Could you guys help an old fart pick a new camcorder?

[magicdragon]

First off I'm a manual kind of guy. I like my film cameras to be manual (Olympus OM-1N and Nikon FM) and as many manual functions on my digital camera (Konica/Minolta A2).

The thing about my Canon MV4i MC that I like are the progressive mode and shutter control. I think I'll stick to mini-DV tapes for now.

The thing I dislike about my Canon MV4 is it's very difficult to focus manually.

My budget is flexible but what I want is a good value manual camcorder that's not too bulky.. Digital zoom is not for me. Optical stabilization is for me.

The the question is this if you are a pro or semi-pro - what camcorder would you bring on your holidays? I think that would be the camcorder I would get for my daily use.

I dont mind 2nd hand equipment but where should I go to get it.

Am a bit confused with the info overload on the web am am getting a little tired.

From what I can gather the Panasonic NV-GS 400 (last year's model) shold have been my cup of tea. This years NV-GS 500 seems too auto for me. Also both models dont have progressive scan in video mode.

Any suggestions under 2K would be nice but if there's a rally good model priced slightly abouve that then please tell me about it.

 

[melvinch]

GS-400 the best enthusiast camera you can buy now. Saw it selling at Clementi Central a while back for S$1299. Really cheap as hell.

Manual focusing ring -checked
Manual shutter speed - checked
Manual aperture - checked
Manual White Balance - checked
Zebra-lines for white clipping -checked

Best thing is that it is top loading.

Like you, I'm a control freaks too....

 

[shojibake]

Wow it's still available? Yeah get it now if it's new. It's the lower budget indie folk's camera of choice. In fact all other iterations of the GS series is a step down, even the latest gs500. However it could be larger than what you might be comfortable with, so perhaps a gs200-250 would be a better choice for you. But it doesn't have as many manual controls.

 

[lwm]

GS-320 has just launched here. Not too sure whether it meets your requirements. You might want to check it out.

 

[tommon]

If you like manual then go all the way with the DVX102be. It give broadcast quality image (bigger CCDs) and most of all the cine-like gamma settings. Check it out here:
http://panasonic.com.sg/web/Pid/214

Anyway, it's not as expensive as it used to be, about $3.8k or lesser. It's well build with a metal alloy body and yet light to hold. I'm using one now that's why I know.

 

[magicdragon]

Thanks for the response guys. Am looking for the Panasonic GS-400 now but so far no luck.

As for the Panasonic DVX102be it looks real nice but I keep that in mind as the price is a little more then what I want to pay - maybe I'll just splurge on it and get it to serve me for several years. It's really nice in looks manual control and esp progressive scan.

Anyone see a GS-400 please let me know ok. Thanks again