camcorder under £350 from John Lewis

simonx · 30-06-2008, 12:01 PM

I have £250 of John Lewis vouchers, and we thought it was about time to get a camcorder - been meaning to since we had the kids, so it's been 12 years in the offing!

We won't be using it loads, just some footage of the kids now and again really - no doubt they'll want to use it as well. Will probably get mainly used outside on sunny days. Don't mind going up to £300, or even £350 if really warranted. The simpler to use and transfer to PC the better.

These are the models list on the JL website:

Sony HDD-SR35E Hard Disc Handycam Camcorder £269
Sony HDD-SR55E Hard Disc Handycam Camcorder £329
JVC Everio GZ-MG330H Hard Disc/SD Camcorder, 30GB, Silver £269 (also 330A (blue) and 330R (red) )

Any thoughts on these (or any other models JL shops may sell) much appreciated.

Thanks ….. Simon.

jaymac · 30-06-2008, 12:21 PM

JL used to price match web prices providing the advertising site had a high st shop well worth asking.

*A n d r e w* · 30-06-2008, 4:26 PM

I'd be wary of a hard-drive camcorder if I were handing it to the kids to use: while no camera responds favourably to being dropped, damaging the hard-drive can be the beginning of the end.

So perhaps something like the Panasonic HDC-SD5/7? How much is one of those at JL? It records to SD cards, and is simple and automatic enough for the kids (and the oldies!), as well as having manual functions should you wish to take control.

*A n d r e w* · 30-06-2008, 4:32 PM

I just noticed that they want £550 for the SD9 and the SD7 and SD5 don't appear on their website.

redsox_mark · 30-06-2008, 4:39 PM

SD7 is an import only, and the SD5 is discontinued (though available as a bargin where still sold e.g. Amazon).

*A n d r e w* · 30-06-2008, 4:44 PM

Sorry guys - got a bit excited there - shutting up now . . .

simonx · 01-07-2008, 11:49 AM

Thanks guys.
I can always hang on to the JL vouchers and spend them as the opportunity arises (inc Waitrose). That way I can choose any model for <=£350.

The Panasonic HDC-SD5 is £350 delivered from Amazon - so sounds like a good quality option for me?

One concern would be, hw much recording time can you actually get on a memory card vs hard drive ... plus I guess I might have to pay a lot extra to get a card that holds, say 100mins?

I can live with the risk that the kids might drop the camera, if HDD for this price is reasonable quality and cheaper overall.

redsox_mark · 01-07-2008, 12:09 PM

At the highest quality setting, 40 mins on a 4 GB card (80 mins on an 8 GB card).

simonx · 01-07-2008, 4:14 PM

Thanks Mark :-)
A 20Gb card being about £20? Which would take me to £370!

My "limit" is supposed to be £300 - but I can stretch to £350 if pushed, I'll see if I can find the camera for £330 somewhere, otherwise any other suggestions gratefully received.