Canon MD160

Darkstar_surfer · 11-03-2007, 9:32 AM

I have been thinking of buying a new camcorder for some time but keep putting it off, no money. I had decided on the MVX460 but can't find one anywhere in the UK for a decent price. So it looks like the MD160 is the next best thing.

Can any one recommend a good deal from a reliable dealer and maybe some worth while options. I was thinking of this, with the extra battery and 10 tapes.

Any comments.

redsox_mark · 11-03-2007, 5:13 PM

I've not used Best Cameras, but there reputation is good, and they have about the best price.

The price for 10 tapes at £25 is nothing special - you can get them cheaper from Amazon.

A spare battery for £20 seems a good price if it is a genuine Canon battery.

Darkstar_surfer · 12-03-2007, 2:07 PM

I have switched to amazon, £258.99, and hope to order either tomorrow or Wednesday. I want to buy an SD card as well and was wondering if there were good and bad cards or if any card would do with the MD160. What size and speed do you recommend? Not sure if it matters for a 1MP camera. Also plan to buy the 10pk of Sony tapes at £10.78.

redsox_mark · 12-03-2007, 2:34 PM

SD cards do vary in speed, but given that it is only 1 MP even a slow one should be good enough.

In terms of size - my camcorder takes 3 MP stills; I have a 1 GB card and that holds 700+ photos, which is overkill. 256k is probably plenty; you could get away with even less.

Darkstar_surfer · 12-03-2007, 3:18 PM

Thanks Mark.

Since the 2G card is less than £4.88 I will probabaly get one. The faster one, 1G at 50x, was £5.69.

Darkstar_surfer · 13-03-2007, 12:00 PM

Hi Mark

A pretty pointless question since I don't actually have the £260 for a MD160 at present, but if widescreen and image stabilizer is a must what is the next best option to the MD160 that is currently available.

Thanks

redsox_mark · 13-03-2007, 12:36 PM

Are you looking for a cheaper model, or looking for a better, more expensive one?

On the cheaper side, the Canon MD101. Doesn't take stills, but the video performance isn't much different from the MD160, and it has an external mic input, and costs less (around £200).

Moving up market, the Panasonic GS300 or Sony HC96; but these will cost you £400 plus.

As an alternative in midrange priced cams (under £300) in the past I would recommend the HC44/HC46. These are true widescreen, no issue with the image stabilisation, and decent performance, though I think the low end Canons win on picture quality. The 44/46 have been replaced by the HC45/47, I've not seen these in action or any reviews yet, would expect them to be similar.

Darkstar_surfer · 13-03-2007, 2:05 PM

Thanks again Mark

I meant up, but down proved very useful and was tempting. I think I will stick with the MD160 though as it has a better sensor and a remote, although the MD101 does have an external mic option.

The better side is very tempting. Don't like Sony as a company so will try and keep to the GS300. I can see one on Amazon for £350, which is £90 dearer than the MD160. Will have to have another think

Darkstar_surfer · 19-03-2007, 11:49 AM

I have just ordered a Canon MD160 from Amazon for £258. Will get back once it has been delivered and we have had a chance to have a play.

Next I need to order an SD card and a spare battery or two.

Darkstar_surfer · 22-03-2007, 8:35 AM

Well all credit to Amazon. I paid for next day delivery and next day is what I got. Unable to open and play yet as it is a birthday present and there is nothing worse to know than that some one has had there hands all over your present before you have had a chance.

One little point. Amazon do a neat little case that is £5.27 + £4.50P+P from a market place seller or £8.28 with free P+P if ordered with other Amazon items, a camcorder for example.