[derricktrotter]

First post on AVForums so be gentle with me
I'm looking to buy a camcorder and have found these 2 at a reasonable price but not sure which one to go for. I do want a hard drive camcorder as i'm not keen on using tapes (although they will give me better quality i've heard). I don't want to spend a fortune hence why i've found these 2.

Sony HDD SR32: 30GB £279.99

JVC GZ-MG142EK: 40GB £269.99

Not sure about the specs or what the quality of still pictures is like on them. I know the JVC has a memory card slot but not sure how useful that is (what you'd use it for).

Can anyone help me? Maybe shed some light on these camcorders and advise me whether i'm making a good choice?

[thejollyboys]

I've just taken my DCR-SR33E, very similar to the 32, back as the focus and low light recording was very poor.

Everytime the cam was moved it took a split second to fucus so the final recording was very blured when the camera panned.

I've not had any experience of the JVC though sorry, but would not buy the Sony.

[redsox_mark]

The JVC is similar. You won't get very good video quality at the low end of HDD camcorders. Better off with DV, or spending more to get a higher end model.