Camcorder question

[ksherman]

I am looking to buy a new Camcorder. I dont really know where to start, and if any of you have any advice or ideas of a camocrder that will fit my needs. Qaulity is important, as I frequently use the camera for video projects for school. My only other requirements are a Firewire port, headphone/microphone jacks as well as a realtively low price. Oh, and an external LCD is nessecary too

 

[gsellis]

A good place to start is Camcorderinfo

Most miniDV and DV cameras come with firewire and headphone jack. Figure out how much you want to spend and it can be narrowed some. Figure out where you do most of your shooting and it can get tighter still.

 

[Plester]

Sony HDR-HC1 - HDV format (poor mans HiDef) $1500-1700 online. Info here

 

[ksherman]

Well, His Def is not really importnat to me... what is important is good quality and size... I dont want one of those dumb little tiny things that fit in you pocket... I wold rather it be a little bit larger. I think our limit is under $1G too..

 

[MScrip]

Maybe the Panasonic PV-GS250. It's under $1000. I have the GS-200, and it's wonderful.

Get True, Crisp Color Images with our 3 CCD Mini-DV Camcorders
The PV-GS250, with its 3CCD Camera System, reproduces color in great fidelity by using a separate CCD for reds, greens and blues. It's the same 3CCD technology used in Panasonic professional broadcast equipment, resulting in 540 lines of breathtaking resolution. You can count on Panasonic 3CCD Digital Camcorders to give you colors that are as rich and vibrant as your life.

 

[ksherman]

thanks! I will look into that one... I tried to convince my dad to get the Sony HDR-FX1, but the $2000+ price tage was a bit steep for his liking.... too bad is it seems to be freakin awesome!

 

[gsellis]

Another good one is the Canon Optura 60. It will give the Panasonics a run. It is a bottom loader IIRC, which can be a bother with a tripod.

 

[ksherman]

Is the panisonic GS400 better than the 250? camcorderreview seems to have rated the 250 higher than the 400... though the reviews were almost 6mos apart...

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: ksherman
Is the panisonic GS400 better than the 250? camcorderreview seems to have rated the 250 higher than the 400... though the reviews were almost 6mos apart...

Yes, it is better. If you read the full review on the 250, you will find this quote (Source - Camcorderinfo.com)

Conclusion
The PV-GS250 is a great camcorder, but the PV-GS400 is such an awesome camcorder that it might be a better idea to save $150 dollars more for the PV-GS400. For another $150 you?ll get better video performance, a wonderful zoom/focus/shutter speed/aperture ring, and a bigger LCD screen. You also get added control. The advantages to the PV-GS250: a new navigational system, some nice still options, and a smaller form. But it doesn?t really seem worth it. In fact, for the recommended $300 difference between this camcorder and the PV-GS150, there might not be enough of a difference between camcorders to justify such a gap in price. For instance, there really isn?t much difference performance-wise between the two camcorders. Besides, the PV-GS150 doesn?t have a focus ring, or the ever-important optical image stabilization. And something tells me that still options aren?t going to tip the scales too much. The bottom line is that the PV-GS250 trumps the competition with great video performance, great manual control, and acceptable low light performance. We certainly recommend it, but if you have the money the PV-GS400 adds a ton more features.

 

[ksherman]

i read those reveiews, but the price difference between the two is WAY more the $150 now... more like $400...

 

[tomt4535]

www.camcorderinfo.com is a great website to find reviews, and they have forums and all that too. I just bought a Cannon Elura 85 from Crutchfield . For some reason, the camcorder decided to stop working over the weekend, I called them up, no questions asked they sent out a replacement for me today. Lifetime tech support, free camera bag, free shipping, 30 day money back garuntee, great Cust. Service. Check them out.

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: ksherman
i read those reveiews, but the price difference between the two is WAY more the $150 now... more like $400...

$350 difference at BHPhotoVideo (click consumer video and search from there)

Edit - BH has the Canon Optura 60 for $639 and there is a $100 MIR. The Sony HC1 is $1600.

 

[ksherman]

Well, pending a in-store feel test, im pretty much sold on the GS250

Thanks for the help!