HD Camcorder Recomendations

[hookedon4wding]

Ok, so I have a birthday coming up and wouldn't mind an HD camcorder to use for 4wding. I have the GoPro HD which is great for vehicle mounted shots but I'd like to have a camera with zoom for handheld shots.

Any recommendations on reasonable quality HD camcorders for under say $500?

Not interested in the little Flip style cameras, I'm after a proper fold out screen and zoom jigger.

Doesn't have to record full HD (1080p) either as I do most of my stuff in 720p (normal HD) for Vimeo anyway.

Cheers, Sam.

[D4D]

Panasonic HDC-SD90
http://www.panasonic.com.au/Products/Camcorders/1MOS+Full+High+Definition+Camcorders/HDC-SD90/Overview

[hookedon4wding]

Thanks D4D, just a little over my $500 limit though 

As it's a birthday present, I don't want to push my luck too far!

Cheers, Sam.

[D4D]

I had the SD version prior to this one at it was Shite. You need 1080p if you want to watch the videos on a large screen. I think I paid around $750 for mine when it was first released.

[JAV6]

I was at WOW Sight and sound yesterday and they have a Full HD Panasonic 1080p (max 64gb sd no internal memory) for under $500. Not sure of model numbers but I know it was a reddish colour From memory $478. I have a sony camcorder which is 4 years old but is the one that uses mini disc. I wouldn't mind upgrading to one of these.

[cancan]

This thread is well timed, just telling the wife that we need a new video camera, heading to the states so knight gt it there although Want full HD and to hd on SD card....normally I go on whirlpool and research.

[Redback]

I have this DVC 1080P available from K-Mart, they are FULL HD and take brilliant HD Video, the only downside is battery life, for a full days videoing you'll need 2 batteries, but they are a very good camcorder and in some conditions (ie) bad light, better than the GoPro.

This is the exact camera we have, but I got mine from K Mart, about the same price too, scroll down to get a good pic of it.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1080P-FULL-HD-3-0-TFT-Digital-Video-Camera-Camcorder-/220820409676

Here's a HD vid from ours


Baz.

[Burnsy]

I was at WOW Sight and sound yesterday and they have a Full HD Panasonic 1080p (max 64gb sd no internal memory) for under $500. Not sure of model numbers but I know it was a reddish colour From memory $478. I have a sony camcorder which is 4 years old but is the one that uses mini disc. I wouldn't mind upgrading to one of these.

HDC SD60??  Saw one today at hardly normal for around that price from what I could gather there was not much difference between it and the 90 other than the 90 has 40x optical zoom instead of 34x and the 90 is 3D ready (who cares!!!).  We are in the market as well so will be watching this.

The cameras seem quite cheap for what you get, however what do you do for memory and keeping movies long term?  8 hours of HD movie apparently uses 16G and a 16G card is $150.  What does everyone do with their movies once recorded?

[cancan]

I edit my movies and create a DVD which includes photos for the period.
This is also saved on my server which has multiple back ups.
Have been slowly converting old videos and film movies to DVD as well.

[hookedon4wding]

Great video there Redback. Where is that track?

Does the camcorder in your link shoot PAL 25 FPS in 720P mode? That's usually the setting I use on my GoPro.

Cheers, Sam.

P.S - My videos go to my Vimeo page as well. Don't usually make DVD's.

[Redback]

Great video there Redback. Where is that track?

Does the camcorder in your link shoot PAL 25 FPS in 720P mode? That's usually the setting I use on my GoPro.

Cheers, Sam.

P.S - My videos go to my Vimeo page as well. Don't usually make DVD's.

The track is Mt Airley in the Capertee Valley, west of Lithgow in the Blue Mountains, we did it a couple of weekends ago.

I don't know if it shoots in that mode, I have to look at the manual.

I love that sky diving video, one of the things on my wish list

Baz.

[Disco EMU]

Kogan make a full HD cheapy! $329

http://www.kogan.com.au/shop/video-camera-camcorder-10x-zoom-full-hd-1080p/

No idea of quality or where is came from ... but the specs are all good!

[hookedon4wding]

Hmm, all of these cameras specify the frame rates as 30 and 60 fps which is NTSC frame rates (US standard). Australia uses PAL and has frame rates of 25 and 50 fps.

I'm presuming they all support PAL recording but at what frame rate I wonder?

[Silvo]

Sam just be careful with whatever you get as my Canon HF-20 Legria shoots in an interlaced mode that isn't supported by iMovie 11. i don't have the problem with my gopro, but every movie from my canon i have to convert.. pain in the arse. so just check on the apple forums that others aren't having problems with the imports.

dan

[cancan]

Panasonic HDC-SD90
http://www.panasonic.com.au/Products/Camcorders/1MOS+Full+High+Definition+Camcorders/HDC-SD90/Overview

I bought an SD90 yesterday, can't believe how small they are getting.
So far easy to use and great picture although I need to play a lot more with the settings.
Did find I am a bit restricted playing back in 1080p and my editing software only saves in 1080i so maybe more expenses down the track although Panasonic have a promo on at the moment and they will send me some adobe editing software and a 16gb card so a bit of a bonus.
Now I need to buy a blue ray player and recorder (forgot to mention that to the wife)

[jeeps]

My friend bought a JVC Everio HM445 and i was so impressed after using it to film him competing on his bike that had to update my old Mini-DV tape camera. I believe you can get the JVC HM445 in full 1080p high def for about $449. I paid about $489 a few months ago.

