What camcoder do you recomend?

Lawrence_S wrote on 9/9/2004, 8:46 PM
Hi, fellas!

I´m planning to purchase my first camcoder. It´s important to note that it must be compatible with VEGAS 5.

The 3 options I´m considering are:

. JVC JY-HD10U 1/3" High Definition Mini DV Camcorder
. DCR-HC1000 3 CCD Mini DV Camcorder, 12x Optical/150x Digital Zoom (the most affordable)
. SONY HDV 1080i Consumer Camcorder (it will be available on november)

Since the DCR-HC1000 is the cheapest and the other two are High Definition (with similar prices), what do you thing is better? Wait for the new SONY model and spent more money, purchase de JVC model that offers just 1 CCD but it is HD or saving money and buying the DCR-HC1000?

By the way, the fact that the JVC JY-HD10U has just one CCD is too relevant, considering that it is HD? What do you think?

Thanks,

Lawrence

Comments

donp wrote on 9/9/2004, 9:16 PM
I just got my AG DVX100a today. It's agreat camera too, 24p,30p and 60i give it so thought too unless your set on HD. Personally I don't have a client with a HD TV yet.
randy-stewart wrote on 9/9/2004, 10:31 PM
Lawrence,
I would go 3 CCD for sure. The HC1000 is good for your first camera. I like Sony's but you may want to look over at the reviews on this site to see what is said about lots of new camcorders: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/. The Sony's are reviewed along with some interesting Panisonics. As for the HDV, I'd wait on those as I think there is some compatibility issues with viewing especially since this is your first camcorder. Hope this helps.
Randy
scharky wrote on 9/9/2004, 10:50 PM
I guess it depends on what you are going to be shooting with your camcorder. Since I mainly shoot short films and documentaries I bought a DVX100a in early January and have been in love ever since. Each camcorder has it's use, just like tools in a tool box, maybe you could let us know a little more about your shooting style.

Lawrence_S wrote on 9/10/2004, 8:11 AM
I´m planning to shoot indoor and outdoor for corporate videos and edit them on VEGAS 5. Sometimes I´ll need to rent some light equipment, sometimes not. I also want to produce short videoclips.
Cheno wrote on 9/10/2004, 8:59 AM
I'd recommend the Sony HDV camera over the JVC HDV camera even before decent reviews are out. Not a fan of JVC products.

AG-DVX100a is a great camera as is the Canon GL2, Sony PDX-10 and the Panasonic AG-DVC30 - lots to choose from. Try to get the largest CCD you can for the money (3CCD cameras)

The Canon XL2 is a bit more, but a great little cam, completely redesigned.

Mike
mhbstevens wrote on 9/11/2004, 1:16 PM
At this stage of the game, with 16:9 the new standard and HD around the corner, I would hold of a year unless you need a new camera now. If you do but now DON'T get anything that is NOT 16:9 NATIVE. This illimiates all the options here except the Canon.
John McCully wrote on 9/11/2004, 3:01 PM
Suggest you check out the Sony PDX10. I read somewhere that this camera delivers the best 16.9 for under $20,000.
farss wrote on 9/11/2004, 3:38 PM
Give the PDX10 a miss, 1/6" CCDs do not make for stellar video. No ones mentioned this one so far but is an excellent camera for the money, the Panasonic DVC 30. OK, no 24p but for what Lawrence is shooting it'd be out of place and he'll save a fair bit on the 30 compared to the 100. You've still got balanced audio, real camera functions etc. and a much longer lens than the 100.

Bob.
John McCully wrote on 9/11/2004, 8:22 PM
Check out the Sony PDX10, a great little camera for the money. And Bob, may I humbly suggest that there is more to stellar video than the size of your CCD! Bigger is better works perfectly if all else is equal, and when it comes to video cameras all else simply isn’t anything approaching equal, most of the time. But more to the point, Lawrence, if I was looking to purchase, today, a less than five grand video camera with a view to shooting 16.9 I’d certainly take a look at the PDX10, shoot some footage, compare with other cameras if possible. Me, I’m saving my pennies for the SONY HDV 1080i.