I'm finishing film school and havent really had much film making experience (my school mainly focused on theory and criticism). I am passionate about making films and very skilled at editing and computers. I've been doing research on the current state of video cameras and am looking at getting a Panasonic AG-HMC80 to film some short films/mockumentaries. The main features I like about this camera are the shoulder mount, manual focus, and xlr inputs. I'm not too crazy about the price though.
Does anyone have an opinion on a good place to start video camera wise? I was seriously considering a DSLR until I realized how problematic they are to use as a main camera, and the amount of accessories it would require to get good lenses, a good shoulder mount, and a sound recording system, make it overly complex and problematic.
For now what kind of rig would you reccomend for me? I'm pretty much debating between the HMC80, or a cheaper camcorder I can get a shoulder rig for, it should have manual focus, xlr inputs, and full hd though.
Does anyone have an opinion on a good place to start video camera wise? I was seriously considering a DSLR until I realized how problematic they are to use as a main camera, and the amount of accessories it would require to get good lenses, a good shoulder mount, and a sound recording system, make it overly complex and problematic.
For now what kind of rig would you reccomend for me? I'm pretty much debating between the HMC80, or a cheaper camcorder I can get a shoulder rig for, it should have manual focus, xlr inputs, and full hd though.