camcorder shopping help: thoughts on this?

jaydeeee wrote on 5/26/2006, 2:22 PM

I'm looking into getting a DV camcorder (I have an ok Hi-8 currently that's hanging in there) and can use some of you guru's help.

What do you guys think about the Panasonic PV GS500 camcorder?
or gs300 and gs150?

I am focusing on some affordable models (best bang for the buck) at first, but in the range of the more affordable 3ccd capable camcorders.
I would need firewire out (with usb too if possible) to bring the video into vegas.
*no dvdr type camcorder or any type that will overtly compress the video, as I need to bring it into vegas.

Features:
I would love a video (if even just composite) IN and a proper audio IN would be a big bonus as well, but I'm not finding this without jumping to the next higher $ level. Hi-def would be great, but that's not in the budget this go round.

Any models you can point me to? Place to get the best deals, etc.

thanks for the help

Comments

farss wrote on 5/26/2006, 5:51 PM

I think for your money the Panny GS500 would be a good choice although if you can find the previous model (the GS400) it would be better. Panny seem to have joined hands with Sony in dumbing down their subsequent models, shame really.

Certainly all the things that you'd like but cannot afford are very desirable but if you don't have the dollars then you don't. Better to spend the energy anguishing over that fact on things you can do something about.

Also consider updating the most important part of any camera, the tripod! A cheaper camera on good sticks will outperform an expensive one a bad sticks. No matter what you do shaky footage is shaky footage on any screen size and everyone will notice. Getting better resolution or any of the other things we argue about is a pretty subjective improvement compared to shaky versus smooth footage.

Bob.

riredale wrote on 5/27/2006, 10:38 AM

Invest an hour here.

Then, before you buy, spend some time here.