Looking for a camera for more controlled video shooting....

[Louisa911]

Hello

Basically I already have a perfectly suitable DSLR for my needs, a canon 300d (not great... but it will do).
I'm looking for something that is capable of shooting HD video, with the ability to adjust the focus etc. as you are shooting, eg. a blurry subject becoming focused.
I'm wanting to try and produce a film based on the topic of freeride mountain biking, I have the locations and the riders on my doorstep, the ideas and the technical know-how of a DSLR, but just no camera yet. Something like this: http://www.pinkbike.com/video/161252/

Whats the cheapest camera I should look at, new or secondhand, that would be capable of these types of shots mentioned previously? I would love something like a canon 500d as it could be a brand new SLR for me too regarding pictures. but can't quite justify spending that much.

Also looked at the pentax KX but wondered if I could still go even cheaper. I'm on a pretty tight budget, just want something with manual focusing ability during shooting.

Thanks

[itsnotarace]

Any of these or these excluding the pocket sized ones

Edited by itsnotarace on Thursday 30th September 10:11

[Louisa911]

I already have a sony handycam, not HD though- but as far as I can see, you can't alter the focus point whilst recording? Don't want to go shell out on a new camera if I'm mistaken! I believe the term is to pull focus?

Edited by Louisa911 on Thursday 30th September 12:50

[itsnotarace]

You can focus whilst recording with a camcorder. Take it out of auto mode

http://www.ehow.com/how_2005311_manually-focus-cam...

[Louisa911]

I have a Sony handycam Dvd150, and as far as I can see, you can only adjust the focus BEFORE shooting, then record, then adjust the focus AFTER you've stopped shooting, rather than being able to do it during... please correct me if i'm wrong! there's no focus ring for mid-shoot.

[itsnotarace]

Well I googled the model and it seems that you use the panel to manual focus. I haven't downloaded the user manual to check

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/sdh-dvd-handycam/dcr...