Camcorder to get

[Eric Flescher]

Camcorder to get.

I am searching ebay for a number a months but before I make the leap to the Panasonic 320, I thought i might get your ideas on the topic at hand.

I can't afford one of those mega camcorders are touting around for over $2000. I have a panasonic 951 that has served me well for 2 eclipses, tornado videos and more.
But I would like to get a 3ccd chip one and am targeting the panasonic PV320 which has gotten good reviews all around and for low light.
(1) what are you all searching for in the future and now and why?
(2) should I get a high definition one that can be turned off with HD in case I want instead of a 3ccd
(3) I need my next for stormchasing, nature, astronomy (eclipse in Siberia in 2008 want more info contact me?) and more.

any help appreciated. post here for others to see and learn as well.

I am searching ebay for a number a months but before I make the leap to the Panasonic 320, I thought i might get your ideas on the topic at hand.

I can't afford one of those mega camcorders are touting around for over $2000. I have a panasonic 951 that has served me well for 2 eclipses, tornado videos and more.
But I would like to get a 3ccd chip one and am targeting the panasonic PV320 which has gotten good reviews all around and for low light.
(1) what are you all searching for in the future and now and why?
(2) should I get a high definition one that can be turned off with HD in case I want instead of a 3ccd
(3) I need my next for stormchasing, nature, astronomy (eclipse in Siberia in 2008 want more info contact me?) and more.

any help appreciated. post here for others to see and learn as well.

My firewire port on my PV951 is mangled so I am looking for another camcorder.
I am thinking of a Panasonic 320 because of low light definition etc is good ,is has firewire , 3CCD chip and more.
My ?

(1) should I think about a high definition cam instead or let the market settle out with that or try to find one of the camcorders that you can switch from HD to 3ccd chip etc?
(2) do any of you use telephoto lens or wide angle with your camcorders?
(3) any favorites your like or use (I do like Panasonic)
(4) ideas, feedback etc welcome and thanks

 

[Jason Boggs]

Eric, I'm also searching for a new vid camera. I have no idea what to get becasue I have had my digital8 camera since 2000. I have looked at cameras and I have heard great things about the 3CCD chip cameras. Hopefully I can get some info and get my hands on a great camera.

 

[Wesley Luginbyhl]

I just got my Canon HV-20 in the mail today. I haven't got to test it out much yet, but the picture looks 10x better than my old Canon Elura miniDV from just a few years ago. The HV-20 uses miniDV tapes as well so I dont too much new stuff to learn. I had looked at other HD cameras with hard drives but when it came down to it, this camera was the best option out there for me. It seemed like the best there is below $1000. I would love to get my hands on one of those above $2000, but it would not be worth it for me.

My first miniDV camera I had was a Panasonic. It only lasted me a year before it totally quit working. That was the last time I got a camera from Wal-Mart. I am sure the quality is much better now, but with the issues I had with mine, it kinda burned me on Panasonic.

 

[Bryce Kintigh]

I used a Panasonic PV-GS300 last season and it worked very well for the price. I'm not sure I'd notice a difference between the 300 and 500 models. I was just happy it has a 3-color chip in it. My video turned out fairly well-was pleasantly surprised!