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Gear / Technical Help => Photo / Video Recording => Topic started by: mmadd29 on March 01, 2007, 01:08:42 PM

Title: Need Vid camera advise
Post by: mmadd29 on March 01, 2007, 01:08:42 PM
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
Title: Re: Need Vid camera advise
Post by: beefstew on March 01, 2007, 05:21:35 PM
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
Title: Re: Need Vid camera advise
Post by: mmadd29 on March 01, 2007, 06:31:08 PM
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?
Title: Re: Need Vid camera advise
Post by: jkmb on March 02, 2007, 12:34:03 AM
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.