Entry level hd camcorder

[Milli]

Hey guys - as post says - am looking for a good entry level camcorder - I know absolutely nothing about camcorders so hoping someone out there does.

My budget is anything up to £500 - I've seen a lot of reviews and ratings but would like others views on them if possible. Cheers in advance guys

[DrunkenZombiee]

What are you shooting Milli?

Family? Events (if so do you need low light?)

How much of a zoom range to you need and how long do you need to shoot for before you can dump the files to your computer?

Personally I just use my D-SLR for all of my video these days, its got all the features of expensive camcorders and it takes great pictures too. As a backup my samsung galaxy S2 takes a pretty good video too. I think times are changing and dedicated camcorders are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Most devices with a camera will shoot 1080p these days.

If I were you I would look at getting a mirror-less DSLR (as these tend to be able to autofocus better when you have hit the record button compared to mirrored setups like my Canon) with a cheap superzoom with IS/VC  on the lens or camera.

Let us know what you want to shoot and we can advise more!

DZ

[Milli]

Allo mate cheers for quick reply -

With the little one here and growing up I want to capture family moments etc

But with also running a football team it
Would be good to film some of the game etc.

So it's bit of a mix really - wouldn't really
Think I'd be filming in low light but you never know.

I had a think about the dslr option - I currently have a Nikon d40x but it has no video capture at all on it.

Seen a few options like the Panasonic sd90 I think it was but again not sure.

[DrunkenZombiee]

For family use the SLR will be fine but for filming events like football you may miss the progressive zoom functionality of a camcorder as SLR's tend not to have a drive motor for zoom lenses. It depends how comfortable you are with zooming manually. It wont be a one handed job no mater what way you look at it and you will need to change lenses unless you have a superzoom.

The upside is the amount of flexibility and options you have with interchangeable lenses and you will have a pretty kick ass still camera. You will find most independent film makers using an SLR and even some high budget TV and film makers use a 5DMarkII for getting scenes.

Its hard to know what to recomend, depends on what you want the quality of the footage to be like. I have been very impressed with phone footage on several android phones. The S3 and S2 or excellent even though the colours are definitely not 6500K. the same can be said for other phone such as the IPhone. Most compact cameras will shoot in 1080p with decent quality too and they have the zoom functionaity so they can be operated with one hand. I personally feel that £500 might be a bit steep for a one trick pony when you can get similar results on other devices.

Depends what you want mate.

Others may know more (I dont know if Smilo does video).

DZ

[Milli]

Well £500 is utmost i wish to spend - if it has a few more bells and whistles on it even better.

But appreciate the info though buddy - really do

[Penfold]

Isn't the issue with having a digital one the amount of hdd it consumes. If you're planning on long sequences (such as a football game) then it may be worth considering tape.

I don't really know but I just recall when I've recorded stuff and converted it to digital it takes a whacking load of space.

[Milli]

I'd just be recording segments - such as set pieces where I can analyse flaws and weaknesses on our game. So prob 3 - 5 minute rec's.

[T-Bag]

Isn't the issue with having a digital one the amount of hdd it consumes. If you're planning on long sequences (such as a football game) then it may be worth considering tape.

I don't really know but I just recall when I've recorded stuff and converted it to digital it takes a whacking load of space.

When I was looking into SD camcorders a few years ago typically the ones which record on to DVD manage to squeeze more on than the equivalent tape would but does so at the expense of key frames so you end up with a worse quality footage. So even if the DVD/hard drive says it can handle the same amount it doesn't mean the two are equivalent. They'll both be 1080p etc etc. But the tape will be better to work with as it had more key frames. So it's about more than just the specs. But that's always the case. Look into reviews etc.

Personally I like the sound of the SLR as a camcorder, it gives a multipurpose tool. My camcorder is too much of a one trick pony and rarely gets used.

[DrunkenZombiee]

If you are worried about something chunky get a micro four thirds or compact style SLR with APS-C sensor. It will be cheaper too than a more standard digital SLR with arguably the same image quality for video.

For £500 you should be able to get the camera, standard zoom and superzoom well within that price.

I will keep an eye out for you =).

*EDIT* What Nikon lenses have you got already? You can probably sell your SLR body on a fair amount and then buy a newer model capable of Video (if you already have some lenses). If not you might want to go for a Canon 550D 600D 650D or even the 1100D then ask nicely for a good price on people old kit lenses. I have a Sigma 55-200MM in perfect condition which could go fairly cheaply to a good home =).

DZ

[Milli]

Have a Nikon d40x - with 18 - 55 mm and 55mm - 200mm lenses

With all reviews am reading am really starting to like the look of the Panasonic sd90.

Am not ruling out a new slr either tho as would be nice to get a new camera as mine is getting pretty dated now.

[DrunkenZombiee]

D3100 or higher do 1080p video and would do for you. Going for about £300 without a lenes (which you already have). You can probably sell your old camera body for £100+ and just get the new one for £200 ish.

[DrunkenZombiee]

Something like this would be a sub £150 alternative with a 32 gig card.

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/samsung-ec-wb100-16mp-bridge-camera-red-16mp-26x-zoom-1080p-hd-recording-argos-129-1274316

[Milli]

Cheers again DZ for all the info - I think I'll get a camcorder

http://www.trustedreviews.com/panasonic-hdc-sd90_Camcorder_review

I can get for £250 , again appreciate all the searching and info you dug up for me