Camcorder for my upcoming trip.

[Jorge]

Hey all
Im going to Australia this summer for about two weeks, and Im looking into purchasing a good camcorder to replace my Archos av300 with camera attachment. Ive looked into two companies which are Panasonic, and Canon please feel free to add any suggested models. Now Ive read a bit about each one and am familiar with some of them. My question is "Which one is the I should purchase?" Now, I know Im the only one that can answer that, but I would like some feedback from the users about each camera, like Pro's and Con's, quality wise as far as video and durability of each camera, and the cameras battery life. Anything that you might know please tell me. The camcorder models are as followed.

Canon GL2



Canon Optura XI Mini DV Camcorder



Panasonic AG-DVC30 3-CCD Camcorder



Panasonic PV-GS400 3-CCD



So far Im kind of leaning towards the Canon camcorders, although Panasonic I have never had any problems with their products well tv's and dvd home theaters which I have owned.

[edDV]

It depends how serious you are about high end features, how much extra luggage space + daily carrying weight you can handle and of course how much you want to spend.

Before leaving on a trip I need to decide whether to take my serious camera (PD-150 + accessories in a full case) or just a small MiniDV model + charger.

Most times I take the latter or just a smaller digital still camera. For a recent trip to Yellowstone National Park I took the full case and a 30lb. Bogen tripod.

Another rule of thumb; big camcorders need numerous big heavy batteries.

[aanaravs]

Larger video cameras are going to be much more difficult to cary while on vacation. You are going on a vacation, so enjoy. (learned that the hard way)
You will also have to baby sit your equipment in certain situations and you will miss out on a couple of things. I suggest getting something from the Canon ZR line, since they are pretty small, cheap BUT have a decent quality. If you want more DV camera info, check out dvinfo.net and camcorderinfo.com. Those sites know their cameras!

[daamon]

Hi Jorge,

Follow this process:

1) Sit down and think hard about your requirements. Write them down.

2) Prioritise them: What is essential, what is handy to have, what is a nice to have, what is unimportant or considered a gimmick...?

3) Check out reviews at www.camcorderinfo.com, get feedback from people who know / use the camcorder(s).

4) Score each camcorder against your requirements. Maybe consider wieghting the scores: i.e. something that meets a top requirement scores 3, meets a "would be useful" scores 2, meets a "nice to have, but can do without" scores one, and "gimmick" scores 0.

5) Pick the camcorder that gets the highest score...


I use a Canon XM2 (GL2 in NTSC-land) - my only criticism is that the exposure / iris control isn't manual and so doesn't allow for subtle changes - the control is a specific, discreet setting and so "jumps" between them. This negates using the exposure control in any kind of "effects" during shooting. That said, this is a minor limitation.

Good luck...

P.S. Although I've been in Oz for just over a year, and haven't ventured a great deal outside of Melbourne I'd be happy to share any insights I've gained...

[edDV]

Another issue, either register your new camcorder with customs before you leave or take a copy of proof of purchase in the USA. Otherwise you may have to post duty bond when you return.

Registration also helps when travelling in some countries where they may suspect you of smuggling in expensive new camera equipment.

[W_Eagle]

I join the recommendations on a small, lightweight Camcorder for travelling.
I own a Panasonic GS400 which serves all my needs and requirements, both at home and traveling. I'm quite experienced and picky as of video quality. Of course, both the Canon GL2 and the Panasonic DVC30 give somewhat better results. Due to size and weight, even visiting family nearby, I chose the GS400. I'd go a level up should I need to shoot commercially.

[Jorge]

Well to be quite honest I dont want a huge camera, that will look kind of funny on my trip but I do want one with a 3-ccd chip which will offer better color and video quality. I kind of want one for semi-pro video production, and I have heard much about Canon, but at the same time I dont want to spend more than 1300.00 at the time, now I know I can find a good online store that sells them new at prices lower than that, so that really isnt much of a problem. Now I dont want to start a "Gl2 vs Optura Xi" thread but as far as the camera performs, which would be the best choice for travel and video production.

Thank you all for you posts, this is helping me out alot, I really appreciate it.

P.S. daamon how is it over their in Australia, Ive heard lots about the beaches, but what about the rest as far as theme parks or Zoo's and museums. To be honest with you, Im basically going because of my sister that wants to study at Hillsong college, so we'll be their for about two weeks. Thanks for your reply.

[edDV]

3CCD and $1300.00max leaves you one choice, the PV-GS400 + extra batteries + light + travel tripod.

