notbeingme
I'm looking for a camcorder but don't know what I really need to be asking for when I go to get one. Does anyone have any recommendations? This is roughly what I am looking for but I don't know if it's unrealistic or if there are other important features I need to be looking out for....?
In theory ....
- I want it to be HD, decent sound and picture quality.
- I don't want a shoulder mounted thing, but it can be bigger than a credit card!
- I would like it to film well in poorly lit/ darker places as well as bright, sunny places.
- Is it important to have a flash on a camcorder!? I don't want it for stills.
- I would also, if possible, like it to be waterproof.
- I would like reasonable image stabilisation as I wouldn't be using a tripod or anything like that and a zoom that doesn't go really grainy.
- I'd like to be able to add extra memory as well.
- I don't want to re-mortgage to get it either!!!
Any recommendations regarding a specific camcorder would be greatly appreciated, or any help with what I need to be looking/ asking for?
Answer
These are the brands I would trust and recommend: Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Samsung, Sanyo and Sony. There are many low end junky cameras on the market. If the specs look too good to be true, there's probably something wrong. For example, there is no such thing as an HD camcorder for less than $200 worth buying. In fact, even under $250 is going to be marginal at best.
The accessories you buy are just as important. Tripod, lighting, microphone, etc are something you don't want to overlook. You will be hard pressed to find a camcorder for less than $500 with the ability to take an external microphone. At some point, even if you are only a little serious, you will regret not having a microphone jack. Take this advice, I have a nice Samsung HMX-H200 camcorder that is now discontinued. I paid $250 for it. A month ago It was down to $220. When it first came to market in 2010, it was around $300. What you look at today will be cheaper tomorrow. In a short period, it will be replaced. The replacement will cost more. It may or may not do more or do it better.
By the way, I REALLY regret not having an external microphone for this camera, other than that, I'm OK with it.
Whatever brand/model you are interested in, chances are good somebody on YouTube has uploaded sample, review or test video from it.
These are the brands I would trust and recommend: Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Samsung, Sanyo and Sony. There are many low end junky cameras on the market. If the specs look too good to be true, there's probably something wrong. For example, there is no such thing as an HD camcorder for less than $200 worth buying. In fact, even under $250 is going to be marginal at best.
The accessories you buy are just as important. Tripod, lighting, microphone, etc are something you don't want to overlook. You will be hard pressed to find a camcorder for less than $500 with the ability to take an external microphone. At some point, even if you are only a little serious, you will regret not having a microphone jack. Take this advice, I have a nice Samsung HMX-H200 camcorder that is now discontinued. I paid $250 for it. A month ago It was down to $220. When it first came to market in 2010, it was around $300. What you look at today will be cheaper tomorrow. In a short period, it will be replaced. The replacement will cost more. It may or may not do more or do it better.
By the way, I REALLY regret not having an external microphone for this camera, other than that, I'm OK with it.
Whatever brand/model you are interested in, chances are good somebody on YouTube has uploaded sample, review or test video from it.
I'm looking for a decent-quality HD camcorder less than $800?
Adrienne
I'm a singer/songwriter hoping to improve the quality of my online videos (vlogs, concert footage, etc.) Since 2010, I've been using a Flip UltraHD camcorder, which has served me well, but lately, the Flipshare software has become unreliable, sometimes deciding not to work at all. As some may know already, Flip videos (depending on the computer) have to go through a bit of a process to be compatible with other video editing software. Also, the low-light quality isn't so great with the Flip, and since not all concerts come with perfect lighting, I'm in need of something for the "next level".
After some research, I've found I may be interested in the Canon Vixia HF M52. I like that it is light-weight and small. The visual test reviews on Youtube seem to say good things, too. I'd like some consumer insight from those who know what they're talking about..... because I don't! xD As I'm not a very technologically-savvy person, I need all the help I can get. My maximum limit on cost is $800, and I know that Amazon.com is a good way to go, if I can.
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your input!
Answer
I'd be looking for cameras with a mic jack AND manual audio control. You found the Canon HF M series... This assumes your computer has the horsepower to deal with AVCHD-format video. The Canon HV40 is another but as a miniDV tape based camcorder assumes your computer has a firewire port to import the video...
In either case, the low light behavior should be vastly improved over the Flip because the more expensive camcorders have larger lenses and imaging chip which allows more light in for processing.
I'd be looking for cameras with a mic jack AND manual audio control. You found the Canon HF M series... This assumes your computer has the horsepower to deal with AVCHD-format video. The Canon HV40 is another but as a miniDV tape based camcorder assumes your computer has a firewire port to import the video...
In either case, the low light behavior should be vastly improved over the Flip because the more expensive camcorders have larger lenses and imaging chip which allows more light in for processing.
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