video cameras

1. Sony HVR-A1u Video Camcorder ~ $2,000

2. Sony NP-QM91D Extended Life Batteries (2-pack) ~ $280 

3. Sony ACS-Q950D Dual Battery Charger ~ $95 

4. Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones ~ $95 

5. Sony ECM-44b Omni-directional Lavalier Wired Microphone ~ $220

6. Sennheiser MD46 Cardioid Dynamic Handheld Mic ~ $200 

7. Audio-Technica Male to Female XLR Cables (x2) ~ $30 

8. Petrol PMCCB1 Camera Case with Rain Cover ~ $160

9. Pearstone VT2500B Tripod (with Case) ~ $150

Total: approximately $3,200 

Who is this mid-range kit for?

The mid-range kit is a great solution for newsrooms whose reporters are eager about producing quality video online. This is a great entry point for people interested in constructing creative high-quality videos at a reasonable cost.

What is the general use?

This mid-range kit also uses tape media, which requires a bit of time logging footage. This package is not the best solution for breaking news and works far better for feature stories. However, it is possible to do a video story in a single day with several hours of work in post production.

What are the options?

Canon's GL-2 is another option, however lacks much of the audio flexibility as the Sony. The A1u includes two XLR inputs for audio, which allows use of a wireless set or two microphones at once. Canon also makes an XH-A1 which is reviewed very highly, but is also said to be "highly technical" and not very intuitive to use, especially for beginners. The cost also comes in at $1,000 above the A1u. 

Also, we included wired options for this kit, unlike the professional kit which has a Sennheiser $600 wireless kit that comes with a lav microphone. 

What is left out of this kit?

All post-production supplies, such as a powerful laptop or desktop system capable of video editing. Also, HD requires LOTS of storage. Several portable back up drives, or a hard drive array (RAID) of several drives which offers both speed and protection from hard drive failure.