I am looking for a digital camcorder. Don't know a whole lot about them. Would like to keep it around $300-$400. Maybe a bit more.

What do you all recommend?

Thanks

 

I can't suggest one, but I'd stay with Canon, Sony or JVC, in this category. You'll want to find the best optical zoom lens, not digital zoom. AS well as Steady Shot (Sony) or Image Stabilization (Canon)

The big choices nowadays are; SD vs HD and internal storage vs memory card. Stay away from tape.

Best thing to do is look at amazon via brand names and read what people have written.

I have two video cameras; one MiniDV and one HD hardrive, I haven't used either really in four years. I use one of them once a year to record Christmas day.

I think mainly because that's because I'd rather use still cameras. Editing video and such is a PITA, to me.

 

I would like to stay with still cameras as well, but with Elliott playing soccer and some of the other things he is in to, I would love to capture some of it on video.

I have an old tape one hence the need for a new one. I would look through Amazon.

 

I regret buying the one I got for my wife...its been used like once or twice in the year we've had it....honestly can't say I'll use it more when the twins are born.

I'd just as easily use my iphone...or like a Flip style camera.

Either way, if you want one...HiDef video is no brainer...and doesnt matter whether you go with a internal HD or SD card...the cost difference for HD model is made up when you buy an equivalent sized SD card. And the HD models can also take SD cards.

But seriously...take a look at something like the Flip Minio or Slide....simple, tiny, HD video and quick.

 

New babies, will be used a lot within first five yrs.


I agree with David, maybe look at one of the newer "camcorders" Flip and such. It'll be easier to carry, and will be formatted already to view.

The iphone or better cellphones have great video IQ.

 

I always hated hooking up my camcorder to my computer, also with memory cards you can control which speeds you d/l'd to your computer with. With faster memory cards you can d/l to your computer much faster than a tethered camera.




Ravi, take a look at the Target ad for this week. Looks like a nice Sony on sale.

 

Also...they hold their value worse than still cameras...new model every year...Tried to sell mine, psssh.

 

Ravi, I bought the Canon Vixia HF200 last year. It's a nice little HD camcorder and gets some use with the baby, but I would recommend a small HD flip cam. Portable, easy to use, and the vid quality is surprisingly good.

 

Flash forward to 2012......

In the market for one....any suggestions?

DSLR does great 1080p video, but it's not always the easiest, and best choice for some events....something a little more ergonomic, and compact is what I need.

I still want as top-notch vid quality as I can get, for 3-4 hundred bucks.

 

2012...iphone. Works, the 4S is 1080...its always with you.

I still completely regret dropping 6-700 bucks on the canon hf200...My wife used it maybe once. I never used it. I basically took the DS card I bought for it and use it in one of my other still cameras now.

Hell, I don't even know where it is...I think its in a closet.

I couldn't even sell the damn thing, it lost its value like a hot rock.

All the vids my wife and I have taken of our kids has been with iPhones. and the 720p iPhone at that 4. Does the job just fine.

Wanna buy a barely used Canon HF200? Dirt cheap. I have the box and all the cables, etc for it. Camera even has the stickers on it still.

 

Lack of a big optical zoom on the iphone makes it unworkable.

Not to mention I'm still rocking a 3Gs.....didn't want to take the 4s plunge....waiting for this falls iphone. 4LTE FTW.

 

I'd take him up of the Canon for "dirt cheap" offer

It's this one

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-VIXIA-Me...owViewpoints=1

 

Make him an offer.

IIRC, Sarlacc hated Canon Camcorders. So if he bought one, it must have been good.

 

I hated their high end "prosumer/pro" line back at that time.

 

Honestly, camcorders are going the way of the Dodo Bird. Digital cameras and smart phones are going to make them extinct very soon, in my opinion. Why not just buy a good digital camera that also shoots video? For $400, you could get a good 1080p digital camera and take good quality photos too.