If the Sony EX series interests you, have a look at Canon's new XF300. I'll have my review online in a couple of weeks. Very impressive! It was also just certified by the BBC for broadcast use, a first for a camera in this class.
For an inexpensive camcorder with very high quality, have a look at the Panasonic TM700.
Video DSLRs produce some nice video, and are great for when you need that narrow DOF narrative film look, but they are lousy video cameras. Try an EX or FX and you'll see what I mean.
But of course these are bulky and heavy, and in the $7K price range. No simple answers.
Michael
Michael,
Not to preempt your review but I was concerned about the 1/3 sensors in the Canon versus the 1/2 in the Sony. Really wondered about the Xh G1 with SDI to nanoflash as a
"starter cam"...smaller and can move the nano down the road. The Pana TM700 is unavailable in Dallas....we only have 2 x 10^6 people and no Panasonic dealer for the mid range cameras.
No pro-shop carries it and the low end does not either.
The Fuji lens appeals to me due to the manual side of it....do you feel the Canon matches it for microcontrast and resolution?
Its been a long week and I feel like throwing something or buying something....just sold 2 cameras three lenses and a Hasselblad H343 scanner so I can really
get whatever will work best without any additional outlay of capital. That is a bad place to be as there seems to be a lot of options.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Regards,
Bob