Video Cam on a budget . . .

[Rob Wadsworth]

Since the holidays have passed, there are a lot of deals to be had at bargain prices. I've been considering a video camera. But it is a bit daunting to say the least.

I've looked at "Flip" video cams. Sorry that is a no-go; all of the non pro reviews show that it is grainy and has poor white balance.

I've looked at the Canon FS 300 and wasn't impressed either.

OBTW - did I forget to mention that the budget is $250 or less?

With a rise in cheap technology and a hungry market willing to sell; I figure that it might be OK to consider a videocam. Am I wrong to think that $250 is still too little to buy enough camera?

The DXG cameras look appealing and the resolution/definition looks impressive; but I don't know if anyone has looked into these and has an opinion.
http://www.dxgusa.com/products/high-definition-camcorders.html?p=2


Maybe some of you have found yourself in my position and have done some of this homework already. I'm sure that these aforementioned units aren't capable of low light situations. Or are they? Can't expect too much for $250 I guess. But for all-around use - any recommendations?

Thoughts/recommendations/experience/what you bought - and why?

Any input greatly appreciated before I hit the "add to cart" button . . .

 

[Jeremy Den Hartog]

Personally I don't know much about DXG so I can't help you there. But I have also been in the market for an inexpensive HD camcorder (in fact my budget is lower then yours).

Here is the best that I've come up with (and its only $130)
Sanyo VPC-GH4 - not an affiliate link in case anyone is wondering

Its Full HD, has 10x optical zoom, supposedly its decent in low light (I don't own one yet so I'm not sure), it does HD video AND 10 megapixel pictures, small enough to fit in a pocket and its CHEAP. The biggest draw backs from what I've read are its not the 'sturdiest' of devices so you have to be careful with it (so I wouldn't actually put it in a pocket) and the battery life apparently is approximately 30-45 minutes. Thankfully you can buy more batteries online for ~$10 a piece.

 

[Brandon Sullivan]

OBTW - did I forget to mention that the budget is $250 or less?

First off, I guess it depends if you are wanting HD or standard definition.

Honestly, IMO that probably wont get you a quality hd cam.. I mean, if you are wanting to go with a quality HD camera, then you are probably looking at a solid 400 to 600.. I havent researched the camera market in a bit, but I would imagine that is still the case.

If you are looking to sell video, whether to media, stock footage, or making DVD's, then I would definitely suggest HD.. But, if you are just out there for recreational purposes, and want some footage to look back on, and post to youtube here and there, then there is nothing wrong with standard definition.

When buying, just look at what brand of camera it is.. Lense quality is a huge factor.

Overall, I would say, if you are looking to do HD, save a little more and go for it.. If not, Samsung has some cool little SD cameras with flash memories.. I actually use one for my dash cam, and the software that comes with it id easy to make movies, and quick upload to youtube.

 

[Penny Lehner]

I bought a Panasonic SDR-H80S and while not HD, it is a nice video cam. It has a 60 GB hard drive plus it has HDD and SD card slots. It does have 70x zoom but with that said, you better have a very steady hand or a tripod if zooming in on distant objects. I got it at Best Buy for $229 on sale.

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

I initially looked at the Canon cams, because of the lens issue - which I also feel is important.

I will look into the Samsungs, as the Schneider lens has a quality reputation.

My use is for general purpose, so low light quality would certainly be a plus.

The DXG doesn't have a dedicated name lens mfr. But the quality of the vids are impressive. IS and white balance are too. The downside is that they use .MOV format; which means .avi conversion is time consuming.

Back to reading more reviews; Samsung will get a lot of scrutiny.

AS well as all recommendations placed on this thread.

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

Might have found a winner. A bit pricey for my first $250 estimate/budget. But then; that is how it goes - eh?

The Sanyo (I know - but check it out) Xacti SH1 for just under $300 has a large CMOS sensor, surprising low light quality, and wider angle lens. The color was saturated; I thought the color was really astonishing/excellent. IS is fine/OK. 1080p @60fps too. Considering the price, it seems to provide quite a lot. I don't know if it will be able to work on the Plains during a chase, but it seems to do low light conditions very well - IMO. Maybe some of the gurus here can comment.

Samples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FUTVvGuF04&feature=related

http://vimeo.com/12804218