Looking for a Camcorder in the $500-$800 Range

[dmw16]

I am searching for a camcorder and I am hoping to get some direction.

I read thru the sticky and it was very helpful, but I was hoping people on here might be able to give me some more specific direction.

My wife is a music teacher, so the first thing it'll be used for is recording her in the classroom (as part of her grad school portfolio) as well as concerts. Although I realize recording in a poorly lit all-purpose room won't give great results no matter what.

The camcorder will also get used for general family stuff too.

As far as what I need:
Budget: $800
Form Factor: Handheld
Resolution: 1080i (at least)
Media: Hard drive or SD card (no tapes)
Audio input (for recording concerts)

Beyond that I have no real restrictions or ideas.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kaido]

What kind of audio inputs do you want?

What kind of zoom do you want? Will you be recording a choir group from a long distance away?

 

[dmw16]

What kind of audio inputs do you want?

What kind of zoom do you want? Will you be recording a choir group from a long distance away?

I think a simple 1/8" input would be fine. Not sure what other options exist, but for the most part the audio setups and the elementary and middle school levels (that she teaches) are fairly basic.

I don't need anything beyond typical consumer level zoom. I'd probably be no more than 30ft away and the camera would be on a tripod (if that makes a difference).

 

[Kaido]

I think a simple 1/8" input would be fine. Not sure what other options exist, but for the most part the audio setups and the elementary and middle school levels (that she teaches) are fairly basic.

I don't need anything beyond typical consumer level zoom. I'd probably be no more than 30ft away and the camera would be on a tripod (if that makes a difference).

My favorite camcorders are from Canon. The previous model I recommended was the HF200, which has been replaced by a newer model (not sure which one). Here is a link to their current lineup:

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders

I posted a comparison back in January: (there are a couple new cameras in the lineup now)

http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?...mer-camcorders&p=282809&viewfull=1#post282809

The primary differences are:

1. Onboard Flash Memory plus SD, or just SD
2. Sensor size
3. Optical zoom size
4. LCD screen size

The bigger sensor size will give you better low-light performance. If you want that, then the HF-S200 looks pretty good for $729:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...200_Flash.html

If you want more of a zoom, then the HF-M300 is pretty good (15x instead of 10x optical). Price is also ridiculous - $370:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...300_Flash.html

For that price, you could get 2 of them and get a couple separate camera angles, or a bunch of equipment like choir microphones, tripods, etc.

 

[dmw16]

Thanks for your thoughts. I am leaning towards the HF S200.