Finkleheimer
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Camcorder Suggestions?
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We've never owned a camcorder but want to get one before Christmas gets here this year. We're not afraid of getting something used off Amazon that's a year or two old and marked down 800$ because it's 'old'. We are looking at something in the $300ish range. The purpose of it will be solely home videos for holidays/children sporting events/school plays/etc.
Any recommendations/suggestions/advice appreciated.
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RF_YWG
Title: Pot-bellied Biker
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Subject:
Camcorder Suggestions?
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I have a Sony HD-SR12 that's about 5 years old. Overall, I've been very pleased with it. Easy to use, does everything I need it to. If I had to buy a new one though, I would get one that uses flash memory rather than a hard drive. Saves weight, and won't be sensitive to vibrations. (I needed the large capacity, and big memory cards were still quite expensive then.) edit: Figured I should clarify about the vibration bit. The only time I've had problems with that was while filming top alcohol dragsters and funny cars. They're so loud that they were causing the stands (and tripod, and hence the camera) to shake. The camera stopped recording because it couldn't write to the drive. So, under normal use that wouldn't be an issue.  )
If you're filming plays, or activities in a noisy environment, I would definitely recommend getting a camcorder that has a mount for a directional mic. A good directional mic will cut down on wind noise and other parents but still let you capture the sounds you want to. Without one, you'll get a lot of ambient noise, especially when filming something at a distance. I've found mine to be indispensable.
A tripod is also a good purchase. Stable footage is a lot more pleasant to watch, and it lets you turn off any sort of image stabilization features in the camcorder, which just don't work as well as a tripod in my experience. Plus, you don't have to hold the cam the entire time.
Discount the "digital zoom" a lot of camcorders will list as a feature. Digital zoom cannot replace or compensate for the lack of a decent optical zoom. Given the choice between using digital zoom and walking closer to the lion I'm filming, I'd walk closer to the lion.
I haven't really looked at any new or recent camcorders because I haven't needed to, so I can't give any recommendations for specific models. Sorry.
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Lonestar_1
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Camcorder Suggestions?
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They make them with internal/external flash type storage, or dv tape, or physical dvd type disc or harddrives. 1080p would probably just be harddrives and flash storage I think.
Strictly speaking of 1080p video... If you are not planning on doing longer recording sessions one with some internal flash storage would work for you. Else you would have to get extra sd flash cards or one with a harddrive.. That will push price above 300.
I liked the Canon ones I have played with, but that was long while ago. Offhand I do not know of a review site for camcorders but I am sure there is one.
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Finkleheimer
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Subject:
Camcorder Suggestions?
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How are the specs on this particular model? this would be about 250-400$
Panasonic HDC-SD5 Black 3CCD 2.7"LCD 10X Variable Speed Optical Zoom High Definition Camcorder
posted:
General
Brand
Panasonic
Model
HDC-SD5
Type
High Definition HDD/Flash Memory Camcorder
Color
Black
Image Sensor
Image Sensor
1/6" 3CCD
Lens
Optical Zoom
10X Variable Speed
Digital Zoom
700X
Filter Diameter
37mm
Recording Media
Recording Media
Memory Card
Memory Card Support
SD / SDHC Card
SPEC
LCD
2.7" 300K
Shutter Speed
1/30-1/8000 sec (Motion Image)
1/30-1/8000 sec (Still Image)(Progressive 1/30-1/500)
Focusing System
Focal Length: 3.0 - 30 mm
35mm Film Camera Equivalent: 42.9 - 429 mm (16:9) (Moving Picture/Still Picture)
Focus: AF/Manual
Image Stabilization
Advanced O.I.S.
