Which video camera should you buy?

While budgets at news organizations are still tight, many are finding ways to upgrade their technology as the pace of evolution quickens. An executive editor at a small daily in Washington told me recently she has $8,000 to spend on audio and video equipment this month.

A common discussion on email listservs and through direct inquires lately centers on the purchase of video cameras. Here’s what we’re using at The News Tribune.

—The Canon GL-2 ($2,000) is a high-end camera for professional documentary videojournalism. It’s pretty much the industry standard for high-end digital video, but is more than most news organizations need to produce quality web video.

—Sony HD ($1,000) is a high-end camera that our Photo Dept. purchased and hopes to use for video and still shots in print (because it’s HD).

—Canon Optura 60 ($450) is a compact, basic camera for all-purpose use. They don’t make this model anymore, but make some very similar for $250-350. I would recommend these for anyone getting started to shoot everything from high school sports to breaking news to interviews.

—Pure Digital 30 ($90-120) is a point-and-shoot camera that couldn’t be easier to use. It’s perfect for reporters who want to shoot a talking head or someone speaking at a small meeting.

An online director I know who has been using Sony Handycams for a few years plans to replace them with Sony 30GB camcorders (about $500 on Amazon). These cameras store the video on a hard drive and avoid the need for DV tape which could speed the editing process.

If you have other tips and suggestions, post a comment or {encode="mark.briggs@thenewstribune.com" title="drop me a line"}.