It has twin SD slots and i run a 32gb SD card in each slot so that gives me 10-15 hours recording and i have also purchased a long life battery ($120) so with the standard battery and the long life battery i get about 6 hours of recording before having to recharge.

Here's some video i took at the QLD titles with my little JVC a few months ago so you get an idea of the quality. It's not as good as the original recording as it's been reduced a bit for youtube but it's pretty darn good.

http://youtu.be/FXRGNW14pho


cheers

[morgansmall]

x2 for JVC.  We got the bottom of the range Everio HM30 for something to play with as first time video owners for a tad under $300 online, and it's stunning - just point and shoot.  The quality of the recording is way more than what we anticipated.

[Matto]

What does everyone do with their movies once recorded?

Download the raw footage to my PC, where I don't get time to edit it or cut it in any way, shape or form. So it just sits there, taking up hard disk space, and never being watched  . 

I'd grab a cheap external HDD, and copy it onto that. Get two, and copy onto both so you've got a backup, if you're taking film of things you actually want to keep - kids, holidays, etc. There's a "how do you back up your photos" thread in the photog forum, from memory - same rules apply, they're just bigger files.

We've got a fullHD Samsung flash-based camcorder. Bought it a few years ago for an overseas trip. It worked beautifully. It's got 8Gb of internal memory, and we've got a pair of 16Gb SD cards to bang through it. Works a treat, and if you ever run out of space whilst out, every convenience store and servo all around the world sells SD cards these days. No point me telling you the model number - it was only sold in Aus for a few months before getting pulled, and there's probably much better ones out since then. We're really happy with it though.

Anything JVC or Panasonic will be excellent.

Head down to JBHiFi/WOW and have a squiz. Look at the ones you like, go home and research the reviews of them on the net, and then go back to buy the one you want, now that you're all clued up.

Good luck!
Matto

[cancan]

I purchased mine from http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au.  I purchased a lot of cameras from them for work and found they always had a good price and reliable. I tried JB Hi-fi to see if they would price match to save me a drive but they wouldnt. Also could have got it cheaper as a grey import but by the time I get the tax back (will be OS within 30 days) and add the bonus SD card from panasonic there was little price difference and not worth the warranty hassles if they came up.
I am also like Matto and have a lot of video footage sitting on the computer waiting to be either edited or just burnt to a dvd. Just watched some stuff from the 80's and 90's, funny seeing hair on my head.

[Matto]

I purchased mine from http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au.  I purchased a lot of cameras from them for work...

Hey Cancan,

You obviously find DCW good? I tried to buy a DSLR from their shop on Ipswich Rd in Bris earlier this year. The girl talked me down from the 600D to the 1100, and then told me not even to bother buying that, just to get a decent compact camera since I hadn't done a 4yr photography degree. She gave me the URLs for some intro-level photographic websites, and told me to go away, have a think and when I decide to come back later.   

Obviously one bad grape isn't indicative of the whole bunch, but it did leave a sour taste in my mouth. Hence I drove to JB, and picked up the 1100 kit for the same price, but on 15 months interest free  .

</offtopic>

Thanks!
Matto

[cancan]

To be honest Matto that was the first time I had been in the store, normally I research and work out what I want and then go online and order but I didnt want to wait 1-2 days for delivery so I worked out what I wanted, called to check they had stock, made a few more calls to see if I could get it price matched locally and then went for a drive (20min). Counter staff wasnt the happest but then she didnt get any add ons as I have a few 16gb cards and used my old camera bag.

[Maîneÿ . . .]

Ok, so I have a birthday coming up and wouldn't mind an HD camcorder to use for 4wding. I have the GoPro HD which is great for vehicle mounted shots but I'd like to have a camera with zoom for handheld shots.

Any recommendations on reasonable quality HD camcorders for under say $500?

Doesn't have to record full HD (1080p) either as I do most of my stuff in 720p (normal HD) for Vimeo anyway.

Sam.
Just bought the Panasonic 3D HD Video Camera, but realise you don't need the same camera, however the guy I bought mine from showed me a digital camera (not video camera) that also does great video, and at 60 fps, (video cams are 50 fps) so it gives unreal vision for action videos and is in your price too 
will contact him if you need more information, shop was in Surfers Qld.

[WilSurf]

I now, I know, it is an old topic, but i am in the market for an upgrade of my 7 year old JVC Everio HDD camcorder.
Why?
Well, I have put myself forward to make videos during the synchro comps.
I have done the first in September and have just finished to make a DVD for each girl.
But when editing, I noticed the quality. It isn't that good anymore when you see it on a HD tv.

So the question is, what to get?
I like the Panasonic HC-V720M which seems to get a good review.

Anyone who can help me?

[SteveandViv]

We have a small HD Panasonic and it is, very good I reckon. It is small and is HD. There are heaps though to choose from so good luck. We have used Panasonic for Video for a long time no so I think it maybe like cameras, you have a fav and stick with it. If it would help I can post some vid footage for you.

[fuji]

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/cameras-phones-gps/cameras/digital-video-cameras?gclid=CO_Vuebao7oCFcPvpAodlFkA7A