Choosing a new camcorder is not so easy

[aguinsburg]

Ok, this is my problem: I was in love with Sony TRV22. Old model, so good price. After reading review in http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/sony_dcr-trv22_camcorder_review.htm it seems that this camera doesn´t fits to me, specially because all the controls are located in LCD and no hard buttons are available. I use manual controls all the time.

I start to look again but... too many choices out there!
So I need some advice.

What is important to me:
1) miniDV
2) FireWire
3) Pass through
4) Manual controls

What models do you suggest (price near TRV22 or TRV33)???

Thanks in advance. I´m really lost!!!

[holistic]

Canon's ZR series camcorders.

http://www.canondv.com/zr03/

[tag]

What is important to me:
1) miniDV
2) FireWire
3) Pass through
4) Manual controls

What about low-light performance?

If you don't care about low-light performance and you can manage another couple hundred (more or less), my suggestion would be to look at the Panasonic GS120. This was mentioned in another thread and it's a great value for under $700, IMHO. Everything you want plus 3CCDs.

[tag]

Just separately, I'll add that I own a TRV22 and bought it primarily for its low-light performance. I haven't been disappointed and have even grown accustomed to the touchscreen.

However, if I didn't care about low-light, I think I'd be all over that GS120.

[aguinsburg]

Everything you want plus 3CCDs.

What is the difference having 3 CCDs? And in case I care about low light performance what do you suggest?

Thanks

[tag]

Usually, better color reproduction and definition. The caveat to this is there have been some reports to the effect that the difference is not readily apparent until viewed on an HDTV (where they blow away one-chip camcorders).

[MikeV]

Check out the Samsung SC-D107. It's single CCd, built in light, and night pix(0lux). All for around $399

[tag]

Check out the Samsung SC-D107. It's single CCd, built in light, and night pix(0lux). All for around $399

aguinsburg mentioned "pass-through" as one of the important features. Does the D107 have it? Typically, A-->D conversion with pass-through is one of those features missing from the lower priced camcorders (e.g. the TRV22/HC30 both have it while the TRV19/HC20 don't).

[MikeV]

tag

From what I read about the SC-D107 it has A/V in and out. Have not gotten hold of a manual to verify if it is pass thru or not. Maybe someone that has one can answer your question. I needed a camcorder right away for a trip to Korea and opted for the SC-D103.

[aguinsburg]

As far as I know, video-in doesn´t mean pass-through. This feature allows you to capture video from analog source in DV format into the computer via iLink using the camcorder. Otherwise, with video-in you can tape into miniDV your footage and then transfer to PC.

In the other hand, I have to add some features to my camcorder:
- Still capture at least 1 MP
- Low light performance (0 lux)
- Price under $550

Is this too much?

[tag]

Is this too much?

I don't know for certain but I think you're going to have a tough time finding a camcorder under $550 with MP stills, A/D conversion w/pass-through, and some iteration of NightShot, MagicPix, etc.

Of course, the TRV33 has all that stuff and can be had for well under $550 but, of course, you don't want the touchscreen.

[aguinsburg]

I have other options in mind, all around $550:
1) Elura 60
Not sure if this camcorder has pass-through. As far as I know, bad low light performance
2) Optura 20
Not sure if this camcorder has pass-through
3) JVC 500 or 800
I can not find this camera. Only in JVC site.

Some suggestions?

[tag]

The 60 and the 20 have pass-through, AFAIK. Not sure about the JVC models.