October 30th, 2009 
pkinvest This question is only for filmmakers please. Obviously cost is a concern but overall what’s the best camera for great quality sound (XLR mic inputs?) great picture (3CCD? HD?) and ease-of-editing. Would really appreciate informed opinions. Thanks a lot!
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XLR input on the camera isn’t that big of a deal. You can get a box that accepts XLR input and outputs mini plug. They are pretty cheap.
It really depends on how much you want to pay.
I have a sony HDR-HC1 I bought refurbished for $1300 it has a CMOS imager, and has a better image and color at normal light then a GL2. It lacks a little on the low light, because of its single chip though. When I bought my camera it was a comodity because it was the only prosumer level HD-camera with audio input. Sony is now offering a HDR-HC7 for $1400 new, with a slightly better CMOS imager.
I am not a fan of the GL1 and GL2, they are over priced compared to the HDR-HC7.
That’s a pretty open ended question…
Starting with the classics:
Panasonic DVX100 (A/B) and the Canon XL2 are the two most popular.
Canon GL1/GL2 are really popular for commercials. (But no XLR.)
The HD/HDV market is still all over the map. For example, the Sony HVR-V1U, the Canon XH-A1 (or the XH-G1 studio recording, but add a few grand), the JVC Gy-HD100 and finally the Canon XL-H1.
But, really, you need to go to http://www.bhphoto.com and check out the stats. Read the reviews. Then check out several of the links below. Film-making is an art and there are many types of art. What’s your style? Find the right tools…
Hope this helps,
Jeff