DegoRed Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 So my good old Sony DCR-TRV19 MiniDV cam is on it's last leg, and I'm looking into buying a new camcorder before the midwest trip. I've done a ton of research on these models but wanted to see what anyone else who shoots theme park videos might reccomend. Here's the order I'm looking at First choice - Sony DCR-HC48 ($400) Pros - 1 MP CCD, 25X Optical Zoom, Still Shot Capture, 16:9 recording with widescreen lcd Cons - Poor low light performance Second choice - Panasonic PV-GS320 ($500) Pros - 2 MP 3CCD, decent low light performance, still shot capture, optical image stabilatization, 16:9 recording with widescreen lcd Cons - pricey, questionable build quality, only 10X opitcal zoom Third choice - Sony DCR-HC38 ($330) Pros - 40X optical zoom Cons - poor low light performance, only 680K pixel sensor, no still shot could also go with the DCR HC28 which is identical it just drops the optical zoom down to 25X At first I was also considering the Canon ZR850 but it lacks the ability of adding filters and lens adapters so if i can't use a wide angle les on it, that rules that cam out entirely Here are the specs of my current camcorder Sony DCR-TRV19 from 2003 680K sensor 10X optical zoom I've been pretty happy with the video I've gotten from this thing over the years, though it never really shot well in low light. So not sure how much I want to invest in this, and if the video quality I get is gonna be worth the difference. Any suggestions which of those to go with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doublex98 Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 Id go with the Sony DCR-HC48 because really the only downfall is low-light performance...so just dont record when its dark. or ..turn nightshot on. Maxx "happy to help" W. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DegoRed Posted June 29, 2007 Author Share Posted June 29, 2007 here's actually what's wrong with my TRV-19.... it seems recently that the exposure is always cranked up real high and I've tried setting the level in the camera lower but it doesn't make much of a difference. Here are a couple screen grabs from a uncompressed DV video file to demonstrate that. I also had a chance today to get a hands on feel for both the Sony and Panasonic, and I absolutely love the OIS on the Panasonic, that alone is making me want to go that route, i also looked into possibly going with the GS80 instead of the 320 just cause I'm not sure I want to spend that much on the 320, and I can get a 32X optical zoom on the GS80 and still get the awesome OIS vs Sony's digital stabilization Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceace12 Posted June 29, 2007 Share Posted June 29, 2007 I am not trying to hijack this thread, but I am also looking for a new camera and no one seems to be helping (see thread about robb what camera you have). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freefallbestrideever Posted June 29, 2007 Share Posted June 29, 2007 All i have to say is.....HD, don't waste your money on anything else................ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyrant Posted June 30, 2007 Share Posted June 30, 2007 I have been using a cheaper Canon Elura 100 for the past few months (around $350 I believe). And I have been blown away by its quality. The low-light leaves more to be desiered, but that is going to be a persistant problem in any low-end camcorder. However for the price I cannot complain at all as the image quality is outstanding. You can check out some of my videos in the Amatuer Videographer forum to see some examples of the quality. As for HD, at this point I wouldn't bother if you are planning on doing web-videos, but if you want something to really enjoy at home, or for much higher production values, then I guess if you want to fork over the price, go for it. At this point my miniDV still shoots at 720x480 and looks beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceace12 Posted July 14, 2007 Share Posted July 14, 2007 All i have to say is.....HD, don't waste your money on anything else................ I just got this. http://camcorder.jvc.com/gseries/130.asp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParkTrips Posted July 14, 2007 Share Posted July 14, 2007 I am sure they meant High Definition as opposed to Hard Disc, and (IMO) Mini DV > Hard Disc anyways... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texashorns82492 Posted July 15, 2007 Share Posted July 15, 2007 I, too, am looking for a camcorder. Anything under about $350. I don't need a fancy HD camera, just something basic with good battery life. Any help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceace12 Posted July 15, 2007 Share Posted July 15, 2007 I was going to buy a canon zr850. It has a microphone input and it is minidv. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
major bummer Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 Buy a Canon Elura 100. $ 350ish Compatible with helmet cams A.K.A(lipstick cam.) The Elura was my first DV camera and has been the best out of my two camera's I also have a Cannon GL I am the head camera man for Valencia High Schools morning TV show, and the entire VTV department uses Canon camera's. buy a Canon for a durable camera that will go every were and do anything. Link on VTV http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valencia_High_School_%28Santa_Clarita%2C_California%29 Video with Elura 100(Quality bad because of youtube) Canon GL Canon Elura 100 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chmilo24 Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 Since someone finally started this thread, where can I get a lipstick camera like Robb's? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
major bummer Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 My helmet cam is from this site http://www.viosport.com/ (these camera's are a little expensive, but they last) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefitness Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 Anyone have any experience with theflip? It’s inexpensive and looks like a fun little camcorder to bring to parks. http://www.theflip.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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