Best Quality MiniDV Camcorder I could get for £300?

[mkkid28]

Hi there, I'm after a couple of new MiniDV Camcorders to record shows in varied light conditions, so camera would have to be able to work well in different lighting conditions. I'm trying to find the best that I can get for £300 each.

I found a Panasonic NV-GS230EB-S Digital Camcorder Mini DV for £300 delivered, which I was leaning towards based on the fact it has 3CCD, which I heard is good for filming. I was just wondering if there be anything better at this price range.

Thanks for any advice.

[senu]

Originally Posted by mkkid28

Hi there, I'm after a couple of new MiniDV Camcorders to record shows in varied light conditions, so camera would have to be able to work well in different lighting conditions. I'm trying to find the best that I can get for £300 each.

I found a Panasonic NV-GS230EB-S Digital Camcorder Mini DV for £300 delivered, which I was leaning towards based on the fact it has 3CCD, which I heard is good for filming. I was just wondering if there be anything better at this price range.

Thanks for any advice.

Im not sure what is better TBH. I would however be wary of setting too much store on the 3CCD abilities of these camcorders as they are in fact a little less low light able than a single big CCD or CMOS

[richardstringer]

If you can find one used, then the best I know of would a Canon HV20. Its an award winning camcorder. High definition, records on mini dv and is just plain awesome really.

[mkkid28]

What do People think of Sony's HDR-HC3 model, HDR-HC5 model or HDR-HC7 model. How do you think these would compare to the Panasonic NV-GS230EB?

Cheers

[senu]

Originally Posted by mkkid28

What do People think of Sony's HDR-HC3 model, HDR-HC5 model or HDR-HC7 model. How do you think these would compare to the Panasonic NV-GS230EB?

Cheers

These are all HDV
At least as good for SD
In the case of HC7 possibly even better

[chrishull3]

Originally Posted by richardstringer

If you can find one used, then the best I know of would a Canon HV20. Its an award winning camcorder. High definition, records on mini dv and is just plain awesome really.

Having recently become the owner of a canon
HV 30 your description is perhaps a little OVER THE TOP

[senu]

Originally Posted by chrishull3

Having recently become the owner of a canon
HV 30 your description is perhaps a little OVER THE TOP

I would suggest that in its day the HV20 was well thought of and deserved the awards
The HV30 is better built ( even if it is still a litle plasticky compatd to your beloved HC1 )and I know you liked the HV10 form factor over the 20s but while he reviews are always subjective and made in relation to price ect, it may not be OTT
It may be all the OP wants in a camcorder..
My HC1 now also has a dodgy LCD but it isstill very usable and in active service I may get the HV 30 if i packs up as the FX1 is simple too big for many situations
and the VX2100 similarly far from pocket size

In the camcorder world it is horses for courses ..

[chrishull3]

Originally Posted by senu

I would suggest that in its day the HV20 was well thought of and deserved the awards
The HV30 is better built ( even if it is still a litle plasticky compatd to your beloved HC1 )and I know you liked the HV10 form factor over the 20s but while he reviews are always subjective and made in relation to price ect, it may not be OTT
It may be all the OP wants in a camcorder..
My HC1 now also has a dodgy LCD but it isstill very usable and in active service I may get the HV 30 if i packs up as the FX1 is simple too big for many situations
and the VX2100 similarly far from pocket size

In the camcorder world it is horses for courses ..

The hv 30 build is exactly the same as the HV20, where did you get[the] my beloved HC-1 from i never went over the moon about it, quite solidly built but the bottom loading was silly and in the end it never gave me reliable servise new lcd last year and the tape mechanism went recently so i sold it for somone else to get repaired, its video was average clearly the HV20 beat it
a bit,were you refering to my FX-7,if i could edit avchd as easily the sr-12 would be tops.Its all good fun though

[senu]

Originally Posted by chrishull3

The hv 30 build is exactly the same as the HV20,

Chris I have had both the HV30 build really is better but even so it is plasticky although by no means "delicate"

where did you get[the] my beloved HC-1 from i never went over the moon about it,

Tounge in cheek that dont mind me...

quite solidly built but the bottom loading was silly

It was not alone in that though , I agree it was a very silly design

and in the end it never gave me reliable servise new lcd last year and the tape mechanism went recently so i sold it for somone else to get repaired, its video was average clearly the HV20 beat it

It was a few "generations" before the HV20 though

were you refering to my FX-7,if i could edit avchd as easily the sr-12 would be tops.Its all good fun though

I do agree well sorted AVCHD is a joy to watch but the need for an i7 system for editing and so far not great software all round .is a real turn off..
Even so many decent BD transfers stated life as HDV output as such or encoded to hi profile AVC

[chrishull3]

Originally Posted by senu

Chris I have had both the HV30 build really is better but even so it is plasticky although by no means "delicate"

Tounge in cheek that dont mind me...

It was not alone in that though , I agree it was a very silly design

It was a few "generations" before the HV20 though


I do agree well sorted AVCHD is a joy to watch but the need for an i7 system for editing and so far not great software all round .is a real turn off..
Even so many decent BD transfers stated life as HDV output as such or encoded to hi profile AVC

Regarding build perhaps this is where 2 of the same models varying, the tape door on mine is far from a nice tight fit,i think if you check you will find the only difference between the 20/30 is silver to black in the body department.But i could be wrong.

[senu]

Originally Posted by chrishull3

Regarding build perhaps this is where 2 of the same models varying, the tape door on mine is far from a nice tight fit,i think if you check you will find the only difference between the 20/30 is silver to black in the body department.But i could be wrong.

The colour difference is there but it is possible to have an HV30 which has perhaps escaped Canons QC or was not gently used by a past owner
However this ( for the OP) does not remove the fact that the HV30 is a decent camcorder and may offer the OP VFM in quality compared to say , the Panasonic

[FauxPas]

IMO i'd get an HV30. or HV20 if you wanted to save a little more.
Basically the same cam, except the screen and colour...

Also Canon sell refurbed ones on eBay if you look about.