Topic: one better OR two lesser video cameras - what would you recommend?

[ozarkbilly]

I'm in the market for a minidv camera or possibly two for shooting concerts.  If you had nothing and were wanting to start shooting concerts on a budget of $600 or so, would you prefer to have one 'better' camera or two 'good' cameras?

I'm specifically looking at the Canon HV20 (looks like I can snag one for ~$500 with some watching on Ebay) or the Panasonic GS300 (looks like I could snag TWO for ~$500 to $550 total on ebay).

Opinions?  Or other suggestions?  They'll primarily be used for shooting concerts in clubs/smaller venues.

EDIT: perhaps 'better' wasn't the best word to use in the title, how about 'more expensive'?

[rastasean]

Well when I wanted to do a documentary, that I never did, I wanted two to three cameras in order to have different points of view, but also needed to then have three extra people. Plus me to record the sound. Are you planning of having these cameras stationary or are you going to have people recording with you?
When I was going to look at cameras, I went to pawn shops. All I wanted was HI8 and for it to have mic in--just in case I wanted to record to the tape. You know how hard it was to find that? I didn't find one I really liked and could work with.
I have only heard good things of the GS300 and plus the lens on it is really good too.

Let us know what you think.

[ozarkbilly]

Well when I wanted to do a documentary, that I never did, I wanted two to three cameras in order to have different points of view, but also needed to then have three extra people. Plus me to record the sound. Are you planning of having these cameras stationary or are you going to have people recording with you?
When I was going to look at cameras, I went to pawn shops. All I wanted was HI8 and for it to have mic in--just in case I wanted to record to the tape. You know how hard it was to find that? I didn't find one I really liked and could work with.
I have only heard good things of the GS300 and plus the lens on it is really good too.

Let us know what you think.

Well, my plan, if I have two cams available, is to have one static shot on a tripod centered farther back from the stage, and then use the other to roam nearer the stage.  In smaller places/smaller crowds, I could feasibly accomplish this alone, as long as I kept one eye on the tripod-mounted cam.  In larger and/or sketchier places I would almost certainly not try it without having someone at the tripod.  In reality, I would almost always have a buddy or at least an acquaintance available to either stay with the static cam or roam with the other.  Since I'm on a budget and just sold (most of) my audio taping rig, I'm going to see if I can get satisfactory (to me) results with on-board mics. 

[stantheman1976]

I have a Panasonic PV-GS300, 320, and 400.  They are all very good cameras.  The HV20 has a single CMOS sensor compared to the 3 CCD sensors on the Pannys.  The CMOS is larger in size so it allows more light giving it a slight advantage in really low light situations.  As long as there is decent lighting the Panasonics will fare nicely and you'll be pleased. 

One of the guys over at pana3ccduser.com has been filming a bunch of live bands with 2-3 Panasonics.  Here are some clips from him on Vimeo:
http://vimeo.com/user404213/videos/sort:date

[ozarkbilly]

I've got a pair of CA-11 mics that haven't sold yet.  Would these be usable at all with either of the models I've mentioned here, with some sort of a t-mount setup used in conjunction with them?  Or do you have to use mics that supply their own power?

[stantheman1976]

The camera can provide a small voltage.  No different than going mic in on a recorder.  I don't know the voltage measurement off hand.  Obviously it would ideal to record audio separately and sync up later but if you're running solo that's hard to do.  I have a Sony MS-908c which is a decent external mic.  I'm trying to get some money for an AT822.

[willndmb]

i would go 2 cams at this point myself

[fanofthemule]

I'd go with the two panasonics.  I own two of the 300's and one of the 150's and like them all very much.  The majority of concert filming I do are from the same spot on the same tripod.  I've got a bogen flex arm attached to the tripod for the stagnant shot and I use the tripod fluid head to pan and zoom with the second camera.  Just remember to put something under your tripod to avoid the shakes / vibrations that can come from the venue floor.

Here's a quick sample of two cameras from the same spot, both cameras were Panasonic PV-GS300

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQc6O2lJLUU

[ozarkbilly]

Here's a quick sample of two cameras from the same spot, both cameras were Panasonic PV-GS300

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQc6O2lJLUU

that inspires me greatly.  Thank you!   +Ts all around for the helpful advice so far

[rastasean]

Here's a quick sample of two cameras from the same spot, both cameras were Panasonic PV-GS300

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQc6O2lJLUU

damn, that's nice video! I was a GS300 now!

[saltman]

I would go with one of the highest quality cameras you can afford.  There is no point in having twice as much footage when it is black and unusable.

No comment on those cameras.

[rastasean]

No comment on those cameras.

well can you comment on A camera?

[Krispy D]

i would go 2 cams at this point myself

I have done quite a few multi track aud>multi cam vid dvds and I agree.  More angles (even at lesser quality) will make a better video.  Than a static image.

[ozarkbilly]

I would go with one of the highest quality cameras you can afford.  There is no point in having twice as much footage when it is black and unusable.

No comment on those cameras.

Thank you for the input.  It looks like black and unusable won't be an issue with the GS300/320 though.  Any distinct advantages/disadvantages between these two?

[stantheman1976]

GS300 has a mic input, 320 doesn't.  300 also has an internal auto open/close lens cap.  320 has a regular lens cap.  Pretty much the same other than that.