A bit O.T : which brand to choose if I change camcorder ?

sirbellog wrote on 5/11/2003, 9:37 AM
Due to a problem on my Canon (the LCD no longer switches off when I close it...) and the disastrous reputation of Canon's customer services in France where I live, I consider the purchase of a "new" camcorder (mine was only 3 years old !).
I'm looking for something in the "home/hobbyist" range (something somewhere in between € uh, $ 750-1250...), with a correct (800.000 pixels) definition, with as much optical zoom as possible in this price range, BUT, above ALL, I'd want something reliable in the long run (which Canon does not seem to be, my problem occuring after less than 40 hours of shooting) , and, OF COURSE proved to get along with Vegas well , for capture and printing.
So, perhaps you won't give me a specific target, but at least which brands you think are the most in that line (reliability + compatiblity with Vegas + unbeatable ratio price/specifications)
Thanks for your thoughts.

Comments

SonyDennis wrote on 5/12/2003, 4:54 PM
I've been in the market for a similarly spec'ed camera myself. I had been looking at the TRV33, but now I'm intrigued by the recently announced Sony PC105. I guess it's out in June, for about $1000.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/sony-replaces-dcr-pc101-with-dcr-pc105-05_06_03.htm

///d@

This is a personal posting and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of my present or future employer <g>
Bear wrote on 5/12/2003, 5:33 PM
I use a Sony Digital 8 and love it. The trv series are pretty much bulletproof I have the low end trv 120 and have run the hell out of it for years and have no problems. Can't say enough good aobut them.
PDB wrote on 5/12/2003, 5:38 PM
You had me laughing seriously there!!! not only great looking after your customers, but a great sense of humour too!!! Congratulations!

Paul.
peter-sieben wrote on 5/12/2003, 5:43 PM
I use a Sony TRV-30 (PAL, miniDV) and love the camcorder. For a 1 CCD device it has a great videoquality. Interesting is also the slow shutter effect: when this effect is set to it's mildest value, you get some kind of filmlook footage.
Sony doesn't has a great service as far as I have read about it. But compared to i.e. JVC consumer camcorders, Sony produces longer lasting quality devices. (No, I don't work for Sony).
BTW, interesting article about the new Sony 105 camcorder, especially the enhanced widescreen option.
24Peter wrote on 5/12/2003, 6:40 PM
Panasonic PV-DV 953. 3 chip CCD, 3 megapixel stills around $1250.
PDB wrote on 5/13/2003, 3:34 AM
I have been eyeing the pana DV 953 3CCD cam...anywhere I can get reviews about it? is the quality upto the bigger brother 3ccd cams?

Thanks,

Paul.
24Peter wrote on 5/13/2003, 10:45 AM
The camera just came out. I'm not aware of any reviews yet. There is alot of chatter about the camera (and it's japanese progeny) on the DV.com forums. I shoot with the new DVX 100 but have been considering the 953 as a second camera/DV deck.
jopereira wrote on 5/13/2003, 11:02 AM
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/panasonic_pvdv953_fi_camcorder_review.htm

JP