OT - need to replace Sony TRV-310 - suggestions?

rkelley wrote on 2/29/2004, 6:22 AM
Greetings all,

Time to replace my 5-yr old Sony TRV-310 (firewire port died a year ago and the camera does not do well with indoor lighting). I was hoping for some input on which camera to get. My budget is around $2K and my requirements include:

* Must shoot well indoors (birthdays, holidays, etc)
* Must shoot well outdoors (sporting events, etc)
* Must have excellent video (image) quality (3CCDs?)
* Must be portable - not too big or we probably won't use it as much
* Must have digital format (w/Firewire port if possible)
* Must have expandability (wide angle lenses, etc)
* Progressive scan if possible

I realize these are somewhat generic requirements but I want to eliminate as many potential problems before getting a new camcorder. I have been looking at the Sony VX2100 and Cannon GL2 cameras lately. Also, the Sony TRV950 looks interesting. Unfortunately, none of the local shops around here carry "prosumer" types of camcorders.

If the new camcorder has progressive scan, I can (hopefully) use the camcorder (instead of my digital camera) for photos. I realize the digital camera has much better resolution (more mega-pixels), but I always have to resize my photos to DV format anyway.

Anyone care to suggest a brand (make/model) of camcorder for me to research? My current camcorder latest 5 years (and does well - outside). I am hoping my new camcorder will have much better image quality and last even longer.

Thanks,

-Ron

Comments

GlennChan wrote on 2/29/2004, 11:43 AM
You might want to look into the Panasonic PV-DV953. It's a small consumer camera with 3CCDs. It doesn't do as well in low light as cameras with bigger CCDs, but it's also not as big. The Panasonic has frame mode which is halfway between interlaced and progressive, and it takes "3 megapixel" stills (3 megapixels through interpolation... which is NOT 3 megapixels). You might want to look at the camcorderinfo.com forums to see what people think of the camera.

RalphM wrote on 2/29/2004, 2:48 PM
Additional forums with camera sections are dv.com and 2pop.com

While the VX2100 and GL2 have very good image capabilities, they are large camcorders, the VX2100 being over 13 inches long. The 950 is essentially in the same form factor as your TRV310. It should be a very good camcorder although some say they preferred its predecessor, the 900.

BTW, if video resolution is your primary goal, progressive mode in a manually controlled camcorder is generally superior to any digital still camera on the market. You are shooting 900 to 1800 stills per minute with superior low light, focusing and zoom capabilities. With that many frames to choose from, there will be some good picts in there.