Help choosing alternative to Sony DCR-HC96

[a4gom]

Hi this is my first post and one written in desperation, hopefully someone on here will be able to help.

After months of searching, reading and pondering I had made the decision that the Sony DCR-HC96 was the camera for me.


Unfortunately at the same time Sony decided to refresh there range and make it obsolete.


So this is where I am hoping you can help

I need an alternative, the main bits of the spec which drew me to the sony were:-

* mini dv to prevent loss due to vibration
* AV IN - for connection of a bullet cam and mic for recording in car footage
* capture of stills (3MP)
* size

Anyone know of a comparative device

TIA

[redsox_mark]

It might be overkill/out of budget, but the only models I can think of are the Canon HV10 or HV20 (HDV) cams. You can use then in SD or HD mode.

None of the current range of Consumer DV cams from Panasonic, Sony, JVC or Canon have AV-input.

[senu]

Sadly, AV in and ext mic jack are vanishing

Still if you can stretch to the Models mentioned by Mark You would be getting seriously good quality SD and excellent HDV on a MiniDV format

[emocean]

Welcome to the fast moving world of consumer video cameras. Spending months deciding on a camera is not what the manufactures have in mind, that's why they are constantly changing their line ups. As mentioned above the newer models don't alway incorporate some of the useful features of the early models.
If you are quick and type sony hc96 into google you will see that there are 2 sellers on Amazon with stock left, one at £400. I have always found popping into your local Jessops useful because they will search all of their other shops for you and sometimes come up with ex display models. Either way don't hang around!

[a4gom]

Thanks chaps, things look a bit grim then.