Can anyone recommend me a good camcorder under $400?

[sohcrates]

Howdy

MY parents are looking for a decent camcorder, and i assume HI8 is our best bet

We'd like to keep it under $400, preferably around $300 if possible

Any recommendations? I've been out of the game too long to know good models!

Thanks a bunch

update: hmm...what are the alternatives to HI8 under $400? VHS-C?

 

[The Stigenator]

if your looking for one, get SONY brand.. but Hi8 is a rather old format.. if I were you get Digital Hi8.. its a bit more expensive (about 450 minimum) but it has better quality..

 

[duragezic]

I got (well it's my brothers) a Sony TRV-58 a couple months ago. Was looking at a digital but decided against mostly because of price. Everyone on these forums seemed to say if you're going Hi8, then definitely get a Sony. They have a couple different models( 58, 68, etc...) which just have some extra features.

I'm very happy with it. All around is good. Could use an image stabilizer but I think the TRV68 has that so it's a matter of how much you want to pay for extra features.

 

[sohcrates]

So, sony for HI8, eh? I'll look into that

See my update above though....are there alternatives to HI8 in this price range?

 

[duragezic]

IIRC, Hi8 is the best analog camcorder to buy. I think in quality it goes from lowest to highest:
VHS-C
8mm
Hi8

Hmm I'm missing one though.

 

[The Stigenator]

do not go vhs-c.. its horrid quality.. if Hi8 is the most you can afford then go Hi8. Its not bad quality, but when I compare my Hi8 tapes to my friends D8 tapes I can see the difference.

 

[The Stigenator]

try these links..
http://www.bestbuy.com/HomeAudioVideo/Camcorders/8mmHi8.asp?m=1&cat=33&scat=35

The Canon is a nice one.. too bad its out of stock.. nice basic camera with color view finder for that price.

Things to look for (even though some sound frivolous - trust me you would want one).

* Make sure you got a "Color view finder" (eye peice).. helps to see in color. Sometimes you cant see things right in a CCD view finder.
* Make sure you got some amount of optical zoom.
* Make sure you got an LCD display
* Make sure the camera has infared / low light shooting capablity.

The nice things otherwise to have are stuff like Stead shot (anti shock / vibration shooting) but they push the cost thru the roof.
If sony is expensive try Canon, Sharp, and then finally JVC. I dont seem to have good luck with JVC stuff, even though they make some good stuff. I dont think panasonic makes Hi8 stuff if they do I would check them out too.

 

[RossMAN]

You can get a pretty killer deal on camcorders from 800.com since they're offering free $50 800.com GCs with purchases $299+ plus save $40.

 

[heartsurgeon]

you could look at E*ay under professional video equipment, look for hi-8