• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Need ALL CAMCORDER GURUS!

I

imported_griffis

Senior member
Happy Holidays all,

I am in a bit of a predicament, I have three camcorders that I received for X-Mas, obviously something me and my fiance asked for. We just don't know which one to keep and I am complete retard when it comes to these things. Look at the links below and let me know what you think. Poll is included but I would really like to comments on all three. Thanks for the help!!

Sony DCR - HC26

Hitachi DZ - BX35A

Canon ZR-700
 
Tossup between Sony and Canon. I'm a little bitter about my Sony biting the dust after ~ 2 years and very little use though. I have a Canon now and like it, but the touchscreen on the Sony was so much nicer.

Plus NightShot > *

 
Originally posted by: Chadder007
Take all 3 back and get a good expensive one FTW?
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I would do 🙂

Saw some nice Hi-Def camcorders at circuit city for about 1500 that would be pretty sweet.
 
i'd either do what chaffer007 said or keep the sony. camcorders is still one thing sony hasn't screwed up and they have generally high quality camcorders.
 
Originally posted by: Chadder007
Take all 3 back and get a good expensive one FTW?
Click to expand...


This was considered, but we are not pros so having an entry-level is ok with us. Just want to see which one is the best. Any other suggestions?
 
Originally posted by: griffis
Originally posted by: Chadder007
Take all 3 back and get a good expensive one FTW?
Click to expand...


This was considered, but we are not pros so having an entry-level is ok with us. Just want to see which one is the best. Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...

Take 'em all back, get a panasonic gs300 and pocket the rest. (personally, I'd get an HD camcorder like others have said).
 
I've not had experience with the ones you listed but the Sony ones I have are great in low lightish condition. Sony shines at that. Our PC120 was a great DV camcorder. Still is. Sony repaired it even though it was out of warrenty due to known fault of some sort. Thanks Sony!

Our HDR-HC3 is g reat. The video out of it is stunning. Love it. HDMI output also 😀. The only crappy thing is no manual focus ring and the gimped viewfinder...

You can't go wrong with either Canon or Sony though at all price points in general.

Koing
 
Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
Originally posted by: griffis
Originally posted by: Chadder007
Take all 3 back and get a good expensive one FTW?
Click to expand...


This was considered, but we are not pros so having an entry-level is ok with us. Just want to see which one is the best. Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...

Take 'em all back, get a panasonic gs300 and pocket the rest. (personally, I'd get an HD camcorder like others have said).
Click to expand...



Let's pretend that I want to keep one and trading is not an option, even though it is. Out of both the Sony and the Canon, which one would you guys pick?
 
I have personally used all 3 of them.. I used to sell electronics for a living..and I would keep the Canon out of your 3 there..The zoom is by far a lot better than the others and when shooting in sunlight the picture quality remains good.

the sony takes better still pictures..but who cares? its a camcorder, not a digital camera!! none of these are designed to be good at both. and the Hitachi is almost total crap
 
Originally posted by: msi1337
I have personally used all 3 of them.. I used to sell electronics for a living..and I would keep the Canon out of your 3 there..The zoom is by far a lot better than the others and when shooting in sunlight the picture quality remains good.

the sony takes better still pictures..but who cares? its a camcorder, not a digital camera!! none of these are designed to be good at both. and the Hitachi is almost total crap
Click to expand...


Maybe I should throw in then that the Canon came with an extra battery and a case as well, valued at about $100 for both
 
Originally posted by: Chadder007
Take all 3 back and get a good expensive one FTW?
Click to expand...

This is what I would do.

Rule out the Hitachi from the get-go, it uses mini DVD media.

You could get a better Canon for under $500.

Originally posted by: griffis
Originally posted by: msi1337
I have personally used all 3 of them.. I used to sell electronics for a living..and I would keep the Canon out of your 3 there..The zoom is by far a lot better than the others and when shooting in sunlight the picture quality remains good.

the sony takes better still pictures..but who cares? its a camcorder, not a digital camera!! none of these are designed to be good at both. and the Hitachi is almost total crap
Click to expand...


Maybe I should throw in then that the Canon came with an extra battery and a case as well, valued at about $100 for both
Click to expand...

I don't know what case you got, but if it's a Canon branded battery it's probably horribly overpriced. Better to get an aftermarket long-life battery.


Edit: If you really want to pick between the Sony and Canon, the main advantage of a Sony is that the night recording mode is much, much better. If recording in the dark is important to you, get the Sony.
 
Originally posted by: griffis
Originally posted by: Chadder007
Take all 3 back and get a good expensive one FTW?
Click to expand...
This was considered, but we are not pros so having an entry-level is ok with us. Just want to see which one is the best. Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
You don't have to be pros to want a better picture. Remember, you're shooting video that you'll watch for the rest of the life, right?

As a couple of others have said, I also had the Panasonic GS300, and it was an outstanding camcorder. However, it was an impulse buy, and I couldn't justify what I paid for it after a week, so I took it back.
 
Well, thanks everyone for your help, looks like I am going to go with the Canon, has a few more features that I like better. Your help has been appreciated, now to go trade the other two in for a Wii, yeh!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top