Camcorders forum: Best Cam for Low Budget films.

A single chip with the same coverage - whether CCD or CMOS would do the job, too...

What do you mean, "all manual"?

It took me about ten minutes... What research have you done? What is on your short list?

Here - try this:
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7594_102-0.html?forumID=59&threadID=248560&messageID=2491577

Pretty much all camcorders have the ability to go into certain manual modes - and it may be a challenge to actually use them. Finding those with mic-in jacks took the most time.

Most affordable (less than $1,000) camcorders are made for home use and the people who buy them don't want manual mode... Frankly, if you are this impatient and undisciplined to do your own research for the basic tool of what you want to do, what exactly are you going to do when the real work of film-making starts? Do you know which microphones you want? What editors will you use?

Script, storyboard, shot list, talent search, direction, makeup, costuming, direction, sound design, lighting, editing... and everything in-between each of these steps... The indie film folks I know like using the Panasonic HVX100 (a or b) or HDX200... The documentary folks I know like using the Sony HR-V1 and HVR-Z1... and the short subject folks I know, who like using film, use (rent) Aaton, Panavision or Arriflex.

Perhaps a film making class and a camera recommendation from the instructor is in order...

Don't get me wrong - I really want you to be successful. And someone with skills and a crappy camera can turn out an awesome product - whereas someone with no skills and a great camera can turn out garbage.

Good luck! I hope you are rich and famous someday... have fun getting there.