Looking for an entry-level video camera

[Jabo]

Hey there,

first time here on the photography boards, I'm coming to seek advice concerning video cameras.

Having long been interested in video recording and editing, I'm thinking about getting a camera and start out. The problem is there are so many terms that I don't have a clue about, technically, that it's hard to even get an overview. I'm into digital still photography for some years, so that's the only connection I can use.

I'm aiming at shooting short films, most of them experimentally and abstract, all kinds of stuff. Also, I'd like to edit them on my Mac, using After Effects or some other application. I don't know if resolution is important yet. I probably don't need full HD quality, other terms are more important to me:

• Controllable White Balance
• Aperture control (is that even possible with those small cams?)
• Stable design, standard tripod mount
• Small in size, but not too small for acceptable image quality
• Manual focus/auto focus deactivation?

Also, I've been looking into the topic on the net and found out that there aren't any entry level cameras where overcranking is possible? If so, are there differences between cameras concerning digital overcranking via interpolation? I wanna shoot as close to classic slow motion as possible.

So, if there are people in here who are experienced in digital moving imagery, I'd like to hear your comments.

Thanks in advance,
Jannis

[MiniGoth]

Check out the HV30. (I have the HV20, currently discontinued).

You'll hit the walls pretty quickly, but it does have manual white balance, manual focus, manual zoom, for under a grand.