Camcorder recommendation?

[IronWing]

I'm thinking about getting a camcorder. I've used the movie functions on digital cameras before.

Uses and criteria:
Make videos for youtube or other internet sites.
Need good macro function. I'm a nerd and like to make movies of bugs walking around, ants carrying stuff, bees, etc.
Low light performance a plus.
High resolution not important, high dynamic range and image quality more useful to me than higher resolution.
I don't have a TV and don't plan on getting one so TV, HDTV type functions are not important.
I would like simple transfer to computer and a format that makes it easy to load clips to the net.
I have a bias (maybe irrational) toward solid state memory vs hard drives so flash memory would be more appealing to me.
Light weight is good, durability bouncing around inside a backpack is better.


I read about some of the Casio cameras having high speed recording/ slow motion capability. That might be kind of cool.

The ability to attach the camera to a C-mount microscope mount would be an extra bonus, not essential but definitely a bonus.

I don't have a max price in mind.

Any suggestions?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Sony PMW EX1 6,099$ @ B&H SxS based storage but there is a 49$ adapter that will run SDHC chips, you'll just want to get a class 6 card that'll transfer at 20mb/s - the SxS supposedly transfers at 800mb/s

I'm considering this camcorder myself. Currently I have the Canon HF S100 and its crisp clean IQ is amazing! But it does suffer in low light if you run 60i 0db & AWB compared tothe TM300 but if you leave your gain on auto, the level of light and image do come out better than the Panasonic HDC TM300 which has been rated better in low light. I've also had that cam; just sent it back today(RMA'd it) and am keeping the Canon.

Check out Vimeo for video comparisons. There is a member by the name of paramon that has posted some low level light work, macro shots, etc. with the EX1 - so far, the EX1 is the only cam I know of yet that will do slow-mo or aka cranking...

EDIT: btw, the canon is a flash (SDHC) based cam and currently going for 899$ at B&H

 

[Shlong]

If money isn't a issue, I would just go out and get a Sony PMW-EX3. Something good for the money is a Panasonic HMC-150, and it has affordable media (SDHC Flash Cards!)

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

How does the Panasonic HMC 150 compare to the EX1; better or less than equal?

 

[Shlong]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
How does the Panasonic HMC 150 compare to the EX1; better or less than equal?

It's very similar to the Panasonic HPX-170, which is comparable to the EX1. I wouldn't say it's as good but it's half the price and the media (SDHC Flash cards) is very affordable.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

There is a 49$ adapter card for the EX1 that will accept SDHC cards > Adapter Card

 

[IronWing]

Thanks for the input. Now allow me to backpedal on my statement about price, now I have one in mind.

Max price = ~US$500.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Sorry. lol... I'd say go for the Canon HF S100 - get it, you'll be happy!