Prosumer Cameras!

Top Five Prosumer Cameras:

1. The Red One
- This almost goes without saying. Red's Mysterium censor is able to capture up to 4K footage on a camera that only costs about 20-40K depending on how much you trick it out. I still talk about it some times and they don't know what it is... if you are one of these people (www.red.com). I just did you a big favor.

1. Sony ex-1/ex-3
- I have this tied with the Red because of the cost of the thing... it's about 8K and even with all the memory cards you need it should only be 8.5-11K. It does 1080p and just looks beautiful. It can also do up to 60fps in 720p mode, which is a slight drag but unlike the HVX and XLH1 it does 1080 24p HD. And unlike previous sony prosumer models that ran on the annoying to use HDV codec, this runs on the XDCam codec, which is still not as easy as DVCPro HD, but a vast improvement, and with the beautiful 1080 24p, it's worth it. The lens for the ex-3 is much better and unlike the ex1, isn't fixed... you easily use other lenses or adapters.

3. Canon xlh-1
- Now this thing looks gorgeous and the built in shoulder mount is awesome. The canon interface is by far the best of any of the cameras and its lenses are awesome and interchangeable with any other canon lens. This thing is a beast, and you can make super pretty frames with it. The colorspace is the best of any camera that isn't the Red. It just looks great. BUT... it does not do 24p... let me repeat... it... does... not... do... 24p! "You're wrong" you might say... "It does, there's an option for 24 frames per second right on the camera." Well you're right... there is... but there isn't. The canon features 24F... here 'F' clearly stands for 'not Fucking 24p.' Basically it's advanced pulldown... but it really just doesn't look as progressive as 24p Native footage. If you make docs, GET THIS CAMERA, perfect for docs!

3. Panasonic HVX
- Panasonic seems to have a knack for being the first company to release the new technology... but to house that technology in what is ultimately an unimpressive camera. However it IS the cheapest on this list, and it does do 24p native and up to 60fps in 720p mode. However it only does 1080i... with a 24 frame per second mode that is similar to the Canon's 24F. It is hard to choose between this and the Canon and it was hard when they first came out... but it really comes down to what you want. If you care more about the 24p and the filmic look, the Panasonic is for you... but if you care more about the look and the lens, go with the Canon. Another bonus here though is really easy workflow... p2 cards are great and the format works seamlessly with Final Cut Pro.

5. JVC GY-HD200
- It looks good, 24p is solid... but it's expensive... and its only advantage is that it is basically a less technologically advanced version of the HVX that has better lenses. Also... I just don't like the interface AND it uses HDV. Don't get me wrong, if someone gives you one then SCORE! And if you want a camera with a nice lens and smooth 24p, it is a good option.