Flash
Built-in
Minimum Illumination
5 Lux (1/25 Low Light Mode), 1 Lux (Magic Pix Mode)
Still Image Size
2.1 MEGA: 1920 x 1080 (16:9)
White Balance
Auto/Indoor/Outdoor/White Set (with IR Sensor)
Video Recording
Format: AVCHD
Recording Time
SDHC: 8GB: HG(80 min)/HN(120 min)/HE(180 min), 4GB: HG(40 min)/HN(60 min)/HE(90 min)
SD Memory Card: 2GB: HG(20 min)/HN(30 min)/HE(45 min), 1GB: HG(10 min)/HN(15 min)/HE(22 min), 512MB: HG(5 min)/HN(7 min)/HE(10 min)
Mode:
HG (13 Mbps/CBR), HN (9Mbps/VBR), HE (6Mbps/VBR)
Audio Recording
Format: Dolby Digital (Dolby AC3)/2-channel
Remote Control
IR Remote
Connectors
USB, AV Ports, HDMI
Power Supply
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (7.2 V/1320 mAh)
DC 7.2/9.3 V
Dimensions (WxHxD) & Weight
2.6'' x 2.6'' x 5.3''
0.75 lbs.
Features
Features
Applicable Disc
8cm DVD-RAM Ver. 2.1
8cm DVD-R for General Ver. 2.0
8cm DVD-RW Ver. 1.1 2x-speed (2x/1x)
DVD-R for DL Ver. 3.0
Thumbnail Display
Pre-Rec Function
Intelligent Contrast Control
One-Touch Navigation
Help Mode
Tele Macro
AGS (Auto Ground-Directional Standby)
Composition Guide Lines
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RF_YWG
Title: Pot-bellied Biker
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Camcorder Suggestions?
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Seems to have pretty standard features for a camcorder. Nothing obvious missing or substandard, though it doesn't appear to have a mic attachment point. If you can get it for the price you listed I don't see any reason not to buy it.
Looking at the specs reminded me of one thing I forgot to mention. It's worth getting a UV filter to mount on the front end of it. Won't affect the image quality at all, and it'll protect the lens.
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Finkleheimer
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Camcorder Suggestions?
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I think I am going to end up going with the Canon Vixia HF M40. Evidently that Panny was nearly 5 years old and the technology from 2007 to 2011 in camcorders are enormous gaps. There is a package deal I can get on the M40 that includes:
Canon Vixia HF M40 Flash Memory 1080p HD Digital Video Camcorder
• Vivitar Mini Zoom Microphone
• LED Video Light with Bracket
• Spare BP-808/BP-809 Battery
• Zeikos 50" Compact Tripod
• .45x Wide & 2.5x Tele Lens
• 43-37mm Step-Down Adapter Ring
• PD-C20 Camera/Camcorder Case
• PD 5pc Compete Cleaning Kit
• PD Flexible Table Mini Tripod
• PD Memory Card Storage Wallet
• LCD Monitor Screen Protectors
All under 500$.
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Mortalis3
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Camcorder Suggestions?
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I bought a new Sony HD HDR-CX150 to record events at my daughter's wedding last last year. It has 16GB internal memory and I have not needed to use the SD card I bought.
I have shot video in standard mode and then same type video in HD mode and frankly cannot stand watching the standard mode video. I only mention this because I was torn between spending the extra $100 - $150 for the HD "Upgrade" but am now very glad I did.
I opened a new BestBuy credit account and got the 18 months no interest and paid it off within the time period. The 18 months allowed me to spread out the payments (obviously, duh!) which made the purchase that much easier to swallow plus I didnt have to skimp on the features that I desired for the sake of budgetary limitations (within reason).
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Finkleheimer
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That Sony is in the same price range that the Canon I picked up last night is. I ended up paying the extra 30$ or so for the viewfinder model (M41). Of the 'prosumer' cameras released in 2011, the Canon M40/41 was scored at the top of those cameras in most areas. From what I understand, this particular camera uses the same sensor that is in Canon's flagship camera, the G10 I believe? and as a result it has outstanding low light results.
I appreciate the help/info you guys provided, it gave me a ballpark of what to look for at the least.
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