buying advice

[matmaxedout]

hi everyone,

can anyone offer some advice on a good Hi-Def camcorder, i'm wanting one thats quite compact in design, not too bothered what type of recording format i.e Hdd/disc/tape.

As the one ive got at the moment is a mini dv with the fold out screen, but i find it too clumbersome and never take it with me, i'm looking for one that can cope with fast paced action well as i'm into my snowboard holidays and like to video the action so we can all have a good laugh when we take a tumble

cheers for any advice

mat

[redsox_mark]

It depends on your definition of compact....all the main consumer models are pretty small. Canon HV20, Sony HC5/HC7 (these are HDV models)... or Panasonic SD1 (memory card based), or Sony SR5/SR7/SR8 (HDD).

Smallest is the Sanyo VPC-HD1 and VPC-HD2. There have been some threads on this one recently. Quality isn't as good as the above, but the price is right and it's small.

All of them (even the Sanyo) have a flip out screen.

[gritstone]

Originally Posted by matmaxedout

hi everyone,

can anyone offer some advice on a good Hi-Def camcorder, i'm wanting one thats quite compact in design, not too bothered what type of recording format i.e Hdd/disc/tape.

<snip>

mat

I'm in a similar position to you... It's really difficult to come to a decision.
It's such a fast moving market the magazine reviews seem out of date before the end of the month they are published in... and even some of the manufacturer websites seem out of date.
Or am I so confused I don't know what I'm looking at.

Personally, my needs are simple:
Very small and light, tough and water resistant.
High quality optics and CCD.
Plus ability to fit filters to lens.

...I think I'm waiting for the solid state market to catch up with my requirements.

[Astman]

hi there in market to spend up to £300 just seen panasonic vdrd250 3ccd llok really nice but only 2 left in store has clearance, this seems very cheap for 3ccd camera, does any agree and if there is anything else.
cheers