I have recently purchased video equipment to start creating some video in the our courses. here is a list of items purchased. Pricing maybe a little different now on Amazon but it will give you price point. Hope this helps.
the only two things not on here are the tripod and another handheld device to connect the camera and the wireless receiver.
adorama heavy duty L-bracket standard flash shoe mounts 10.99
Your video editing suite may work fine with AVCDH - unfortunately, many high end cameras don't output MP4 as AVCHD carries high quality signal more efficiently (and more of it). The only way to tell how well something will work is by trying it out or asking folks that use the camera how they shape their workflow.
This AVCHD converter indicates that it's made for the Sony camera you listed above. Depending on your purposes, you might be better off looking at a DSLR body. These will typically be more suitable for shorter clips (20 minutes) but you'd get the benefit of a dynamite still camera and lens flexibility. I love my compact Sony NEX-5n ($600) but I think there are better cameras out there for video purposes from Canon and Panasonic:
The camera Steve listed would absolutely be my choice in that price range. A lot of studios are shooting full length feature films on the Canon 5D/7D cameras (The recent film Act of Valor was shot almost completely on them). You get lens interchangeability and a nice small and light form factor (easier to get into small areas and weird angles). You do need to be concious of your clip/take length, but rarely do I find myself shooting a single take that is longer than 10 minutes or so. They also usually have better color quality than prosumer video cameras of comparable pricing. What you lose is some low light performance. It may seem weird to shoot video on a camera designed for stills, but it has become common practice with amazing results.
Most higher end cameras will come with some of their own conversion software if they shoot exclusively in AVHCD. This will usually convert to .MP4 or some other usable format. If you are streaming your training, I would recommend using FLV/SWF files. The only editing software I know of that will render straight to a FLV/SWF is Adobe Premier. Unless you are using that, you'll need some sort of conversion software. I prefer Sorenson Squeeze.
For audio, you can't go wrong with Audio Technica gear. I think that would work fine. The only limitation I can see is that you only have two frequencies which means if you ever wanted to run more than two mics at a time, you'll have issues. This may not be a problem for you. I frequently run 4-5 mics during shoots so I need more flexibility, but that also cost more money.
The AVC-Intra 100 codec is very good. the only problem is that you cannot switch lenses with it, but its more than good enough for shooting e-learning stuff with. If you need a professional camera you could go for the canon eos c300. Personally I am dreaming of a Sony NEX FS700
Other than that i use a green screen studio. Here is a picture from that studio where I am shooting a comedy short movie. But as Rich Johnstun pointed out abover here you can easily make your own green screen. The big point is to stretch it so that you dont get any folds. And be sure that you have even light on the screen. If you have a camera with good depth of field aswell that helps. Be sure to position your character at least 1,5 meter from the screen itself because the green color often "spills" onto the subject. the best even light you can get is outside if possible.
I use Adobe Premiere Pro to edit and After Effects if I need some SFX in there.
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The camera Steve listed would absolutely be my choice in that price range. A lot of studios are shooting full length feature films on the Canon 5D/7D cameras (The recent film Act of Valor was shot almost completely on them). You get lens interchangeability and a nice small and light form factor (easier to get into small areas and weird angles). You do need to be concious of your clip/take length, but rarely do I find myself shooting a single take that is longer than 10 minutes or so. They also usually have better color quality than prosumer video cameras of comparable pricing. What you lose is some low light performance. It may seem weird to shoot video on a camera designed for stills, but it has become common practice with amazing results.
Most higher end cameras will come with some of their own conversion software if they shoot exclusively in AVHCD. This will usually convert to .MP4 or some other usable format. If you are streaming your training, I would recommend using FLV/SWF files. The only editing software I know of that will render straight to a FLV/SWF is Adobe Premier. Unless you are using that, you'll need some sort of conversion software. I prefer Sorenson Squeeze.
For audio, you can't go wrong with Audio Technica gear. I think that would work fine. The only limitation I can see is that you only have two frequencies which means if you ever wanted to run more than two mics at a time, you'll have issues. This may not be a problem for you. I frequently run 4-5 mics during shoots so I need more flexibility, but that also cost more money.
This whole conversation has been incredibly helpful, thank you everyone!
Here is what I use to make videos for e-learning
2 Cameras - Panasonic AH-HPX250
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/768924-REG/Panasonic_AG_HPX250_AG_HPX250_P2_HD_Handheld.html
The AVC-Intra 100 codec is very good. the only problem is that you cannot switch lenses with it, but its more than good enough for shooting e-learning stuff with. If you need a professional camera you could go for the canon eos c300. Personally I am dreaming of a Sony NEX FS700
1 SmallHD AC7 monitor
http://www.smallhd.com/products/ac7/
3 LED MicroBeam 1024 lights
http://www.flolight.com/led-lighting/microbeam-1024-high-powered-led-video-light.html
2 Sennheiser G3 lavelier microphones
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/649983-REG/Sennheiser_EW112PG3_G_EW112_p_G3_Camera_Mount.html
Very good microphones
1 Sennheiser K6 shotgun microphone
http://en-de.sennheiser.com/modular-microphone-system-k-6
For moving shots I use a
Sony NEX-5R with a Hague MMC mini Steadycam
Other than that i use a green screen studio. Here is a picture from that studio where I am shooting a comedy short movie. But as Rich Johnstun pointed out abover here you can easily make your own green screen. The big point is to stretch it so that you dont get any folds. And be sure that you have even light on the screen. If you have a camera with good depth of field aswell that helps. Be sure to position your character at least 1,5 meter from the screen itself because the green color often "spills" onto the subject. the best even light you can get is outside if possible.
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