[Barbs]

Yep - back again!

I recently purchased a Canon MD101 after reading and posting on here - but it has just gone back due to the excessive noise from the motor . Using the built in mic, it had a substantial buzzing noise and this was VERY noticeable when watching the footage. I suspect that this was a dodgy camcorder, but I don't want to take the risk that this won't happen again.... and I need one in a hurry (as always!!).

So to my question - will moving to another format help reduce the motor noise I will pick up? I need this for easy point and shoot recordings - nothing too complex (will never get around to hooking up an external mic). I am now considering getting a HDD camera (despite my earlier reservations) - will this reduce the risk of motor noise in the recording?

I know that HDD will blow my budget, but I couldn't live with the noise on the Canon.

Sort of looking at:
JVC GZMG57EK - for £300
The reviews on here would direct me to the Sony DCR-Sr190 - but at £470 this is outside of my budget.
Can anyone adise me on this (again )?
Are the HDD sony or panasonics any good? such as the:
Panasonic SDR-H20
Sony DCR-SR32

Thanks.

[redsox_mark]

Yes a HDD cam (or better yet a solid state cam) will reduce noise... but at a given price the picture will not be as good.

[Barbs]

Mark,

thanks again - but would you have any recommendations?

I was considering the JVC GZMG57 - but after reading reviews on the JVC GZMG77 I am not sure that JVC should be considered (unless I go for the 505 upwards!!!). The general concensus seems to be to go for Sony.

For the £350 mark would you have any preferences? What about the Panasonic Sdr-hd20 or the Sony drc-sr32?

I thought I had it sorted with the md101 but I reluctant to risk another noisy miniDV camcorder.....

EDIT.
Reading your post again - do you reckon that I would be hasty to walk away from minDV? Consdiering that it is still the main medium out there I must have just been unlucky with the canon.... perhaps investing in a better miniDV would be wiser - such as the Panasonic NV - GS320....

....awe my head hurts!

[redsox_mark]

In that price range I'd still stay with Dv. GS320 is a good choice, or a bit cheaper the GS230. I've never seen any issues with motor noise with Panasonic. With Canon it seems to vary.... I've not seen it but it does get reported on some units.

[Barbs]

One last question. I am going to try and order something now (or first thing in the morning) - but I need to get it for immediate delivery to NI in order to get it for my hols. In case I bottle it and don't find a miniDV - of all the HDD cams in that price range is there a range to look for: Sony, Panasonic, JVC?

[redsox_mark]

I suggest Sony. Generally I think that they are better than the JVC models at the same price point (just my opinion, though based on reviews I believe this is generally true). Panasonic is new to the table for HDD cams so I'm not sure about them. I think if you need to make a quick decision Sony is the safest choice.

[Barbs]

Thanks again Mark - really apprecaite the prompt response to noob questions .

You have the patience of a saint. When I make a decision I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Barbs]

You'd think that picking a camcorder should be easy.... I ended up getting a Panasonic NV-GS180 for £229 (from currys of all places !!).

As they are an older model they are cheaper being end of line - would have plumped for a GS320 but I need it in a hurry and I can't get one local or delivered to NI (for any reasonable price). I know about the image stabilisation issue in widescreen on the 180, but from what I have read I should be able to work around this.

I pick it up tomorow night..... hopefully you won't hear from me again....or for a wee while anyway.

[felix2]

Wow that's a great price! (even if it is Currys! ) It's as good as the same as the newer GS230, which is around the £300 mark (the same price the GS180 used to be new).

Only thing is: does that mean my 1-year-old GS180 I was about to sell isn't worth what I was going to ask for it?!!!

[Barbs]

Originally Posted by felix2

Only thing is: does that mean my 1-year-old GS180 I was about to sell isn't worth what I was going to ask for it?!!!

I wouldn't be too sure. The only reason I am getting this at that price is that Currys only have a few ex-display models left. I had to try 8 stores until I got one that had a GS180 with all the bits...

.. the first had no battery
.. the second only the camcorder, no battery or boxed items
.. the third no leads....... and on and on....

... the only other place that had one was either from Hong Kong or refurbed for over £260

[felix2]

Thanks - I hope it serves you well, they give great pictures for the price, and good sound too (including that rare thing, a microphone input!)