New Camcorder purchase

[SaxMarc]

So, I've been reading a lot and trying to decide about a new camcorder. If you were going to buy a new camcorder within the next few months, no particular hurry, what would you get and why? I'm looking for probably a pro-sumer model, shoulder mount, with good audio capabilities. Of course, video quality is very important as well. Also, I don't think I can justify more than $2500 at the most. So, what do you think-mini DV, hard drive, HD or not...which brand,what would be the best bang for the buck? I'll most likely be editing with PrEl 4 if that makes a difference. Thank you very much for your thoughts.

[Steve Grisetti]

MiniDV, absolutely -- particularly if you intend to edit on your computer.

Beyond that, it's a matter of personal priority. A nice camcorder can be had for less than $400. A very nice 3CCD one for under $700. And, of course, that prosumer beauty you're looking at (in the category of a Canon GL?) for around $2,000.

I wrote a list of features to look for in a camcorder but, at the level you're looking, you'll likely have them all.
http://videoinasnap.chuckengels.com/sou ... _12-05.htm

So just try a few on for size. A Canon, a Sony and a Panasonic would all be good choices. But see what fits you best.

It really is next to impossible to make a wrong choice at that level so, as when you shop for a car, find the one that you feel most like driving!

[Don Whitten]

I am shooting with the Sony VX-2100 and love it. The canon model that Steve mentioned is also a nice dv camcorder. You might also want to consider the high def cams that are out now. I have my eye on a couple but they are in a slightly higher price bracket.

[jackfalbey]

MiniDV tape will give you the best quality and easiest editing for both SD and HD video, no doubt about it.

For the best audio results, make sure it has XLR inputs so you can use professional mics.

Shoulder-mount ability may limit your choices as a lot of great camcorders in that price range are handheld... you can get an attachment from B&H that will let you use a handheld as a shoulder-mount for $44.95 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/9 ... _Rest.html so I wouldn't let that affect your decision.

Check out reviews of models you're interested in at http://www.camcorderinfo.com... they are very thorough in their review process. Take your time; there are a ton of good choices at $2500 or less, and more coming out every month.

When you're ready to buy, look at B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com). They have probably the best legitimate prices on the internet, and great customer service as well. Just be careful of deals that seem too good to be true, because there are a lot of scams out there masquerading as good deals.

For my business I use the Sony PD170 ($2499 at B&H), which is the pro version of Don's VX2100 and I am very happy with it. The video looks great, the audio sounds great, it comes with a shotgun mic and a wide-angle lens attachment included, and with the NP-F970 battery (optional) it runs 8+ hours with the LCD open!

[SaxMarc]

Thank you Steve, Don and Jack. I really appreciate the information. Do you think now is the time to buy HD, or better to get the better prices on the SD units?

Thanks!

Marc

[Ken Jarstad]

Do you or your intended audience have HDTVs, or will you/they have them relatively soon? You could shoot in HD and downconvert for editing in the meantime.

[SaxMarc]

Ken:
Good point-I should have mentioned my intended audience. I'm looking at doing a variety of video projects from music videos, to weddings, special occasions, etc. Some would probably be put on-line, and others would be distributed via DVD to folks who were involved in the event. Also perhaps some commercial type instructional and educational projects.

Marc

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Unless you plan to purchase another camera in a couple of years time it may be nore sensible to buy an HD camera now and use the downconvert function as suggested by Ken. That is what I do as not many (in fact none to date) of my customers specify HD as their first choice.