How to Make a Feature Film - Equipment

Set a budget for your camera. There's lots available.

You're better off spending $1000 to $1500 on a used camera than a new one.
$1000 *new* buys you *garbage* - I'll say that again: GARBAGE in new
cameras.

In used gear, Sony TRV900 ($800-1100 on eBay), VX2000($1200 to $1500),
PD150($1300-$1750 - it's the "pro" version of the VX2000), AG-DVX100
($2000ish?) Might also consider the XL1, XL1S, though I haven't priced them.

Panasonic also made a slightly different version of the DVX100 - the DVC80.
It only lacks 24fps progressive which, IMO, isn't a deal breaker. (if you
want the film look of 24fps, go rent an Arriflex film camera or be prepared
to spend $6000+ for a new DVCAM that does it right.)

In new gear, the VX2100, PD170, XL2, AG-DVX100A. Others may recommend HDV capable cameras but I have no strong feelings either way except that you're
gonna need higher end NLE gear to work with HDV and those costs start adding
up.

Any of the above cameras can be used to shoot broadcast quality footage.
Shot *carefully*, they probably even make decent transfers to film. Rent
"Open Water" if you haven't already. Shot with a VX2000 and a PD150, stock,
edited with an NLE system comparable to what a lot of people have in their
office and eventually picked up by Lion's Gate films. Whether you like the
film or not, it's a success story. That raises the question in my mind: if
these non-HD cameras were good enough to make a film transfer, why would I
switch to HDV now when being an early adopter is going to cost me so much?

"Independent film" is a much abused term. When Russell Crowe bankrolls a
film and it gets shown at Sundance as "indie"...that's not indie and
Sundance isn't where you want to go. (well...it may be, but good luck with
that) The Russell Crowes of the world are "studios of one." They likely have
as much to invest in a single film as any studio does. See the first link on
the list for a reality check.