HD 1080p for good price ?

[PowerFalcon]

I want to buy a 1080p HD Video Camera / Camera is there any, that can be recommend that is under $300 preferable under $200 ? I'm not too concerned with audio if I would have to sacrifice audio for good video quality or recording.

[edDV]

There are three popular 1080p frame rates.

23.976p film rate
29.97p aka "AVCHD Lite" popular for digital cameras.
59.94p for high motion detail.

The first two will be jerky for motion requiring a tripod.

59.94p camcorders are a bit more expensive but can be found under $400 refurb.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-HDC-TM90-Camcorder-Review.htm
also look at the SD90
http://panasonic.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/17648-49978/Panasonic-Digital-Camcorders.h...FY4FRQod-nld7Q

$400 will get you 60i/30p
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-HDC-TM90-Camcorder-Review.htm

[PowerFalcon]

The Panasonic is quite impressive. Are there any other to choose from as good as the Panasonic ? I'd like to buy new. What about all these video cameras that are under $120 are they even worth while ?

[dragonkeeper]

What about all these video cameras that are under $120 are they even worth while ?

Not if your looking for good quality. My wife came home with one of the lower end Sony units a few years ago (was on clearance somewhere) no matter what i do the pictures are grainy and edges seemed blurred. This was a $300 unit from Sony, so i wouldn't expect much for $120.

[PowerFalcon]

I'll have to search to find the panasonic. I couldn't find any that were new What do you think of this Polaroid ?

[yoda313]

I'll chime in support for the kodak playsport series - that is if they are still making them. My family has the older zi8 series that does 1080p.

For a quick and dirty youtube ready camera this certainly does the trick. I think it was originally about 120.00. The newest model if they still make them will be in that range. It uses sdhc memory cards.

FYI its not too feature packed so if you are more than just a hobbyist and want real features and performance than bloggie cams aren't what you should look for.

But if you just want something to play around with and take on vacation without worrying about damaging or risking a really pricey camera than this form factor will work well.

Again though if this is for a more prosumer application for real production value than look elsewhere. But you will also most likely need to look higher than 300.00 if you want all the bells and whistles.

[PowerFalcon]

What can I get for $500 at max ?

[PowerFalcon]

Is there anything I can get for $400-$500, that can do excellent quality 1080p video ?

[edDV]

Is there anything I can get for $400-$500, that can do excellent quality 1080p video ?

Shop carefully for a HDC-TM90
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-HDC-TM90-Camcorder-Review.htm

[zanos]

I recently bought a new $300 HD cam for about $100, but I got kind of lucky. There are plenty of samsung and jvc hd camcorders in your price range, just shop around.

[dragonkeeper]

Is there anything I can get for $400-$500, that can do excellent quality 1080p video ?

If you can find a sale on last years model or buy used then defiantly yes. Cannon and Panasonic both have offerings just under $500 that on paper look like solid performers (Panasonic HV-V700M $485 or Canon HF-R32 @ $499) . But as of yet i have not been able to find any trustworthy reviews.
But as edDV pointed out the even though the HDC-TM90 is last years model it is a solid performer and can be had for around $450.

[PowerFalcon]

Thank You, without the need for me to buy a digital SLR is my focus. Just out of courosity are there any digital SLR that are under $500 that can do an exceptional job at recording 1080p video ? If not the canon looks like what I'd aim for.

[aedipuss]

the canon 3ti/60d/7d take excellent video if you can put up with the limitations of all canon dslr cameras. most annoying is the file size limitation that cuts off recording at 12 minutes. also the fact that they tend to overheat and shut off at random times.

the 3ti is around 500.

[PowerFalcon]

I don't like that the camera shuts off after 12 minutes and that it over heats. My main goal is to record 1080p HD video that when viewed is clear and crisp for further editing and rotoscoping, and at times be able to take high quality 8 MP or better still shots, all for around $500. I won't be using it all the time, therefore I don't want to spend alot of cash.

[aedipuss]

i shoot mostly short scene music and use canon dslrs as secondary cams. can't beat the image quality with good lenses. but they are expensive.

i was considering adding this videocam to the mix for handheld shots. good reviews, 1080p60, and a hard drive thrown in.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/749832-REG/Panasonic_HDC_HS900K_HDC_HS900_High_D...tion_3MOS.html

[PowerFalcon]

A little more then I'd like to pay. I need to make a decision very, very soon.