Any different?

[BBTM]

Between a top and bottom range video camera? Thinking of replacing current DV camera, serve me well for nearly 12 years but I hardly use after some time.

I recently playback some tapes, found that picture jagging badly (LP mode) as bus is moving.

I thinking investing a video camera using memory cards, but from what I sees, top range are having build in memory, better MP and lens etc... But those low range, still able me to insert SDHC card and pricing is half of top range. Weight also another factor as I got enough equipments for future tour trip.

Any good reason/s for me to go high end or just stick to a decent low end with 4 x 32GB will do? :think:

 

[Bamboopictures]

Flagship consumer models of top brands usually have manual control ring/dial, mic and headphone jack, generous built-in memory, and 25p/50p recording.
Flagship panasonic like HC-X900M has 3 (smaller) CMOS instead of 1. Flagship Canon G10 has an assignable rear dial for exposure settings AND the focus ring. Flagship Sony (CX760) has hands-down the BEST stabiliser (Balanced Optical Stabilisation) in any class of camcorders and the PJ760 variant has a built-in projector.
For low-end model, JVC's HM30 ($380) has by far the best idiot-proof autofocus and auto-intelligent mode AND a shocking 40x OPTICAL zoom.

 

[BBTM]

Based on that, I should go for Sony NEX-VG20 (or next version) instead of a low end video camera + NEX series. Then I could change lens as needed.

 

[Bamboopictures]

Very hard to argue against the VG20. It is the favorite camcorder in my bag of tools. Bang for buck, it is the best buy from Sony at $1700 body alone, vs $2,500 for the CX760. But it is a large sensor camcorder/DSLR replacement so you have to note that there is no zoom rocker, autofocus is slow with e-mount lenses and not supported at all with other makes. But compared to DLSR, it is a joy to use, with peak focus assist, swivel LCD and headphone jack. Good for art but for leisure, it is too big to fit into waist pouch and you don't want to lug lenses.CX760 on the other hand has 26mm-260mm and is teeny-tiny.

 

[BBTM]

VG20 lens makes me think twice again. See how is budget before deciding the right thing to get. Nex7 + viewcam is first choice but need to get a decent viewcam, might over budget.

 

[BBTM]

Recently went to Funan n walk in the Sony Style. Browse around, saw this video camera. Sony HDR-GW77VE/B. It's quite light even with battery in it. On top of it, got water n shock proof. Quite a good one for outdoor and even tour. But down side, if not wrong, you dont have viewfinder and so, it might use a low of power and so, u need extra battery. The battery are internal, extended type, can forget about it. I might consider if they dont bring in those without the projector cause 1 more feature, 1 more problem.

 

[Bamboopictures]

If you don't want a projector, but require a 9 hr battery life get the end-of-line Sony CX700.

 

[BBTM]

If you don't want a projector, but require a 9 hr battery life get the end-of-line Sony CX700.

The projector got no protection. If not careful, can break it easily. Will update once I got my ideal video camera. (cause I might capture footage of UFO when the bus is travelling n I am sleeping, haha!)