Camcorder Suggestion - Have roughly 600-700USD to spend

[Sid59]

Going in the market for the new year. I've finally decided and convinced people in my family that a good camcorder is a must. I read a bit through the threads i found here and the Panasonic GS300 was recommended by quite a few people. I actually took a trip to best buy and was ready to purchase but all they had was display model. I didn't pull the trigger then cause they offered me an anemic sale and all the packaging for the floor model was gone. (i'd need to download the manuals, buy software, a battery, and cables.)

This will be the all around camera:
Indoor family events.
Outdoor vacation.
Sports and other general things.

Basically, this weekend, i want to take it to the snow and get some experience with the camcorder. In the coming months, there'll be a few big indoor celebrations and a trip to Washington DC.

A few constraints on the purchase:

- must be purchasble at best buy. need to utilize these gift cards and credits.
- non optical media. no use of mini dvd-r. dvd+r DVD ram .. and so on.
- great video quality and good low light / indoor imaging.
- durable
- HD isn't a big priority but at a certain price point, i might consider one.


Bring on the suggestions and i'll research!


Thanks!

 

[Apex]

The quality difference with HD camcorders is pretty huge. I was definitely surprised going from a very very good Canon miniDV to a HD camcorder. I think it's worth the stretch to fit it even if it's a few bucks above your budget (if you can).

 

[Sid59]

Originally posted by: Apex
The quality difference with HD camcorders is pretty huge. I was definitely surprised going from a very very good Canon miniDV to a HD camcorder. I think it's worth the stretch to fit it even if it's a few bucks above your budget (if you can).

I agreed but im not as versed with camcorders and the pros and cons. Like i mentioned, a HD camcorder is certainly an option if the price range fits.

I also need to do a bit of research on the hard drive based camcorders.

there's minidv +HDV - hard drive based +HDV and more than makes me wish i spent more time researching than the last week or so.

 

[Zolty]

You won't get a good quality HD camera for that price, so you are probably looking at SD cameras

In your price range BB has the following avail for miniDV
http://www.igodigital.com/bestbuy/camco...=&step3=&step4=About+%24500+to+%24999#

There is a Panasonic PVGS500 which doesn't look that bad

Also it seems the Sony DCRHC96 is exactly what you are looking for, the only advantage to the panasonic is it is 3CCD.


EDIT

FYI the cheapest HD Digital cam is 1300 at BB
http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat91400050052&type=category

If I were you I would sell the BB gift cards and buy elsewhere, I would NEVER buy something this expensive from a retail store.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Sid59

Originally posted by: Apex
The quality difference with HD camcorders is pretty huge. I was definitely surprised going from a very very good Canon miniDV to a HD camcorder. I think it's worth the stretch to fit it even if it's a few bucks above your budget (if you can).

I agreed but im not as versed with camcorders and the pros and cons. Like i mentioned, a HD camcorder is certainly an option if the price range fits.

I also need to do a bit of research on the hard drive based camcorders.

there's minidv +HDV - hard drive based +HDV and more than makes me wish i spent more time researching than the last week or so.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/CamInfo-Selects-2006.htm

http://www.zoommania.com/1194b001.html

 

[Sid59]

Originally posted by: Zolty
You won't get a good quality HD camera for that price, so you are probably looking at SD cameras

In your price range BB has the following avail for miniDV
http://www.igodigital.com/bestbuy/camco...=&step3=&step4=About+%24500+to+%24999#

There is a Panasonic PVGS500 which doesn't look that bad

Also it seems the Sony DCRHC96 is exactly what you are looking for, the only advantage to the panasonic is it is 3CCD.


EDIT

FYI the cheapest HD Digital cam is 1300 at BB
http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat91400050052&type=category

If I were you I would sell the BB gift cards and buy elsewhere, I would NEVER buy something this expensive from a retail store.

i know best buy not the greatest place to shop. but im more than willing to scale the price i'd pay for a proven / great camcorder.

I saw a few Sony HDV / HDD based camcorders that interested me.

Originally posted by: Apex

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/CamInfo-Selects-2006.htm

http://www.zoommania.com/1194b001.html

camcorderinfo.com is a great resouce. that Canon looks nice. thanks.

 

[Zolty]

Originally posted by: Sid59

Originally posted by: Zolty
You won't get a good quality HD camera for that price, so you are probably looking at SD cameras

In your price range BB has the following avail for miniDV
http://www.igodigital.com/bestbuy/camco...=&step3=&step4=About+%24500+to+%24999#

There is a Panasonic PVGS500 which doesn't look that bad

Also it seems the Sony DCRHC96 is exactly what you are looking for, the only advantage to the panasonic is it is 3CCD.


EDIT

FYI the cheapest HD Digital cam is 1300 at BB
http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat91400050052&type=category

If I were you I would sell the BB gift cards and buy elsewhere, I would NEVER buy something this expensive from a retail store.

i know best buy not the greatest place to shop. but im more than willing to scale the price i'd pay for a proven / great camcorder.

I saw a few Sony HDV / HDD based camcorders that interested me.

Canon GL2 for around $1000 online is a superb camera.