Videocam Under S$1000

[NYKC1]

Dear all,

I am thinking of getting a video cam during the upcoming comex @ suntec. This will be the first cam i am getting & really don't wish to spend above 1000. I will be using it to film mainly buildings (for my work - building management) & also filming my beloved parrots & songbirds. Can someone help me with the selection?

btw, can a cam under S$ 1000 have the following criteria?

1) recording medium - anything so long as easily editable & transferable to laptop

2) Quality - Sharp & clear enough to be viewed on web & windows media player without pixels popping up all over

3) Sound - Some kinda feature that allows me to extend a microphone (clip on whatsoever) to the bird cage as i will be filming them from a far. They wouldn't react naturally if they see me. Hence i will be zooming in on them with a pre arrange mic placed near their cage?

NYKC

 

[TsQ]

i dont think i can points to u on which model to buy as that will just make me doing all the work for u .. haha.. u better to to all the website and look at each model urself.

anyway under 1k.. ur (1) and (2) requirement is easily filled... but the (3) one might be tricky as most Mid/higher end models above $1k won't hv mic in .. however i am pretty sure there are some that hv such featres.. so go on, dont be lazy and take out a pen and paper to note dn all the model from sony, panny, canon etc..

 

[NYKC1]

Help me choose one 1) Canon Legria - FS21 or 2) Sony DCR-SR87E

Help Help

 

[TsQ]

sony one seems like no mic input... isnt that want u wanted? Canon FS21 hv it

btw i like to avoid HDD camcorders.. i hv a 32GB flash memory .. and even at full HD recording at max bandwidth, it allows me 4 hrs recording... more then enuff unless i go for a 2 wks holiday.. (and i can always add on another 16/32GB SD card)

so in standard definition camcorders, i strongly believe most ppl will hv enuff storage with a 16GB flash storage unit...

then u ask, what's wrong with HDD? ... well, if u drop it.. u risk everything recorded inside. Also as we all know HDD wont last too long, and after 4-5 yrs if u still want to use the camcorder... u might risk HDD failure..

also HDD camcorder is heavier.

 

[Reportage]

Consider Samsung or Sanyo? For the price, they give quite a number of features. from your usage, as long have a mic input is enough. Quality depends on the recorded resolution and settings when encoding after editing.

 

[NYKC1]

Oh Yes, I am Open To All Brands Under A Thousand. Thnx For Reminding. Checking Their Website now.

 

[TsQ]

from my experience, i rather stick with canon, sony, panasonic... then follow by JVC... i tried sanyo and i will recommend that to those who dont really care too much on overall quality but just want HD and cheap price.

no idea on samsung...never hear or see any good things about their camera so far.. i might be wrong, but u can go investigate.

good luck.

 

[Bamboopictures]

Sanyo's HD2000 is the King of Low Light. It has audio inputs and headphone jacks. I'll buy it except it records NTSC

 

[Bamboopictures]

I have a Samsung HMX20 - top of the Samsung line considering the unheard of CMOS size of 1/1.8". Sucky to use though. Generally slow to focus and no optical stabilisation. Can't recommend Samsung for your handheld kind of shooting.

 

[TsQ]

Sanyo's HD2000 is the King of Low Light. It has audio inputs and headphone jacks. I'll buy it except it records NTSC

unless u use it on tripod.. the HD2000 hv one of the worst image stabilizer ...

 

[ice15]

just wanted to ask.

hows the performance of the sub 1,000 standard definition cameras? the one that uses an SD card.

does it still have a "jello effect"

I'm planning to get one online so I won't be able to test the actual unit.

 

[sheltie_prince]

Just like to find out more about how are users or sanyo hd2000 finding their camcorder performance?
I was searching online and here but I dun find alot of details on low light shooting of the hd2000. Just a brief statement.
Can it capture good clear videos of kids running indoors at night?
Thanks all if anyone wana sell yr hd2000. Can pm me. Hahah ü

 

[Reportage]

Just like to find out more about how are users or sanyo hd2000 finding their camcorder performance?
I was searching online and here but I dun find alot of details on low light shooting of the hd2000. Just a brief statement.
Can it capture good clear videos of kids running indoors at night?
Thanks all if anyone wana sell yr hd2000. Can pm me. Hahah ü

Sanyo HD2000 i have not used....but the Sanyo HD700 i had.

here are some clips at random i took before i could afford a more powerful NLE as well as just began to dive into the mysteries of video taking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sv1iNm0b4E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIijrrhhWI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKAFe53xaVw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDBFKVXMfac

The HD2000 should be better i suppose but as in all low light situation, if bump up the iso to make the video brighter will introduce more noise so do take care.

 

[TsQ]

Just like to find out more about how are users or sanyo hd2000 finding their camcorder performance?
I was searching online and here but I dun find alot of details on low light shooting of the hd2000. Just a brief statement.
Can it capture good clear videos of kids running indoors at night?
Thanks all if anyone wana sell yr hd2000. Can pm me. Hahah ü

i use HD700 before.. and i didnt like it as sanyo xacti hv very bad image stabilizer.. and as u know, its very important unless u hv super strong wrist to hv it held stable after a few mins of shooting.

but HD2000 video quality definitely score well above the rest at that price range... esp if u buy from overseas like HK where price cheaper.

 

[sheltie_prince]

Thank you both TsQ and Reportage for your help.
Frankly, I am a total noob with camcorders. Thought of gettig one as a toy and a handy device to bring with me when with my kids. I have a 5DMKII but I want something handy and extremely portable.

It seems most ppl buy the Xacti from osea online shops like warehouse123. Are there non local companies carrying it at a decent price and support?
I am concern with low lights shooting and indoors. But seems HD2000 seems ok Ü

 

[TsQ]

actually.. HD2000 is pretty old and sshld come cheaper by now.. local company here is selling it way too expensive compared to what u get in HK.. i will order from warehse123 if i were to get xacti (almost did but end up buying a panasonic from pricejapan)

if u are not too serious on video.. HD2000 wont dissapoint but the handshake is gonna be a issue if u are sensitive to jerks when viewing. The 'gun' method of holding is also not too ideal.. easily u get handshake from that way of holding too.

but if u want low light and something cheap, i think HD2000 is unbeatable.. as only those $1500 onwards panasonic/canon will hv acceptable low light capability ... google ard to see if this still valid or not.. as u know electrical stuff changes fast, who knows theres better alternative..

 

[sheltie_prince]

Thanks guys.
I need something handy and have reasonable video quality especilly during night or low lights.
If the HD2000 form factor is an issue, then maybe I will consider the VPC-FH1 having same specs as the hd2000 while at a form factor that possibily reduces hand shakes. any feedbacks for the FH1?

Both are available at warehouse123 priced at U$449 for the HD2000 n U$419 for the FH1.
I did search the net and it seems these two models are still givig the best output for the ultra compact camcorders catagory.

 

[superbeng]

You can try waiting for the Creative Vado HD 3rd gen. There's a mic jack which is big plus.