[Jorge]

well dont go too fast edDV I actually found a canon gl2 for $1,119.00 without the extra bells and whistles, tripod, light etc.. Brand new of course.

Is the gl2 considered a travel cam? Its about 2lbs I assume.
Is it the same size as the gl1? because my friends at church has it.

[daamon]

Is the gl2 considered a travel cam? Its about 2lbs I assume. Is it the same size as the gl1? because my friends at church has it.

Check the specifications out here.

I have an XM2 (the PAL version of the GL2), and I wouldn't say it was suitable as a travel cam - it's just that bit too big, and too precious, to be lugged around "open hand". You're best trying to get to see one in a shop, handle it etc. and decide for yourself.

And that's just the cam itself - there's additional batteries, tripod (if you're gonna take one), either or both of detachable mic / light source.

I'll PM you about Aus...

[Paul W. H]

Think also about the weight of your kit and if it will cost you extra for your flight if you are OTT.

I have a Panasonic GS 400 (PAL) and highly recommend it.

Paul W H.

[Jorge]

Well honestly, after I purchase a camera like that, I wont be buying any accessories for a while until I gather up some more dough. Now as far as starting out with the gl2, does the battery relatively last long for a days worth of filming different places? The case that comes with the gl2, is it big and bulky, and comfy to lug around the different sites?

Paul let me ask you, is the Panasonic similiar or the same as the Canon Optura XI Mini DV Camcorder. Because they look the same, well almost.

[daamon]

Now as far as starting out with the gl2, does the battery relatively last long for a days worth of filming different places?

From the link I gave above, the battery you get is detailed in the "What's in the box" link as a BP-915. This page, also accesible from the same link, details the BP-915 battery's performance

The case that comes with the gl2, is it big and bulky, and comfy to lug around the different sites?

My XM2 came in a box with no case. The GL2 may be different - look in the "What's in the box" link I mentioned above.

[Jorge]

Opps sorry daamon didnt see it, it says it will last 65 minutes using the view finder, and 60 minutes with the color Lcd. I guess a battery upgrade would be a good idea.
It seems to be just like your XM2 daamon, the gl2 doesnt come with one . Ohh well guess I'll have to look into that as well.

What came to mind is the laptop Im getting. Im purchasing a laptop from www.hybridgear.net Im getting the Evo X with the following configuration.

INTEL PENTIUM 4 LGA 775 @ 3.4Ghz, 2MB L2 CACHE, 64 Bit Support

1024MB HIGH SPEED 533MHz DDR2 MEMORY

Two 100gb 5400 hardrives Raid 0

1st Optical drive=HIGH SPEED CD-RW / DVD COMBO DRIVE

Second optical drive= 8X +/- DUAL LAYER DVD-RW / CD-RW / DVD-ROM COMBO DRIVE

802.11G + Bluetooth Internal Wirless Combo

Microsoft Media Center Edition Compatilble TV Tuner + Remote

Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition

nVIDIA Geforce GO 6800 ULTRA PCI-EXPRESS Upgradeable 16X 256MB DDR3

Now will the laptops harddrive stand up the gl2's firewire port. Ive heard of lagging when copying the movie from the camcorder to the computer. Will this be the case or will I have to change my configuration from the 5400rpm hardrive to a 7200 to decrease the chances of lagging??

Thanks for the help daamon and all of you for the help, I really appreciate all of this.
Ohh, I got your pm daamon, thanks a million for all that info you sent me, I will have to look into all that.

[MJA]

Optura 60 is one of the best mini DV cams for travelling.I got mine from onecall.com few months ago
FireWire,USB,,,

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-Optura-60-Camcorder-Review.htm

[slacker]

Jorge,

Are you sure that laptop isn't going to burn out on you encoding video and whatever else? What are you going to cool it with? And don't tell me you won't need cooling! Been there! Done that!

[edDV]

The Canon Optura 60 is a single CCD camcorder although a large single CCD.
I would compare it to the 3CCD PV-GS400 and may the winner take all.

A GL2 for $1,119.00 is a bit too good a price. Make sure this is real.

The GL2 is a very good prosumer camcorder but to work that way you are going to need multiple batteries and be willing to carry the thing. A second charger for the car is a highly desirable, but bulky accessory.

Big cameras are all about being a slave to batteries. Small camcorders will make it through the day on one BIG battery.

[edDV]

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-Optura-60-Camcorder-Review.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-PV-GS400-Camcorder-Review.htm

[jimmalenko]

P.S. Although I've been in Oz for just over a year, and haven't ventured a great deal outside of Melbourne I'd be happy to share any insights I've gained...

