What kind of affordable video camera would you guys reccomend? Also what kind does everyone use?

Well it depends what you mean by affordable? I use the sony pd 150- it or the sony pd 170 I think are the best without going HD. you are looking at spending 1500-2600 for these
Nic

I have a Canon XL-1S which cost me $2500.00 used. Then Ive spent about another $1000.00 on accessories

From what I have seen for a whole setup on a pd 170 if you bought it used you would still be creeping around $4000 for the whole setup. It's not cheap to film. It would be a little cheaper for a canon gl2, but your giving up a little low light footage at dusk but gaining a better zoom.

this might help. try www.tigerdirect.com there is deals on cameras like you wouldnt believe. hope this helps

If your buying online, i reccomend www.bhphotovideo.com. The GL2 is high quality video and less expensive than the pd-170. Id go with it. Good luck.

Id highly recommend spending the extra and getting the PD170 over the GL2. The GL is a fine camera but we had a few issues with it last season. The PDs that the team members used had less issues than the GL2. Each camera has it pluses and minuses over each other.

Jay

You could also always look for a used Sony PD 150. From what I hear the 150 isnt much different then the 170 but that is just what Ive heard.

Jason

tater here from white knuckle production here pd 170 good get 20 minutes more of lite to hunt so you can shoot till dark .. but expensive got a sony for 300 dollars camera good during the day but very important to use tree arms to hold steady

You cant beat the glass on a Canon, its the beat in the bussiness, not to mention the 20x zoom which can come in quite handy. If you filming in the last half hour of light your not getting quality footage IMO. The big decision to make is whether to go HD or not. Its comin boys and if your looking to long term you may want to consider it. You can find great GL2s cheap because of the big HD boom but may have to replace it in the near future, dont know. In the realm of HD it looks as if Sony may be finally competing with Canon have to wait and see. If your making TV or videos its all about the footage. You get what you pay for.