Recommendation: HD portable camera

Chanimal wrote on 6/26/2012, 2:27 PM

I'm taking the kids on a cruise. I want to get a portable HD video camera that I can use on my trip, but also use afterwards for some commercial video work (not high-end, corporate that don't require much but clean video).

I currently still shoot all my corporate videos with my older Canon G-2. Since the resolution of my iPhone already seems to be cleaner than my 3 CCD Canon, I'm figuring most HD should be fine.

I figured I would need to get external audio capabilities so I could use my wireless mic, but I don't know what else I should consider.

Again, it has to be small since first and foremost this is for a trip (I won't even bring my digital SLR camera, but a point and shoot--think cruise, hold in hand--not my heavy tripod). I saw a Canon at Best buy in the $450 range that might work.

I'm looking for recommendations.

Comments

gpsmikey wrote on 6/26/2012, 3:02 PM

While I'm certainly no expert, it does depend on what you want to do with it - if you want something you can easily carry around, take in the pool to get images of the kids etc, you might want to consider looking at one of the GoPro models. While not the perfect camera for "Nat Geo Wild", it does have some nice features (especially around kids).

mikey

Former user wrote on 6/26/2012, 3:07 PM

I would look at the Vixia line of Canon. I have the HF M40 (refurbed) and am extremely happy with the quality. Very good for low light. Not good as a still camera though.

Dave T2

Duncan H wrote on 6/26/2012, 6:15 PM

I'd second Dave's comment about Canon Vixia - I've been delighted with resultant images and their are a small unit.
Duncan

Webhorse wrote on 6/27/2012, 2:18 AM

I'm using Panasonic TM900, and am very pleased with the sound and stability. I use the cam when I am at shows (horse), and it lets me record top quality video, and great 5.1 sound.

Add a monopod and you are good to go on crownded places as well

[r]Evolution wrote on 6/27/2012, 3:56 AM

Main Purpose + Price Point = Inexpensive Chinese Waterproof HD Camcorder

craftech wrote on 6/27/2012, 6:19 AM

Assuming that the $450 range is your budget, the Vixia HF M40 (refurbished) would have been a good choice, but it is no longer available and those that claim to have it are charging hundreds more than it is worth so eliminate that one.

The Panasonic TM900 that someone recommended is way over your budget.

For what is available in that price range, I would recommend the Panasonic HC-V700.

Some
Reviews

and

User
Reviews

John

Chanimal wrote on 6/27/2012, 7:24 AM

Thanks so far. Remember, I want this for my trip, but would like this to be my first HD that I might actually use on a video shoot (about 1/5th the price of the Canon though).

Things I would like:

- Mic and headset (have to)--your two examples have those
- White balance
- Manual focus override (for those close ups where folks move away from a background and then back in--like in front of a 3M smart board (filmed 8 training videos for them) and it can't keep re-focusing.

Do these models do this? If not, where is the price point when this kicks in?

Ted

craftech wrote on 6/27/2012, 7:38 AM

As with most of the Panasonic video cameras in that price range there is no headphone jack, but there is an external mic jack. The manual controls are available via touch screen as with most consumer cams. Not bad compared to some others like the Vixias though. It has a comparatively large image sensor though. A few hundred more will get you a headphone jack (worth it?). Keep in mind that headphone jacks aren't monitoring what is actually being recorded. Manual audio level controls are in the menu.

Read the reviews I linked.

John

Former user wrote on 6/27/2012, 7:48 AM

Too bad the m40 is not available. It has all of those features.

Dave T2

craftech wrote on 6/27/2012, 7:54 AM

Dave,

When you posted awhile back about the Vixia HF-M40 (refurbished) I ended up buying one for my wife. Although I hate the touch screen, I have to admit that it does shoot very nice video and it is easy for her to use. I also bought a Panasonic HDC-TM90 for my daughter a year ago and that also is very nice for her.

For me personally, the menu laden cameras drive me nuts. My Sony Hi8 camera from years ago had better controls on it and it was a consumer cam.

John

Former user wrote on 6/27/2012, 8:17 AM

Yeah, I would prefer more buttons as well. I also don't like that you have to have the screen open to access connections, but I am real happy with the video quality. I shoot some church events and they are always dark and this camera really lights up on the scenes.

Dave T2

Chanimal wrote on 6/27/2012, 8:51 AM

I think I will go up a price level. I compared the m41 (with viewfinder), the m52 (newer model - wifi, hard drive transfer) and the Panasonic TM-900m.

This website gives the best feature review I've seen:

http://camcorder-test.slashcam.com/compare.html

Type m42, m52 and tm-900m.

The Panasonic (as much as I've used Canons) gets a much better overall score, plus it has:

- 3 ccds (not one)
- Zebra
- Native 60p (not 60i on Canons)
- EVF (only m41 has one for Canon--not the m52)
- All have external mics and headphones to I can use my multiple wireless and other mics

Any other comments within "this" price range I should consider?

Ted

Chanimal wrote on 6/27/2012, 9:04 AM

Actually, I just checked out the HCv700 (707 was the latest) and it is almost exactly the same as the TM-900. Missing the following:

- Zebra (I like, but can live without)
- No headphones (but a mic) - is this correct? Risky--seening I always check my volume with the headphones
- No manual buttons - like, but has the same features in menu
- not 3ccd, but still better than the Canons
- Overall rating was 415. The Canons were 385 and the TM-900 was 442.

Interesting. I'll investigate--but the lower price is appealing (although one video job (ranging from $5k to $27k will cover this is a milisecond--just the budget for the trip and impulse price for a non-work related item (that I can still use).