New camcorder - progression from a Panasonic NV-GS400?

[merkin51]

I produce a lot of educational multimedia CD / DVD-ROMs which include video of a) live classroom footage and b) "talking heads" style interview clips. I've used a Panasonic NV-GS400 for the past 3 years which has been absolutely fantastic, however I feel it's time to upgrade that to a more prosumer / semi-pro model. Due to the GS400's small size, I always have to have it tripod mounted, which can be annoying when I'm wanting to film students at their level whilst sitting at desks. Also, as my business has grown and developed, I'm starting to get some "what's that cr*ppy small camera he's got" looks / comments... I'm sure a few of you have been there before

I'm actually a web and graphic designer, with digital video and multimedia CD / DVDs more of a side service I provide. Therefore, I'm not looking to splash out thousands on a new camcorder. If I can get around £200 - £300 for the GS400, I'd be happy to spend up to £1k on a new one. I'm not particularly bothered about HD capability, as my videos will always be encoded to small or medium res (say 480 x 360). I guess I'd be happy to stick with miniDV. What would be a good step up from the GS400? Is maybe 2nd hand a good way to go?

[MariusCTM]

Hi, if you decide to sell your NV GS400 I'm interested of buying it.

Marius

[redsox_mark]

Hard request to meet - a larger sized, prosumer, standard def cam for £1000. Close to your budget, this is a great price on the VX2100 - an excellent DV cam, great in low light
http://www.tekmo.co.uk/index.php?mai...roducts_id=579

[senu]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

Hard request to meet - a larger sized, prosumer, standard def cam for £1000. Close to your budget, this is a great price on the VX2100 - an excellent DV cam, great in low light
http://www.tekmo.co.uk/index.php?mai...roducts_id=579

Totally agree
I have one and size aside ( I dont mind but it is intimidating at family functions) , Im impressed with it in all other ways
The Canon XM2 would be another , it might even cost less
Both are not exactly recent models and it is probably true to say the 400 was one of a dying breed

You are moving up on models but I wouldnt give up the 400 too soon in case you need a second smaller camcorder
It may be that the HDV camcorders :Sony HC 9 and Canon HV 30 are not at all inferior to the GS400 for SD ( evenif you dont need the HD capability) but they are CMOS ( not 3CCD FWIW) are far more menu driven

[redsox_mark]

Yes, the Canon HV30/Sony HC9 have SD performance similar to the GS400, but not better (in SD), and they don't have the larger size the OP is looking for.

XM2 is another choice; typically both the XM2 and VX2100 are £1500 ish; I don't know the supplier but that price of £1200 for a new VX2100 is very good.