... how's about sharing some pics from your torrid sex cruise to The Grampians not so long ago ...

[MJA]

The optura 60 cost $639.94!
Panasonic PVGS400 $1187.04 (onecall.com)

I think the Optura is still a better deal

[edDV]

3CCD is a big advantage if picture quality is the goal. Panasonic also has the GS-250 near that price.
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-PV-GS250-Camcorder-Review.htm

[Jorge]

Well yes, thats the kind of camera Im aiming at right now, I want one with the 3CCD chip for the better color quality.

This is the Archos AV300 with camera attachment, my current camcorder/ 3.2 Megapixel Camera.

[ozymango]

Larger video cameras are going to be much more difficult to cary while on vacation. You are going on a vacation, so enjoy. (learned that the hard way)

I really have to strongly second this -- if you haven't tried lugging around various cameras for X number of days or weeks, I strongly recommend that you do some tests (locally), if at all possible, with a camera or similar device of the same approx. size/weight and see how it feels to you.

You mention that you previously used an Archos AV300 and while I'm not directly familar with it, I believe it's relatively compact? If you have certain technical requirements and/or you're going there for the express purpose of doing a video shoot, of course that takes priority but I've travelled to several countries over the last few years and I always bring my video camera and I always end up using it for just about a day. Same with my old 35mm film camera. It's not that heavy, but over time you can find that it takes a lot more out of you than you might expect. Some of it's physical, some mental (gotta get that shot!) but I've found it a big enough issue to give some thought (and trial!) to.

That being said, one of the fun things I've been doing lately is taking a video or digital still camera with me around my own home town and trying to see things as a "tourist," something to share with friends, and it can be a very interesting experience.

[Jorge]

Well, last night I was finally able to test out the Canon GL1 not the GL2, at my church from one of the TV workers, and let me say "WOW" what a beautiful camcorder, comfy and easy to hold a firm grip on it. Now I did notice the weight and the size of this thing, kind of heavy and Large to be walking around with the whole day. Now I did love the many options of the camera, seems very easy to navigate. Now the Focus ring, it seems as though its not multi functional like the Panasonic PV-GS400 3-CCD which controls focus, zoom, etc... Not sure if the GL2 solved this, but kind of what Im looking for in a camcorder, I really enjoy that function seems very pro. I can honestly say the GL2 Is a great camera for its class but, Im starting to see that its not a camera for the traveling type person. The only thing missing is that I go and test the panasonic for final comparison. Im kind of guessing that the Panasonic is going to win in size and weight, because it does look quite smaller than the GL2 but, we'll have to see until I find a local Camera store to do that final comparison.

This is where I found the GL2 for that low price.

http://store.yahoo.com/royalcamera/cangl2digcam.html

And this is where I found the Panasonic Pv-GS400 3CCD

http://www.zoommania.com/pvgs400.html#includeditem

[junkmalle]

The GL2 price probably isn't real:

http://macworld.pricegrabber.com/rating_getreview.php/retid=257

[Jorge]

I guess if all the people are complaining about these guys, it wouldnt be such a good idea to spend such an amount of money. Well guess I'll look somewhere else.

[ozymango]

Im kind of guessing that the Panasonic is going to win in size and weight, because it does look quite smaller than the GL2 but, we'll have to see until I find a local Camera store to do that final comparison.

And of course what'll happen is that you'll discover that you need both camcorders, the larger one for those critical "pro" shots and the lighter one for those "on-the-go" moments.

Now, can you figure out a way to justify the $$ to the wife, that's my problem!

[Jorge]

Thats exactly right ozy, $$ is the issue as of now, and I really dont want two cameras to honest be with you. Oh by the way, Im not married, only 19, hehehe no girl in my life right now .

[edDV]

You can rent the fancy cam, mics and lighting equipment when you need to do the special shoot.

[Jorge]

Well let me say this, and again I dont want to start a Camera 1 VS Camera 2 kind of thread, but let me have an honest opinion on these two cameras. The canon gl2 while semi pro, heavy and bulky, compared to the panasonic pv-gs400 more travel type while kind of prosumer. Which of the two provide proffesional grade video or near proffesional grade. Ive read in many forums that that they both basically offer the same output, in video quality. Now I believe the ccd sensors on the canon are larger or a tiny bit smaller than the panasonic, while I dont know if that really affects the quality dramatically.

Oh I think this is it.

Canon GL2= CCD sensor 1/4"
Panasonic PV-GS400= CCD sensor 1/4.7"