OT - Camcorders

bansl wrote on 8/4/2012, 11:47 PM

Somewhat off topic, but, as we need to get our footage somewhere...

I used to have a Sony TRV18, until my wife decided I ought to go HD.

So, I now have an HD Camcorder, it has no viewfinder!!!, I am expected to use the build-in screen to frame and compose my scenes.

Firstly, it reflects every little light source, and so is impossible to see any images on the screen. Secondly, I have to find my reading glasses every time I want to record anything. Thirdly, the on-screen help and warning indicators are so small and confusing, and again, I find it impossible to find them.

Can anyone suggest an HD Camcorder that has a viewfinder? Nothing too expensive, just something that I can actually use...

Thanks.

Comments

Steve Grisetti wrote on 8/5/2012, 8:21 AM

Well, it depends a lot on how high-def it needs to be and how serious you want to get with your videos.

For just shooting basic HD, I'd pick up a Flip camcorder is similar under-$200 cam.

But if you're looking for a "real" hi-def camcorder that gets excellent bang for the buck, I'd pick up a Canon or Sony AVCHD cam. (Make sure it's AVCHD and not just one of those budget camcorders you can pick up at Best Buy for $300.)

A good AVCHD cam should run you between $600-700, and the results will amaze your friends and family!

Markk655 wrote on 8/5/2012, 9:27 AM

One more option is to go with a dSLR that records AVCHD as well (Sony, Canon, Panasonic and others all offer this feature). Then you have great stills and great video.

D7K wrote on 8/5/2012, 11:07 AM

I'd also recommend going to amazon and reading reviews from users of the cameras. Lots of choices but the viewfinder is going to narrow your choices to higher cost cameras.