Which Camcorder to buy

[tgm4883]

I am looking at a couple different camcorders and would like some help deciding on which one to buy. The three that I am looking at are.
1. Sony hdr-fx1
2. Panasonic dvc-30
3. Panasonic AG-HVX200 (Coming out soon)

The sony captures in high def, but I am wondering if that is even worth it since I am not a professional camera man and wouldn't want to dive into issues such as needing lighting guages, etc. Since I would be using this mainly for video's of my subdivision's and for home movies, would the Sony be the best, or would I be better off with the dvc-30 (which is almost $1400 cheaper). Or would it make such a huge difference that I absolutly, positively need to wait for the AG-HVX200 (which is supposed to cost about $3000 more than the sony)

I do have a high def TV, and most viewing would be on this. But since my business work would be shown on a non HD TV I would need to convert this to the DVD standard to be shown on a standalone DVD player.

Rereading this last paragragh got me thinking. If I got the HD camcorder, what besides my computer could I view this HD on? I dont have a HD dvd player.

Any suggestions?

[Sillyname]

JVC GY-HD100U

[daamon]

Check out www.camcorderinfo.com - Articles, reviews and opinions in the forums.

Enjoy your new cam when you get it!

[SpectateSwamp]

Without a doubt the remote control is the most important Feature on any Camcorder.

I use it nearly 100% of the time to Start and Stop recording. Otherwise you get the jigglies at the beginning and end of each video caused by hitting the Record button.

[zoobie]

a tripod is practically necessary for HD...consumers want to stick the cam in their top pocket and expect pro results...but that's not happening...

[SpectateSwamp]

To eliminate the Jigglies there are a number of options:

A The manufacturers could add a "No Jiggles" option whereby the user could select how long after the record button was hit to start recording. ie 1/3 second. And how long before the "stop record" was struck to terminate the video. I would set this to 3 seconds before. Using it to eliminate any XXX rated comments or scenes that way.

B Use the remote control to start and stop video so the jigglies are elimintated. This does nothing for the XXX ratings at the end of the video but is a 2nd best solution.

C Use Swamp video software to play your video. Have it start play 1/3 of a second into the video and stop play 1/3 second before the end. Jigglies are gone for you but are still there if you send them to the net.

D Edit out the beginning and end of each video you do. The jigglies are there.

The beginning and end of videos are extremely important on the net. When shown some sites leave up the final frame of the video where others revert to the beginning and show that frame. So make sure you try and frame something nice at the beginning and end of your videos and not some blurry movements.

[edDV]

I am looking at a couple different camcorders and would like some help deciding on which one to buy. The three that I am looking at are.
1. Sony hdr-fx1
2. Panasonic dvc-30
3. Panasonic AG-HVX200 (Coming out soon)

The sony captures in high def, but I am wondering if that is even worth it since I am not a professional camera man and wouldn't want to dive into issues such as needing lighting guages, etc. Since I would be using this mainly for video's of my subdivision's and for home movies, would the Sony be the best, or would I be better off with the dvc-30 (which is almost $1400 cheaper). Or would it make such a huge difference that I absolutly, positively need to wait for the AG-HVX200 (which is supposed to cost about $3000 more than the sony)

I do have a high def TV, and most viewing would be on this. But since my business work would be shown on a non HD TV I would need to convert this to the DVD standard to be shown on a standalone DVD player.

Rereading this last paragragh got me thinking. If I got the HD camcorder, what besides my computer could I view this HD on? I dont have a HD dvd player.

Any suggestions?

If you know your output is is going to be DVD, you will save a lot of effort shooting and editing at standard DVD resolution. For this classic MiniDV camcorders are ideal and are well supported with software. The AG-DVC30 is at the high end of the MiniDV range and is optimized for pro microphones. As alternate consider a Canon Z series that shoots native 16:9.

If you want to edit to DVD now but want an HD camera master for the future, HDV format is a good choice (e.g. Canon HV-20/30/40 or the Sony FX1 or V1). These shoot HD but can output transfer HDV or DV (standard def) format over IEEE-1394 (Firewire).

The Panasonic AG-HVX200 is overkill for your needs.

[poisondeathray]

edDV - this was a thread necro. I doubt the OP is paying attention 6 years later

[edDV]

edDV - this was a thread necro. I doubt the OP is paying attention 6 years later

oops