Topic: Best mid level LOW LUX HD Sub $900 camcorder - ?

[ArchivalAudio]

Ok so I'm looking for a small HD flash based Video camera - we now have a 3 month old boy
so mostly for "home movie" stuff - however I assume I'd also be using to shoot some bands in low light etc...
kind of considering these  3 cams

http://everio.jvc.com/lineup/gz-hm320/

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666073187#specifications

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Camcorders/1-MOS-High-Def-Camcorders/model.HDC-TM55K.S_11002_7000000000000005702#tabsection

I am a Apple MAC user
so ease with macs and apple products is helpful

the carl ziess lens on the sony is also enticing
any recommendations
or reasons I should or should get any of these?

thanx
--Ian

edit: thread title

[ArchivalAudio]

any ideas or suggestions?

[beatkilla]

For indoor shots which are low light and for concerts none of those will perform very well.Bright outdoor shots will be fine.The sensor size is what matters and they are all 1/4 inch.You need 1/3 or 1/2 inch for better low light.Look on ebay for a used sony cx500 or sony cx520.That is my opinion from experience with the sonys.I would never buy a video camera with a sensor that is 1/4inch 1/6 or 1/8/inch.

[rastasean]

I would prefer if the camera had a viewfinder. since you're mostly doing in/around the house filming with your baby and filming it may not be as important but its something that should be considered.

another important factor for me is mic input. I prefer videos to sound just as clear and good as tapes, so if the audio on a video sucks (most likely) I won't watch it.

[ArchivalAudio]

I would prefer if the camera had a viewfinder. since you're mostly doing in/around the house filming with your baby and filming it may not be as important but its something that should be considered.

another important factor for me is mic input. I prefer videos to sound just as clear and good as tapes, so if the audio on a video sucks (most likely) I won't watch it.

good points
Mic input for me could be good
though I can sync audio later.
the viewfinder is less useful for me as I wear glasses and in general they don't work well for me, + it's harder to "shoot from the hip"
thanx
--Ian

[ArchivalAudio]

For indoor shots which are low light and for concerts none of those will perform very well.Bright outdoor shots will be fine.The sensor size is what matters and they are all 1/4 inch.You need 1/3 or 1/2 inch for better low light.Look on ebay for a used sony cx500 or sony cx520.That is my opinion from experience with the sonys.I would never buy a video camera with a sensor that is 1/4inch 1/6 or 1/8/inch.

interesting
thank you
I in no way can spend 1400 for a cam
$400 to $600 max
less would be better
the JVC
claims good low lux
http://everio.jvc.com/feature/feature_02.html

Low light performance is one of the key factors for quality video. New Everio's Super LoLux ensures superior sensitivity to low light. To provide this, High Definition models (selected) are equipped with a Back-illuminated CMOS sensor that allows intake of more light while Standard Definition models offer a large 1/6" high-sensitivity CCD. The result is clear images with precise colors even in low light. No worry while indoors or in dark situations.

but who knows in real world applications?
I don't seen and sensors that are the size you state in the sub $1000 range... anyone with other suggestions?
thanx
--Ian

[beatkilla]

Id also look at the Canon cams as well.Just get a cheap video light to add to whatever one you choose.I would watch the prices on BHphotovideo as around this time of year the prices can drop pretty low .

[beatkilla]

The Canon vixia hf21 looks like a good buy.64gb internal memory,can add sdhc card,does 24p,has mic terminal and headphone,audio meter and manual audio adjustment. And its just within your budget.

[ArchivalAudio]

The Canon vixia hf21 looks like a good buy.64gb internal memory,can add sdhc card,does 24p,has mic terminal and headphone,audio meter and manual audio adjustment. And its just within your budget.

thanx
interesting
I know canon makes excellent video cams too - both the cams you have + suggested have been PAL cameras in the US I believe I can only easily use NTSC cameras

this one is more in my budget
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-HF-M31-Memory-Camcorder/dp/B00322OP4K/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1289281656&sr=1-3

or this JVC - with a larger sensor back lit low lux
http://www.amazon.com/JVC-GZ-HM550-High-Definition-Camcorder/dp/B0032FPYHY
http://everio.jvc.com/lineup/gz-hm550/

hoping to spend less than $600
but we weill have to see
--Ian

[beatkilla]

If it were me i would get the canon over the jvc that you linked. The canon is f1.8 and the jvc is f2.8 also jvc is notorious for having dead pixels.

[ArchivalAudio]

If it were me i would get the canon over the jvc that you linked. The canon is f1.8 and the jvc is f2.8 also jvc is notorious for having dead pixels.

Ahh - really JVC dead pixels? where can one find this info?

maybe I should re title the thread  to best Low Lux HD cam in the Sub $1000 range?

I generally would go for canon over JVC myself too.

thanx
--Ian

[ArchivalAudio]

I see you state this:

I have the 550v and two 500s.  Amazing cams. Just make sure to manually set your exposure.

and these two look nice but a bit over my range:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX550V-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B0031RGL1G/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX520V-Flash-Definition-Camcorder/dp/B002NR7CYU

[ArchivalAudio]

or:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hf_m31#Specifications ?

[ArchivalAudio]

or:
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-HDC-SD600K-High-Def-Camcorder-Wide-Angle/dp/B003QHXZTC/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1EA176CQKZY0&colid=3KG9B3IHZ05QD

[beatkilla]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/671655-REG/Canon_4394B001_VIXIA_HF_R100_Flash.html


Add to cart $279.Mic in and headphone can't beat this for the price.Do you want to spend more?This camera has no built in memory so sdhc cards are necessary and for HD video you need Class 6.I use these ones without any issues.Don't forget a large capacity battery.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/590176-REG/Fujifilm_600007622.html