Camdorder?

[Texun]

I have an urge to get a digital camcorder. I have no real need for one which is causing me to limit my budget.

The problem is that I can't find any sample videos to compare the quality of $300 and $500 cameras to see what I might be missing. Does anyone know of a site that has clips by camcorder make\model? I Googled and found samples of stills but I already have a Cannon for that. I just want to compare clips from different camcorders.

I have been looking at the Panasonic PV-GS19 which seems to have decent reviews for a camera in the $300 range. Any thoughts?

I know a 3CCD would be better but those are out of my price range.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rbV5]

You can find some DV reviews with some quicktime samples at dvspot. I'm not sure if thats exactly what you're after, and they don't have reviews of many models. Here's one of Panasonic PV-GS150 Link (not a recommendation, just the first one I found with samples) just check the review section for more. You should be able to find a decent model in your price range. I use a Sony DCR-HC30 I've had for a year and half or so that I like quite a bit, and I recall several similar models in that price range.

 

[Texun]

Thanks rbV5. I checked them out and it wasn't bad. I'll check the HC-30 you have. Do you feel it is bright enough in daylight? Some I have seen look a little dark or almost blue.

 

[drifter106]

Texan,

I too am going to make a minicam purchase. I have been trolling the web for about 3 months and these sites have helped...

strickly panasonic based

gives you an idea about various models when you get there scroll down and look to the left side...has a bunch of chit you can go through to help you find info...

and there is dvspot also....


happy hunting!!

jd

 

[klah]

I think the main reason this has not been done is the file size. A 30 second DV clip will be over 100 MB and using a lossy compression codec or reducing the resolution is not going to make a comparison very useful.

 

[rbV5]

Originally posted by: Texun
Thanks rbV5. I checked them out and it wasn't bad. I'll check the HC-30 you have. Do you feel it is bright enough in daylight? Some I have seen look a little dark or almost blue.

No, its great in daylight, it could be a bit better in low light however. I'm very happy about the PQ, and its got nice nightshot modes. It has poor still-shot resolution, but I've got my digicam for stills, so its not an issue for me. I like the touch screen LCD and small size quite a bit, it will fit in my front pants pocket. It also has a decent analog conversion, which is a nice plus for bringing analog stuff into your PC.

Its going to hold me over until I spring for a HDV camcorder, which I'm resisting the temptation to jump on currently

 

[rbV5]

using a lossy compression codec or reducing the resolution is not going to make a comparison very useful.

Thats true, but I did think the little sample clips for IS, low light and motor noise on DVspot did have some useful information.

 

[Texun]

Originally posted by: drifter106
Texan,

I too am going to make a minicam purchase. I have been trolling the web for about 3 months and these sites have helped...

strickly panasonic based

gives you an idea about various models when you get there scroll down and look to the left side...has a bunch of chit you can go through to help you find info...

and there is dvspot also....

happy hunting!!

jd

Ever had the urge to buy somethign you didn't need? That's where I am. I figure this is one of those things that I won't need until I need it - so to speak. I live right in the path of hurricane Katrina and Rita and could have used one then to shoot some no-so-odd events that the media didn't care about.

I have ben kicking around the Panasonic 19, 31, 35 and the JVC 270 but haven't locked in on one yet. Dvspot helped me understand that no camera under $1000 really does all that great with video, but then it's hard to tell with clips that have been smashed. Still better than nothing. Thanks!

 

[drifter106]

Originally posted by: Texun

Originally posted by: drifter106
Texan,

I too am going to make a minicam purchase. I have been trolling the web for about 3 months and these sites have helped...

strickly panasonic based

gives you an idea about various models when you get there scroll down and look to the left side...has a bunch of chit you can go through to help you find info...

and there is dvspot also....

happy hunting!!

jd

Ever had the urge to buy somethign you didn't need? That's where I am. I figure this is one of those things that I won't need until I need it - so to speak. I live right in the path of hurricane Katrina and Rita and could have used one then to shoot some no-so-odd events that the media didn't care about.

I have ben kicking around the Panasonic 19, 31, 35 and the JVC 270 but haven't locked in on one yet. Dvspot helped me understand that no camera under $1000 really does all that great with video, but then it's hard to tell with clips that have been smashed. Still better than nothing. Thanks!

Well I have it narrowed down to the panasonic 250 or 400. Hate spending a grand on a camera but I think I am going to go with the 400. The 250 is a newer camera but the 400 does better in low light and gives you better color saturation. Right now the price of the 250 has been dropping significantly...down under $700. Still a lot of money to pay for a camera.....

 

[gsellis]

If you are looking at the Pani, look at the Canon Optura 60 too. Some of the folks at dvinfo.net are saying that it is pretty good too (CMOS instead of CCD).

A fair review site for video cameras
Camcorder info