• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Any GOOD/BETTER HD Camcorder suggestions? Canon,Sony,Panasonic?

R

rivbyte

Member
Which to buy???

I was looking at the entry level SONY HDR-CX160 for $500.00. YES, I said entry level, but according to CNETS' reviews, and others, they seem to Slam the quality of the HD video as only being Subpar. This was the price range I was thinking, but maybe I should re-think spending a little bit more, but NOT $800.00, or even $1000.00 or more. I do use the pinnacle Studio 14HD, but so far only for analog capture. Now I want to do HD Video. I was at Best buy and the salesman told me that using some Sony or canon cameras with the Pinnacle Studio has had some issues with capturing. Just wanted to know here, if any one had those problems with their brand of Camcorders, or can just recommend a good quality HD Camcorder.

Yes, although it would be fantastic to be able to afford an HD $27,500.00 Camcorder, my budget, until I win that lottery, is sadly enough, between $500 and $700.00 dollars. If there is even a camera out there with good enough quality based on this price. I do not want a HDD camera that could possibly crash, only Flash cameras with some built in Flash memory, but also to be able to add more flash card(s) I do not need a projector camcorder. Just something with more than your basic subpar HD quality camcorder.

I know this is personal preference. Sony, Panasonic, JVC, or Canon? CMOS, AVCHD, 60p/24p, etc. Any of you have had problems with using certain brands of cameras with Studio 14HD? Thank you very much!
 
I had two Sony midrange camcorders before and both were pretty awesome for the price (the most recent one was HDR-XR350V). The latest midrange from Sony seems to be the HDR-CX360V, so I would expect it to be just as good or better. They will probably refresh their models in Q1 2012.
 
rivbyte said:
This was the price range I was thinking, but maybe I should re-think spending a little bit more, but NOT $800.00, or even $1000.00 or more.
Click to expand...

Might want to rethink this. If you're concerned about subpar quality, then I'd recommend saving up for a bit longer - you can get a REALLY nice camera for $850, which is only $150 more than the high end of your current budget. Considering how long most people keep their camcorders for, I'd recommend going that route and getting something that you'll be really happy with in the long run.

My current favorite camcorder is the Panasonic HDC-TM900K. I usually recommend Canon, but I think the TM900 has their lineup beat right now. Amazon has it for $843.50:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-HDC-.../dp/B004I43MJU

Product page:

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-.../model.HDC-TM900K.O_11002_7000000000000005702

Key features:

-32GB built-in memory
-SDXC compatible (up to 2TB SD card)
-1080/60p + 24fps
-35mm equivalent
-12x optical zoom
-3MOS sensor
-3D compatible with a lens adapter (if you're into that...it's just a 2D camcorder by default though)

The footage pretty much speaks for itself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKJnbTorxRs&hd=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjJ7tLWFm2U&hd=1

http://vimeo.com/21552224

http://vimeo.com/22180462

This guy has a lot of TM900 footage:

http://www.youtube.com/user/n3Joost

Basically, it's a steal for what you get, and what you get is pretty dang amazing. If I were buying a camcorder today, I would save up and get this one.
 
Thanks all!

Yes, it's a lot of food for thought. I watched the TM900K Test video and was actually surprised at the Quality. Someone review mentioned instability around the 110 sec mark, but I did not see it at all. The FRYS price for this this week is $1099-no tax, so amazon would save a little more money. Would you ever consider a warranty? I usually buy my stuff locally because it's easy to work with the EXT. warranties, but who knows?

Also, I saw the SONY HDR-CX360 for $700.00 @ Fry's. hate to say it, but the additional $$ difference aside, the Panasonic does seem better.

There are a myriad of camcorder brands out there, and I'm sure everyone goes throguh this in finding the right fit for what is needed. I have been doing analog capture using my old VHS-C tapes from my 1997 JVC. I want to get a good camera to do HD Video to capture my neices, and nephews with all of their sports...now it's soccer, and football. I WISH I could plop down $28,995 for a Hasselblad H4D-50, or even $2000.00 for a CanonXA10 HD Camcorder, but let's be real. Until my boat comes in, or I swim out to it, or win the largest lottery jackpot known in history, well, i won't be using neither of the two noted cameras anytime soon.

I use the Pinnacle Studio 14HD software, and also Photoshop, incorporate both to my videos, but re-thinking, I would not be happy with a mid range, run of the mill, camcorder.

So from me thinking I would be happy with a $500.00 range, it's suggested here that I save more money and get something much better.

I do not need the 3-D lens or GPS features that some come with the newer cameras, something that could shoot great in low-light situations, FULL HD, with a good optical zoom, but more importantly, great video output, with 60/24 fps.

Today's fry's ad has a Canon Vixia HF R100 for $170.00, no tax ,ends today...my eyes opened wide thinking they knocked off $$210.00 off the retail price..almost went for it..but then reality set in..what a tragic mistake that would have been.

Your right, it's a long term investment, and a very confusing process to whittle down to the best overall, not too cheap, nor too expensive Camcorder.

Again, thank you all for your feedback, much appreciated!
 
Amazon has a HDC-SDT750 for $750. This is a 3mos sensor 1080p60 3D camera. Yes, 3D, it comes with a removable 3d lens which runs $200 by itself. It has all the features of this years high end Panasonic consumer models, minus built-in internal storage. Otherwise, there are lots of 1080p30 camera's in the $300 or less range from all the major brands.

I didnt really see a difference from $200 - $600 range, as spec wise they are all fairly similar. And these things always get better and cheaper over time, and to be honest you probably what know what you're missing compared to higher end models unless someone points it out to you.
 
I have questions about the Panasonic 1080p....

1..Can most current HDTV's playback the full 1080p 50/60p footage, or are PC's the only device that can do that?

2...can footage be edited on cam, so if I shot for 20mins, can I cut out a 5min segment at full 1080p quality?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top