projectors), securing a decent DVD release (focusing on DVD rental stores rather than sales), and possible a theater distribution in select areas or in select specialty theaters. Problem is, I have not bought a camera yet, and I only have $1000 for this and absolutely nothing more.

With these goals above in mind, I have considered two cameras so far, both having just come out with very exclusive and revolutionary features:
The Canon Vixia HF S200 and the Panasonic HDC-TM700K

Even these two revolutionary cameras have slight differences between each other (color system, built in memory, codecs, manual controls), so does anyone have experience with these two cameras and could recommend which one would be best for my needs, or help me make a choice. The Panasonic seems like a much, much better deal for the price (way more features and positives) but the ones thing that ruins it is it's color system is plain awful, the Vixia manages to make the most mundane of shots have such deep and life-like color.

PS: I've considered these cameras because of their native progressive feature, which is very important when it comes to blowing your film up to big proportions and avoiding aliasing. The Canon does 24P, and the Panasonic actually does 60P (very rare).
 
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ive always recommended the vixia to ppl looking for a camera under 1000. but thats only bc ive used it a couple of times, it belongs to a friend of mine. i have no experience with the panasonic so cant say.

but id recommend you go to youtube. type in a camera name one by one and check out a lot of test footage. itll give u a better idea of wat each is capable of and the look u want.

and remember, either camera is not going to make too much a difference in ur final image. itll be the lighting, editing, color correction, sound, angles etc etc that'll make it work or wont.

goodluck!
 
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CSmitty,

I don’t really think you can get an answer. As your research has
shown, both cameras have their advantages and their disadvantages.
I don’t think you will find any camera in your price range that
fits all you needs and has no disadvantages at all.

I can give you my opinion based on my experience and you can look
at what other movie makers have done with each camera on YouTube
and Vimo. But will either options really help?

You know, of course, that an experienced DP and crew with
equipment will be able to get excellent images using either camera
and someone just pointing and shooting won’t get the same final
look.

I don’t know what you mean by the color system of the Panasonic is
plain awful. I’ve gotten really great images with that little
camera. This decision will be so personal that I’m not sure my
experience would be of any use to you. You say you really like the
deep and lifelike color of the Canon. If that’s what’s most
important to you, then the Canon is the clear choice. You don’t
want a camera that produces plain awful color no matter what the
price.

Is it possible that you could find a camera owner in your area to
team up with? Or is your only option to buy a camera?
 
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