I shoot on a Panasonic DVX100a. I have never heard a bad word about this camera from any of the DPs that I know. It’s a basic camera and it shoots well and there is a lot of flexibility with what it can do. And it’s inexpensive to buy and inexpensive to use. It’s the camera that a lot of film schools stocked a few years ago for these very reasons.
Of course, you can go more modern. The DVX100 is a bit older, as far as digital video cameras go. It came out a few years ago, and though it has been updated with the HVX200 (High Definition), it still holds its weight in the camera arena.
Actually, the best camera is the one that you don’t have to pay for (can borrow or already own) that can get you the best quality picture, sound, flexibility in use, and compatibility with editing programs and computers and formats.
So if you can borrow a camera and it’s acceptable to your cinematographer, than I would say to use that.
You start to get more expensive when you get into film, like 16mm or 35mm. For a short film, I don’t think it’s worth the expense, even if you plan to bring your finished movie to the more prestigious film festivals. Keep expenses low, especially if it is only your first or second producing project.
