Cinematography : Project advice by Rebecca Fahning

HDMI is an interface, not a type of camcorder. There are many inexpensive cameras that have the HDMI output. Are you sure you must have HDMI output? There are many very good camcorders that use USB. And when you ask for the “cheapest” what do you mean? Under $50? In the $200 range? What is your realistic budget for the camcorder? You could get the Panasonic HX-WA2A for under $300. It has a mini-HDMI output. No mic input. Have you thought about audio? Microphone? If you get a camcorder without a mic input you will need an audio recorder.

A good camcorder can be a trick to shop for. A few things to consider: a built-in microphone, HDMI interface, battery life, internet access, screen size, ease of use. I have a Canon Vixia HF R300 that I'm very satisfied with. Great picture quality, great sound, easy to use. I got it just over a year ago at Fry's in Burbank. I think it cost around $325.

With the Vixia what mic are you using?

It's got a built-in mike that isn't bad but I usually use a Pyle National wireless lavalier or a digital reference mike from audio tecnica.

Canon 7D, rent lenses, XOOM recorder

Hi Rebecca, it might be worth you looking at the discussion I had with another Stage 32 person Jacqueline Drury, at the top of this page. Without copying it all out again I suggest a look there for answers what to look for. If you still have a question then let me know I will answer what you need to know

I, too, am willing to offer advice on cameras. I asked about your price range so I could make more accurate suggestions.

My price range is wide, from about 300 to about 1300. Of course, the cheaper the camera, the more Ican afford of other things like mic, battery, ect.

So your total budget for everything; camera, lens, battery, mic, audio recorder is no more than $1,300? Are you leaning more toward a camcorder and the built in mic or a DSLR system?

Hey, Robin, you're the second person to recommend that camera. It's on my wish list!

with the zoom recorder it's at the top of my price range, but it'll do! Like you said I'll get a twofer.

And Parker, Probably the DLSR system.

The cheapest, best DSLR for web series creation is probably Canon T3i. Body only is around $550. Add a zoom lens for $300. Right now you can get the Nikon D3200 with lens (and bag and 16GB card)for $550. An excellent camera even though most people don’t know about it or recommend it. For some people a camcorder is better for a webseries. To get the DSLR up to production specs (they are, after all, primarily still cameras with a video feature) you need more accessories. You should consider a tripod at the very least. So if you’re really looking for the cheapest, best camcorder there are many other options that will save you money but still be great for a webseries.

I am using a Canon T4i with an 18-135 STM lens which is a perfect combination for continuous focus. Amazon has this for $899. I use a Rode VideoMic with Fuzzy Windjammer Kit also at Amazon for $160. While a little more expensive than the T3i, the continuous focus is a feature of the T4i that is not on the T3i. Also note, that Canon has discontinued the T4i and has replaced it with the T5i that is merely a rebranding of the previous camera. The T4i had a recall due to an adhesive problem which they fixed in less than a week for me. Canon did not want the "stigma" of the recall associated with the T4i, so they renamed it. Now there are some great bargains out there on the T4i.