Recommended Camcorder

Hey all,

I am currently working for a company that is looking for a DYI solution on Chroma Key videos.
We purchased a chroma key and some lights with diffusers.
We have Adobe Premiere Elements.

We had a camera from Sony and recently learned that it doesn't have an Audio jack - so no microphones for this puppy.

We are now shopping for a new camera.
What are some recommended cameras for high quality chroma key production?
Our budget is about $2000 or less - we would prefer a $500 solution if that's even possible.

The goal is to be able to shoot 45-90 second product review footage and stick it on the website on the product pages.

We are also looking for a good wireless microphone to be attached to the speaker (or talent) in the video.

Thanks so much!

Welcome to the forum.

I don't know much about wireless mics however I do know you don't want to go cheap on them as the low end ones will give crappy results.

As for a camera, I suggest the best 3CCD unit you can afford. Why?
Check out this video I did a while back keying out with Premiere Pro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5J42bqP-kY

You can clearly see the higher priced camera keys out much easier and with a better result in the end.
The Panasonic DVX100a or DVX100b are both outstanding standard def prosumer camcorders to start out with. A friend of mine uses 4 100As to do a multi-cam live shoot in this home studio each weekend and he is very happy with them.
The Sony HDR-FX7 shoots in full 1080i HD but is just under $2,000....amazing deal!

Hey there!

Due to time constraints I was forced to move fast.

I bought the Sony HandyCam HDR-CX110:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666073299

I then bought their wireless microphone:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10551&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665738362

The camera itself is a very small camera - it's cheap.
But it provides true High Def as well as an audio jack.

It's using CMOS...soooo that sucks - but I should be able to provide decent lighting.
It uses optical zooming as apposed to our old camera - so that's awesome.

The quality of the camera is great and I already did some test Keying and it really does help to upgrade.

The talent will be pretty much stationary and just discussing the product by looking into the camera.

The mic has not arrived yet and once it does I'll be sure to let you guys know.

If the video production does well for the company - we will most certantly upgrade to a CCD 3 camera (probably 3000-4000 budget).

I appreciate any additional advice you guys can provide!

That's one thing that bugs me these days...the consumer cameras are getting way too small.....sometimes too small to hold and operate comfortably.

Anyways glad to see you got a camera and I wish ya the best of luck with your future productions.