Cameras & Camcorders

[#1]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could give me some ideas for a good camcorder to buy. I have a limit of $300 (not a lot, but its the most I have). I am already looking at the Sanyo VPC-GH2BK High-Definition Flash Camcorder. I hope someone can help me because I'm kind of stuck .

Thanks

[#2]

I can understand budget limitations.... but if you should look closely at video quality....

I couldn't find anything recent for this new model quick, but have a look the differences between a more expensive Canon camcorder versus a Sanyo.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVVaEQa9hgs.  I realize the camera models featured in the video is old, but you get what you pay for.

One of my personal criteria is microphone placement.  By having the Sanyo on the panel, it means your screen will lose audio quality if you decide to rotate it.

[#3]

Well i wanted to tell you that Panasonic has recently released the PV-GS85 camcorder which offers optical image stabilization, 32x optical zoom, still-shot mode, and widescreen recording format - all for under $300...What do you think about it?

[#4]

Hmm....

• not listed on the Best Buy website
• the model is not HD, you only get 1/6 of the resolution compared to the model I recommended earlier
• It uses MiniDV tape!
• the internet mentions a review back in 2007.... this 4yr old camcorder is likely discontinued
• the price you quoted is not a realistic comparison.... you are looking at the used market if you can track the product down

[#5]

I was at **competitor** yesterday & was advised that Panasonic & Sony make good Camcorders. Both have a couple of Models, which are about $300.

But, Sales person wanted to sell a more expansive Model, which was about $800. However, he could not convince me, why should a buy HD ! In my opinion, I need to connect a HD Camcorder directly to a HD monitor, to get HD picture. Other option is; burn to HD Disk, which will require a HD burner & then a HD DVD player !

These are my guesses only. Could some one more knowledgeable, please advise; how to take full advantage of HD Camcorder !

Thank you.

[#6]

We all use our cameras differently and if you have an SD monitor and are happy with SD.... save your money and be happy.

However

• have you seen or compared an SD (640x480) image compared to an HD (1920x1080) image?
• Would you be happy with a cellphone 640x480 image, or do you buy a multi megapixel still camera?
• How often have you watched a wedding video and wondered who was getting married from the image?
• Do you have a desire to future proof your special moment (wedding? a new baby? birthday?)
• I assume your computer screen does more than 640x480 resolution?
• Doesn't YouTube show HD videos?  Check out this video in full screen.  Cycle through the resolutions.... does HD satisfy you?
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGYZgMPCtkA

Perhaps an HD camera should be considered.

Not sure example which camcorder model you were looking at... but check out this model for just under $400

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/sony-sony-hdrcx110b-high-definition-flash-camcorder-black-hdrcx1...

You can save a lot by skipping battery sucking hard drives and non-removable on board memory.

Personally I think HD is getting old..... I'm considering 3DHD for Boxing Day to future proof my content.   YouTube allows you to display both versions.

[#7]

I would like to add to my earlier comment...

• In addition to Sony and Panasonic.  I also like Canon HD camcorders....  (hate their DSLR's).  Unlike other camcorders who limit their bit rate to 17Mbps... Canon offers 24Mbps to maximize the image fidility.  Check out the R20 if it meets your needs
  http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/canon-canon-vixia-hf-r20-high-definition-sd-sdhc-sdxc-camcorder-...
• I realize this is outside your budget, but do understand that HD camcorders have gotten into a "megapixel war" in recent years.  Canon is one of the first to release a consumer camcorder with a proper sensor that doesn't try to take a 3 or more megapixel still image to maximize video quality.
  http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/canon-canon-vixia-hf-g10-high-definition-sd-sdhc-sdxc-camcorder-...

With regards to showcasing content....

• Yes, putting the video on Blu-Ray high definition is the best way to deliver to clients
• However, HD can also put on regular DVD's.  No, you will not get 25gb, but with 4.5gb, you can still get video short on the disk.  Older DVD players may not be able to show the HD content, but newer likely players will.  It's called HD REC.
• Personally, I create HD on quicktime files.   Once uploaded onto YouTube, I let the user select which resolution they want to see.  HD for detail vs SD for speed.
• I'm sure others put their HD on media boxes for streaming to their TV's.  I'll let others jump in on the details on how that's done.
• Another way I review HD is on my Blackberry Playbook.  Just transfer the HD quicktime files over to the playbook and you can watch content on it's screen.
• Finally, when you say HD, are you only referring to 720p?  In my discussion I like "Full HD" or 1080 to capture as much detail as I can in the moment.