[n8384]

Hi all,
Question is for my brother who lives in South Africa. With the pending arrival of his first baby, he is looking to spend £500-£550 on a HD camcorder.

I own the HDR-HC3E which he likes, but he does not think he will be doing any editing initially and so asked me about the HDR-UX3E. Because of budget he is looking at HC3E and not HC5E.

Looking long term, is mini dv still worth having or should he get the UX3E?

[redsox_mark]

To me it doesn't matter how far you look long term... HDV is a good format. Personally I don't like DVD based models very much (which the UX3 is), mainly as if you have a problem with the disc (e.g. fails when you try to finalize) you are stuffed. If he wants a non-tape option consider an HDD model like the SR5. But still, I'd rather have the HC3.

[n8384]

Thanks for the reply.
Searching now for the HC3E on the net, not many around.

[n8384]

If anyone is interested, i ordered this and will hope its completely new.

http://www.directtvs.co.uk/Sony_HDR-.../version-1.asp

[7hil]

Originally Posted by n8384

If anyone is interested, i ordered this and will hope its completely new.

http://www.directtvs.co.uk/Sony_HDR-.../version-1.asp

Wow. That's cheap. Let us know how it turns out.

[hopthepond]

Originally Posted by 7hil

Wow. That's cheap. Let us know how it turns out.

That company are in the same town as me and i can testify they've always been excellent with me for purchase, after sales and any questions or problems, can recomend them for sure.

[7hil]

How does the HC3 compare to the HC7? Is there a noticable upgrade in quality on the newer model?

[redsox_mark]

In terms of performance, there is very little difference... the HC7 has some extra features (e.g. external mic jack), maybe slightly better quality but you will be hard pushed to see any difference.

[n8384]

item is brand new, still has the tags on the camcorder. all the required items in the box and looks new. i compared it to my one and no difference...well worth the price if you ask me