Sony HDR HC3/5 or Canon HV30 or JVC HD HDD Cam?

[mkkid28]

Right, I'm looking for some decent cameras to film Wrestling events. They will be filmed indoors but with varied lighting. Due to my limited budget I'm going to purchase the Cameras Second Hand probably.

I was thinking about the possible choices of either Sony HDR-HC3 or Canon HV30 or even a JVC HD Cam that records on to a Hard disc. Obivously I'd be wanting something that can shoot alot of movement and preferably works well in varied lighting. Tbh, I'm leaning towards the Canon HV30 but I'm just wondering what other people recommend.

[PDP-434HDE]

I have a Sony HC-3 (£650 a few years ago) and now a JVC GZ-HD30. (£250 a few months ago) both bought new.

The Sony uses MINI DV tapes, the JVC has a 120G HDD. The JVC does HDV or ACVHD, the Sony only HDV.

The Sony is definately the better camcorder of the two, it's anti-shake is much better as is the microphones. If you can get an HC-3 for a good price, you can't go wrong.

This was taken using the JVC, and rendered to HD :


This was taken using the Sony, rendered to HD too :


I think the contrast of the JVC is shown inadequate the way the mountain top blends to the sky until I zoom in. Also the better antishake of the Sony is evident.

[chrishull3]

The HV30 as i have said before and shown results to prove can produce pq as good as cams costing 4 times as much, it has progressive mode as well as interlaced.Certainly of the hdv and avchd cams i have owned all sony the HV has the best picture, like all consumer cams sound is its worst point and an external mic is required for top notch sound.Low light is quite good but there are avchd cams like the sony 500/20s that are better in low light.The auto focus and anti shake are very good on the HV30.