Recommend a High Def Video Camera

[Oly5050]

I am looking to get a HDef Video Camera. My usage mostly mounting in the car and taking videos and for travel. I also need remote control capability. At least 5MP photo taking ability. Have flash too. Ease of transfer to PC and editing of movie files.

1. Should I go with HDD if most of the recording will be in car while the car may be bouncing around?
2. How practical if I were to shoot for a 3 sensor camera?

Based on the above, which video camera should I go with? At this point only looked at Sony cos had good experience with them and got lots of accessories. However, current one, video res quite low. What about panasonic and Canon? Anything that I could consider there? Thanks.

 

[Reportage]

before considering the camera, you should consider the mounting first..from there more or less you will know what camera you need.

 

[Oly5050]

I would think that just the normal camera mounting on Manfrotto system should work for me. I just need to make sure that it has the right sized screw holes.

 

[kenele]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NM--4MV--4&feature=channel_page

A small camera like Canon HV30 was used. Maybe you can try the canon HG11 with flash memory. As for vehicle mounting not sure, getting someone to hold is difficult enough :bsmilie:

 

[michaelongcj]

I'm also new to camcorders, so I know what its like to be in your position. I also did what you did - ask others on what HD videocam to buy.

Why not you tell us a bit more info so that the others know what you're looking for:

- Your budget
- Your other priorities (size, video performance, ease of use, still performance, OIS, manual control, etc)
- Whether you want Full HD (1920 x 1080) or just HD ready (1280 x 720) camcorders

Check out camcorderinfo.com. These people produced highly detailed reviews on video cameras. I learned quite a bit from there. Of course, look at other reviews to reduce reviewer bias.

From what you said about recording from a moving car (confined space) and still photo it seems like you should prioritize OIS, size and still photo performance.

Does the frame rate matter for you? If no, then you might want to buy a NTSC video camera from abroad (Japan or US) as they are significantly cheaper, especially at the HD videocam level. I got a HG20 from the US at about half the price of SLQ.

Most HD cameras do fulfill the requirements that you said. My own HG 20 is remote controllable, has a flashbulb, can do continuous shooting, while videos and pics can be transferred to PC either directly or through a SD card. I'm new to editing movie files, so the others can chime in here.

Hope this helps you.

 

[Oly5050]

My old Sony Handycam with bluetooth!!, is more than 5 years old and still works like a tank.

So I am partial to Sony quality.

I definitely want Full HD. But my concern is ease of editing of movies, more like trim clips etc rather than big time editing. As u know we sometimes over video and have a lot of unnecessary segments.

Am now torn between Sony and Canon - the high end ones. Of course unless there is a compelling reason, Sony may be the one. Only the warning about having to edit AVCHD is worrying me.

Secondly, I may buy from the USA as it is cheaper there. Any problems with getting a US camcorder? Are they NTSC or PAL? It does make a difference on playing?

 

[Reportage]

NTSC or Pal not really important nowadays as most TVs are multisystem. If Canon just check if its Canon international warranty.