I cannot decide which camcorder to buy..Need some advice please

[tibasnatch]

I have been messing with camcorders and I dont know which one to keep.

I have used the samsung mx10 flash memory and I was not happy with video quality so that is gone....

Right now I have a JVC everio 30GB HDD camcorder mg155. I just got it so havent done much, transfered 1 video and its alot better then the samsung flash sd it still doesnt look great to me..

I have been doing some reading and they still say MINIDV has the best quality for video...I dont really want to transfer to my computer in "real time" and I love the drag and drop of the HDD camcorder...

I dont have a big budget like 300 MAX...I guess my question is......

Should I stick with this JVC HDD or should I go with a SONY MiniDV camcorder that I can afford like the HC52.


Since I can only afford a budget minidv camcorder is the video quality really gonna be a big difference between the two?>?

I can also buy now a NEW JVC everio MG355 30GB for $275 and those retail for around $500.....should I jump on that?


One very important thing is the optical zoom...I want at least 30+....so I know a 3CCD would be better but they only have 10xoptical zoom and I dont want that at all...


sorry if this is confusing but if u need any more info please ask. and thanks for any help I can get,

[SCDVD]

Camcorder Info is a great site to compare camcorders. They do extensive reviews of each model. I'm sure you will find some useful information there to help with your decision.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

[tibasnatch]

I have been looking up reviews and info for hours upon hours and I still dont know which to get....I basically wanna know how much better video quality on a minidv would be compared to a HDD?? especially since I cannot afford a good minidv (under $250) like the sony HC52

[SCDVD]

It depends on how you want to use your camera. If you plan on doing much editing, Mini DV is a good choice. It is the most editor friendly format to use. HDD cameras usually save the video as MPEG-2. The problem is that MPEG-2 is not editor friendly and you will lose video quality if you re encode.

You need to write down for yourself the key things that are important to you and then look for cameras that best satisfy your key needs. No one else can sort this list for you.

[tibasnatch]

I dont think I am gonna edit at all....I just want good quality with a high optical zoom and easy to transfer to computer quickly.