Topic: Need Vid camera advise

[mmadd29]

I'm looking to buy a video camera to use in open settings.  My price range is under $400....but if really needed can go to $500.  I have read my articles, but it's greek to me, so I thought I'd ask straight out what people use.  Here are my must requirements:

MiniDV format
Good low light


Optionally I'd like a mic input, but is not a requirement.

I assume I'll need a video card as well...I'd like a recomendation on that....my budget for a card is hopefully no more than $150

Thanks in advance

[beefstew]

the cam i have is nice and has mic-in and is rated very highly in low light [Cannon ZR-500] for under $200

but with up to $500 you should get a 3CCD cam
your best bet will be a Panasonic GS-XX
check them here - www.camcorderinfo.com

[mmadd29]

the cam i have is nice and has mic-in and is rated very highly in low light [Cannon ZR-500] for under $200

but with up to $500 you should get a 3CCD cam
your best bet will be a Panasonic GS-XX
check them here - www.camcorderinfo.com

Thanks for the suggestions....after reading the reviews, comments, and such....looks like a GS250 or GS300 are good bets...

Another suggestions of different brands?

[jkmb]

I wanted to second the 3CCD suggestion and comment on the Video Card.

I am going to assume you mean a normal video graphics card and not a higher end Video Capture/Editing Card system.

From my experience, I have decent results with a $30 Nvidia 64mb card.  I also have a $150 256mb Nvidia card, but they are about the same when used for editing and viewing Standard Definition Video.  I like dual monitor support cards, but again, they both have it.  Monitors do differ though...

I can't help with an actual suggestion as I use Sony PD170, PD150 and VX2100 cameras.

If you plan to shoot in low light, I would personally spend more money on a camera with a lower LUX rating and less on a video card.