[Jon12345]

What would you recommend for a good value (read lower priced) 3CCD camcorder with hard drive and an external mic input?

Thanks,

Jon

[redsox_mark]

I don’t know of any.

Not sure why 3CCDs is mandatory, but that pretty much limits you to Panasonic and a few JVC models (for low priced consumer models). External mic inputs are rare as it is.

Panasonic GS230 is low priced, 3 CCD, external mic input, but is DV tape.

[Jon12345]

Doesn't 3CCD give a much better picture?

[redsox_mark]

No. All things being equal, 3 CCDs (or CMOS) is usually better than 1; large CCD/CMOS is better than small.

Unless you go to very expensive high end cams, the choice is between 3 small CCD/CMOS vs. one large one. The large sensor gives better low light performance, the 3 CCDs possibly better colour accuracy. On balance they cancel eachother out, and other factors like the lens and the digital processing impact the overall quality.

[senu]

I agree with Mark there.. 3CCD vs 1CCD was measure of quality

Not anymore.. Budget 3CCDs will not give a well sorted single CCD or Single CMOS any headaches
Also at the budget range 3CCD camcorders may struggle to cope well in low light
But
This in no way detracts from the quality of Panasonic's offerings. Just a note to take the 3CCD marketing spin in the right context
Certainly higher end Camcorders have 3 CCD/CMOS but they have a lot of other technical features to make them better quality besides having more than 1 CCD

As for HDD with mic in. The only one I know is Canons HG10. Until it was made I'm not sure there was any other and it is a "disspearing" feature

[cheesewheeze]

I am also looking for a camera with an external microphone slot to replace the one which recently got stolen! I used to have a Panasonic NV180 mini dv camera. This was great for the price, but is no longer available. I would value people's opinions on the best quality cameras either tape or Hard disc with the external microphone slot under £1000 preferably cheaper. I value quality of picture and sound, would like some manual controls, though get lazy and often only use manual focus. Anyway I would value your advice as I am finding the variety of cameras out there bewildering. I have been using AVID to edit. Thanks