[bobbster]

Having sold my XM2 I now require a new camcorder. Uses local bands at gigs, some wildlife and my surfing club members riding waves. List of priorities.

1: No Tapes
2. Good low light performance
3. Wide angle to get close to stage
4. Sound quality
5. Zoom for wildlife

I have looked at panasonic tm300, sony xr520v and canon hf10 still cannot decide which is best for me, the low light tests/reports are really confusing!! Any replies or other camera suggestions most welcome.

[senu]

The XM2 was a cut above most of the current consumer offerrings IMHO

Whist your non tape requirement is noted
None of the models there is likely to tick any of those other boxes
You essentially need a Prosumer or semi Pro model and I would suggest the Canon XH A1 but it does use tape , The non tape models : Sony XDCAM series os THIS Panasonic which wil set you back a few thousand pounds

You would be spending a bit more too get XM2 performance,
Other wise all the models are very decent consumer models which are non tape high def , and may well be fine but you may need to keep your expectations realistic.
I like the Panasonic HDC-TM300 but
Low light indoors performance will be one to be watch( for gigs ect).

[bobbster]

Thanks for the reply, just checked out the Pansonic exactly what I require but way out my price range. So I need which ever is the best performer in low light sub £1000, I am aware it will not match the quality of the XM2 but I would still like thee best performing low light camcorder in my price bracket. Having read test results for Canon HF10, Panasonic tm300 and Sony XR520V I ended up totally confused as different testers produce different results. Am I to assume all these model produce virtually the same low level light performance regardless of chip size, other technology etc? The TM300 also has 5:1 sound which may be useful for gigs in doors.

[senu]

Originally Posted by bobbster

Thanks for the reply, just checked out the Pansonic exactly what I require but way out my price range. So I need which ever is the best performer in low light sub £1000, I am aware it will not match the quality of the XM2 but I would still like thee best performing low light camcorder in my price bracket. Having read test results for Canon HF10, Panasonic tm300 and Sony XR520V I ended up totally confused as different testers produce different results. Am I to assume all these model produce virtually the same low level light performance regardless of chip size, other technology etc? The TM300 also has 5:1 sound which may be useful for gigs in doors.

I think that given the lens sizes, sensor and technology employed , the low light and indeed outdoor performances are more similar than not, marketing spiel aside

[bobbster]

Well, I have just done a massive u turn and bought an xm2 to replace the one I sold. I need to know can the XM2 be connected to an audio mixing deck rather than using an external microphone to record music/sound etc during gigs.
Here is a link to the camera and gear I have just purchased. used for about 10-12 hours approximately.


Canon DM-XM2 Mini DV Camcorder on eBay (end time 04-Jul-09 10:58:14 BST)