Telecommando:
Earlier this year, an independent film was being made down the street from where I was working. I was surprised that they were using these:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=839220&is=REG&A=details&Q=
Nice, but a bit outside my budget, though.
Well independent film doesn't always mean financed with no budget using a super-8 film camera (in the old days) or consumer camcorder.
Note, since it has a super 35mm sensor instead of the 1/3" or similar sensor in smaller cameras, it means it has more options for controlling depth of field which can be critical in the artistic vision of the film. The camera also has a bunch of other features needed in high end movie production.
Also, many times you would rent such gear for the limited time you are in production, instead of owning it outright.