Which mini-dv should I buy ?

Hi,

I'm buying my first digital camcorder (with limited budget). I'm still
deciding between the following models:

Panasonic NV DS 60 575 euro
JVC GR DX25EX 550 euro
Sony DCR-TRV12 600 euro
Samsung VP-D33 600euro
Canon MV600 600 euro

I've read a few reviews on the internet and on basis of those reviews I
would choose for the panasonic NV DS 60. The canon seems to have a bad
picture quality. And the JVC's nightvision doesnt work according to those
reviews. I don't like the samsung brand, it sounds less-quality than the
other brands.
What is important for me ?
- size
- good picture quality
- good sound quality !
- nightvision

Any pro's or contra's would be highly appreciated !

tnx,

Koen

Hi again,

AFter some considerations I'm down to these three models.

Panasonic NV DS 60
JVC GR DX25
Canon MV600

Anyone got any positive or negative experiences with one of them ?

regards,

Koen

Ok, after some helfpfull tips on another forum I'm down to 2 options !

Panasonic NV DS 60
pos: better sound quality,better image quality, led spot

JVC GR DX25
pos: nightshot, smaller, 16x zoom instead of only 10x on the panasonic, f1.6 lens


Anyone got any positive or negative experiences with one of them ? Are the positive points that I've mentioned correct ?

regards,

Koen

oke, just an update. I chose for the panasonic, the jvc appeared to be not very handy.

[WhiteLurcher]

Hi Koen

Hows the Panasonic working out? I have short listed the exact same three cams as you, but I still can't make a decision!
I'm particularly interested in how it preforms indoors.
I would really appreciate your opinion as the reviews are confusing.

Thanks

Regards

Helen:-)

[Brian110507]

As a long term and confirmed Panasonic fan I would go for the Panasonic every time, if your budget can stretch just a little more I would suggest the Panasonic NV-DS65B which is identical to the NV-DS60B except that it also has DV-in which you will find extreemly useful if you intend to do any editing of your videos on a computer.

Have you had a look at the thread - Panasonic NV-DS65 - well impressed" within this forum

I haven't had a chance to test it yet. It's a Christmas present for my brother. I decided to go for the panasonic after reading some reviews at the local library. Virtually all important computer and test-magazines gave the panasonic and the sony trv12 good points. The JVC is really unhandy, it's just to small to point well (with that zoom range) and the anti-shock doesn't make up for it. The canon has bad audio recording (you can hear yourself handling the camera, the turning tape etc) on the recordings.

So it's just a choice between panasonic and sony. Since I personally prefer the Panasonic brand I choose for that one although the sony trv12 gets slightly better reviews in general.

good luck,

Koen

[slewis1972]

HI,

See my thread as mentioned ref the DS65. The models you were looking at were on my list. I chose this model as it had good reviews, DV in, SD card, and can be used as a webcam etc if needed.

Anyway - I got it from AJ Electronics - and it arrived within 3 days by City Link.

Scott

[Frenchie]

In my case, size matters.
If you don't need still pictures and DV In, JVC GR-DX25 seems a superb choice for its price. Found it £322.50 at www.pantheronline.co.uk even if bought in store.