Panasonic HDC-HS300 - Pull the Trigger?

[James Wilson]

I'm just about to buy this camcorder but wanted to hear opinions from others on it's quality. If you have another suggestion fire away but I do not want to pay more than $2000 as I'm just a recreational chaser. LOL!

Link to product

 

[Andrew Ryan]

I don't like the fact that the camera uses a hard drive to record video. Hard drives are prone to failure and you will be using this a lot in the field. That's asking for trouble. Other than that, I don't see any real issues with camera. I personally stick to tape b/c of reliability and archive purposes. But I've never used it nor have I done any research on it.

Camcorders come and go very quickly these days. I would pick up an older model that is refurbished. You will get great quality for a dirt cheap price.

 

[Skip Talbot]

Did you check out camcorderinfo.com? I love that site because they give in depth reviews and compare all the models against similar models. Here's the model you are specifically looking at:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-HDC-HS300-Camcorder-Review-36492.htm

When I was in the market last fall I was looking mostly at the Canon's and Sony's because they did the best in low light situations which is a big selling point for chasers. I haven't kept up with the developments since then, however.

 

[cedwards]

B&H has a good deal on it at $1400
http://tinyurl.com/ybtfhkf
You can get a used one for $999 also on the link.
Personally I prefer Sony, but I haven't heard anything negative on Panasonics.

 

[Steve Miller]

I have this exact camera and love it. It's FULL HD, not consumer-level. The focus ring is great for what we do and I have good results in low light.
You will be 100% satisfied with the HS300 for a general purpose handheld.

 

[James Wilson]

I had also been looking at the below ones but I'm leaning towards the Panasonic currently.

Canon Vixia HF S100
Canon VIXIA HV30
Sony HVR-HD1000U

 

[James Wilson]

I went with the Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V ...

 

[Skip Talbot]

James, I have the same model. Its a very nice camcorder. The only problem I have had with it is that excessive noise, say driving 80 with the windows down can cause an error in disk writing forcing you to restart the camcorder. That's only happened a couple times, however. Other than that its great. Rock solid stabilization, sharp picture, and easy to use.

 

[James Wilson]

James, I have the same model. Its a very nice camcorder. The only problem I have had with it is that excessive noise, say driving 80 with the windows down can cause an error in disk writing forcing you to restart the camcorder. That's only happened a couple times, however. Other than that its great. Rock solid stabilization, sharp picture, and easy to use.

You mean the Sony right?

 

[Skip Talbot]

Sorry James, i actually have the XR500v. Its essentially the same model except it has a 120GB harddrive instead of the 240. That's still big enough to let the camera roll the whole time for two chases though, and at the end of the night I can just download the video to my laptop or an external drive. Its also the camcorder I have running inside the bubble dome.

 

[James Wilson]

Very nice set up Skip and thanks for the input.

 

[Dustin Wilcox]

FWIW Panasonic is releasing the new HDC-TM700K, the replacement for the model discussed in this thread...Couple of interesting notes, first of all it's interesting that the 700K is being introduced cheaper than what they're currently listing last year’s 300 for...It’s got essentially the same sensor with a few other camera improvements, including a wider angle lens (great for chasing), better Image Stabilization System, slight improvement in Low Light and this per Camcroderinfo review

"Rounding out the new features is a Wind Noise Canceller, which seemed to result in dramatically reduced wind noise when we experienced it at CES. Hopefully, this will make wind cut more helpful than the usual helmet-in-a-tornado protection that we find on consumer camcorders."

It's still about $300 more than Sony and Canon's comparable model, but definitely seems to cater to chasers...

Again a pretty reasonable introductory price...(that is if they don't jack it up right after release) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...High_Definition_Camcorder.html#specifications

 

[Steve Miller]

I have the 300 and have been keeping track of the supply vs. demand for this unit. Pricing is strictly based on the fact that this is a popular unit.
Panasonic had one primary build facility for the HS300 and it's brethren; the 700 will have two so you should see the supply meet the demand a little better on this until even though it is essentially the same camera sensor and capability-wise.
I'm still just absolutely thrilled with the unit. I think it is the BEST solution or those of us who do not want to spend $4000 for a video camera. 1080p for under $1300!

 

[Chris C Sanner]

I have the 300 and have been keeping track of the supply vs. demand for this unit. Pricing is strictly based on the fact that this is a popular unit.
Panasonic had one primary build facility for the HS300 and it's brethren; the 700 will have two so you should see the supply meet the demand a little better on this until even though it is essentially the same camera sensor and capability-wise.
I'm still just absolutely thrilled with the unit. I think it is the BEST solution or those of us who do not want to spend $4000 for a video camera. 1080p for under $1300!

I agree with Steve 100%. If you aren't in with the HD-DSLR movement yet and want a video camera, the Panasonics are the best option in the consumer cam market, but only slightly, over the Canon options. Really it's splitting hairs, but they're very solid.

 

[James Hammett]

I just picked up the flash memory version of this cammy for a steal on eBay. Thought about waiting for the new model but figured it would be more $$. Excellent for the price...only minor annoyances like the manual controls via the touchscreen and the A/V outs and DC in are located under the screen and battery respectively.