Looking for suggestions on a used camcorder

[matthewjohn23]

I currently have a Canon ZR800 that uses MiniDV tapes. I would like to pick up an HD camcorder that doesn't record to tapes and is a couple years old so I can find a used one.

[jamespoo]

do not get sony

[matthewjohn23]

My thinking was a used Canon that still uses MiniDV tapes.

[handyguy]

Why not just get a digital camera? Take wonderful vids.

[dustie]

A year ago I purchased a refurbished Panasonic HDC-SD90 for 300.00 on Amazon.... It's been a workhorse for me in the last year, going with me everywhere. Good HD video, records to SD cards nicely, sound is good, with onboard light on close night shots are good, but otherwise, it is noisy in low light situations, but that's not been a big problem for me.

I'm now researching professional camcorders because I'd love to have a viewfinder, since my eye site is not the best and seeing LCD screens outside is a challenge for folks with good eyes. Most my taping is from a small boat and handheld, so I'm thinking a viewfinder would also allow me better stabilization.

Otherwise, I'd keep videoing with my little Panasonic. I'm thinking I'll still be using it even if I get a new model, since I can't find another model which has the amazing 40x zoom and there are times I'm not going to be able to do without that zoom. I'm just too spoiled. Fortunately my Panasonic is small enough it will be easy enough to slip into the camera bag with the new camera if I get one.

[MJA]

I currently have a Canon ZR800 that uses MiniDV tapes. I would like to pick up an HD camcorder that doesn't record to tapes and is a couple years old so I can find a used one.

check amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-HC-V500M-Camcorder-Internal-Memory/dp/B0072B5COY/ref=pd_cp_p_3

[dustie]

If I were buying my first write to SD card camcorder, it would be just what I have... the Panasonic because of it's powerful 40x Zoom! Here's the link to it on Amazon. I'd rather have this one refurbished for the 369.00 then a less expensive camcorder without the 40x zoom.

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-HDC-SD90K-Compatible-Memory-Camcorder/dp/B004I43MJ0/re...sonic+hdc-sd90

[matthewjohn23]

The thing I like about the miniDV tapes is that you have a physical backup. Granted I'm sure you could keep a box full of SD cards for storage, but that could get expensive.

[isapc]

Canon ZR800 and the words Land fill go together.You could use it in a crossword

[brunerww]

The thing I like about the miniDV tapes is that you have a physical backup. Granted I'm sure you could keep a box full of SD cards for storage, but that could get expensive.

Hi matthewjohn23 - that was true a few years ago but cards are cheap now. I do keep boxes of them for backup. You can record 3 hours of 1080p 24mbps high def video (or 12 hours of LP standard def) on a $21 32GB card.

If you like Canon camcorders, you can get a brand new Canon HF M500 with mic and headphone jacks with full manufacturer's warranty for $349. Here is what it can do (please watch YouTube clip in 1080p):







Hope this is helpful and best of the holidays,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution