Good tapeless prosumer camera?

KSTONER wrote on 8/5/2010, 5:46 PM
Hey there gents. A LONG time ago I asked about a good prosumer camera and long story short I got an HDR-FX7. No it worked like a dream for a few months, and then I noticed a strange sound coming from the tape deck. long story short, it was (at least I think anyway, NEW Corp never specified) a loose part or something to that effect. Well, today in the mail I received a check for $2100 from NEW Corp. Sad to say, I think my baby bit the dust.

Anyway, I'm here again, asking you awesome folks on advice for a TAPELESS camcorder with essentially the same features as the HDR-FX7. I figure tape is sadly on its way out and I'm starting to get annoyed with the moisture problems/loose parts. Plus cards seem to be easier to work with.
I like to title myself as a "Sony-Whore", however, I'm having a hard time finding a tapeless camcorder from the $2100 range (I think I can squeeze in $2500) under the Sony brand.

The only thing I could find was this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/717535-REG/Sony_NEX_VG10_NEX_VG10_Interchangeable_Lens_Handycam.html

However, this isn't due until September, and I don't know if I want to be a "test subject" so to speak. What do you guys know/think of it?

The other one I've had my eyes on was this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/625605-REG/Panasonic_AG_HMC40PJU.html

So, what do you guys think?
Any other brands I should look for?

Comments

warriorking wrote on 8/5/2010, 6:59 PM
I just purchased the Sony HDR AX2000 a little less than a month ago and love it...It's my first move to a prosumer camcorder and I could not be happier......
KSTONER wrote on 8/5/2010, 7:01 PM
Indeed. The AX2000 looks freaking majestic.
Sadly, I'm only able to use the $2100 I got back from NEW Corp.
Dreamline wrote on 8/5/2010, 7:31 PM
I think the cx550v is the best value. It has a better picture than the ax2000 but it is missing many professional features.
KSTONER wrote on 8/5/2010, 8:27 PM
So far, I'm really feeling the HMC40.
But, does Vegas 8 support AVCHD (well)?
KSTONER wrote on 8/5/2010, 9:38 PM
bump
kkolbo wrote on 8/5/2010, 10:56 PM
The HMC40 is a small sensor camcorder. It has weak low light performance by comparison to what I would call prosumer. The controls are a bit weird. Also, the gain kicks in without you knowing and is not controllable separately. Panasonic's bigger brothers in that line are considerably better, but cost becomes a factor for you. If you had that money I would chase an AX2000.

Personally, I do not feel this is a good time to buy a camcorder in that price range. The new camera coming from Sony is going to be interesting, but there are still some questions about how the layout of the controls works in the field. Clearly it will be great for consumer use.

Panasonic is getting ready to release a 4/3s senor camcorder at a low cost this year. I would expect that Sony has a prosumer large sensor unit up its sleeve at some point. (but I haven't seen anything to indicate that like I have seen from Panasonic, it is just my hope)

I would hold off a little and save more money or just see what is about to happen. I personally continue to use my Z1U with love and my P150 as well. For playing I have a bunch of <$200 camcorders that do great things like the Kodak Zi8, the GoPro HD Hero, and a Sony Webbie. I am waiting to see who at the prosumer level puts out a large sensor, low light unit to kill the DSLR's for video work. It is going to happen at this pace, but only the engineers really know when.

KK
ritsmer wrote on 8/6/2010, 12:49 AM
I have the SONY CX550VE.

Besides a great "intelligent auto" mode - ideal for "Shoot NOW" situations it also has manual settings for
-focus
-exposure
-iris
-shutter speed
-AE shift
-WB shift
-external mike input (is a must, of course)

The "Shoot NOW" is supported by a very good active stabilization (3 "gyros").

The video quality is stunning - also in very low light situations.

The AVCHD from the CX550 (I use 17 Mbps 1920x1080 50i High profile) can be dropped directly on to Vegas timeline (I use 9.0e 64 bit) and it can preview at 25 Fps - even a couple of parallel tracks - if you do not add too much correction etc - and if you have a very fast computer, that is.

The CX550 seems strong too - I have used it for days skiing handheld down to to -10 C and in other demanding situations. And it still works :- )

Just an amateurs 2 cents.
Dreamline wrote on 8/6/2010, 11:04 PM
It's a sweet cam.

Compare it here with the ex1r:

http://camcorder-test.slashcam.com/campair-EN.shtml
KSTONER wrote on 8/7/2010, 12:42 AM
Thanks for the input so far guys.
FishEyes....what camera are you referring to?
The Sony?
Dreamline wrote on 8/7/2010, 1:07 AM
the sony cx550v. It's a great consumer cam with almost full manual control via the touchscreen.