HDD Camcorder recommendations?

[Lordpeewee]

Hi there, I'm a bit new to camcorders and I'm getting a headache trying to trawl through all the various options available. I'm interested in a HDD cam, mainly because I have a HTPC so would like the convenience a hard drive would give me. I also have a HDTV so would maybe be interested in a high def cam, although this is not essential. I'm not interested in editing, just pointing and shooting - then archiving the footage I want to keep. My budget if I go for a SD model would be around £350, although I would go up to £550 for an HD model. I have been looking at the Sony HDR-SR5E but have seen some mixed reviews and some dubious comments about its HD picture quality. Anyone have any personal recommendations? High def is certainly not essential as the technology is still fairly young and expensive.

[senu]

There is nothing wrong with the SR5s video quality What have you read?

The SR7 and Canon HG 10 are better but this is comparative not absolute
THe HG10 does not do SD but in all other ways it is a star. If you have an HDTV and HTPC I do wonder why HD is not close to your shortlist

If you want to stay SD then give the Sony SR 190 a look
or
The better JVCs which have good paper specs but for which reviews seem to be scant

[Lordpeewee]

Thanks for the reply - I eventually plumped for a Sony DCR-SR190E after reading good things about the picture quality over cheaper Sony models. High definition wasn't a must because it's just a little too expensive for what I will be using it for. I managed to get the 190 for £360. I hope it's good!

[senu]

Good on you. I think youll like it

[redsox_mark]

£360 for the 190 is a good price.

[takes2long]

Hi
Lordpeewee, where did you get your Sony DCR-SR190E for £360.00 please.