I am thinking of getting a Panasonic PV-GS500 . I have a sony mini dv camcorder now that is just a regular old camcorder.
Will the Panasonic PV-GS500 video give me a better quality DVD than I am getting now ? Thanks
Given that the camcorder manufacturers are abandoning tape-based DV (apart from the low-end stuff) in favour of various hi-def formats, you should ask yourself if it's worth spending a lot of money on a hi-end DV camcorder like the GS500 (unless you can get it at a bargain price).
If you want to stay tape-based, then the HDV camcorders from Sony and Canon will do standard-def DV as well - I have a Sony HC3 (HDV format) and it's pictures are better than any of the DV camcorders I've owned before (including two of the GS500's predecessors) even when down-converted to DV.
For a *few* dollars more you can get a Canon HV20. They're coming down in price following the release of the HV30.
With the 20 I shoot HiDef and downrez it to Standard Def. It clearly beats the pix from the GS400/500 and I've got HiDef for when I get more into editing it.
Cheers.
Thanks guys, after reading your advise and reading from the other forums I think I am going to get the Canon HV20.
When do you think the best time to buy ? I wont need it until march. Do you think the price will come down more by then ? I am mainly using it for my sons high school lacrosse and football coaches. I am a little worried about the 10 X optical zoom. Filming from the booth I am far away. I have a sony that has 20x optical and it gets in pretty close.
Does the Canon lose much quality using the digital zoom ?
Thanks for the help