[Newcorder]

1ST post on the forum so please be gentle

Looking to buy my first Camcorder after enjoying the Movie Mode on my Panosonic FZ-18 Digital Camera.

Now the thing is my FZ-18 will record widescreen movies at 848 x 480 (But does not allow Zooming whilst filming) would a camcorder below 300gbp be any better than this as I look at the Specs of Camcorders and anything which isn't HD video comes close to by Digital Camera

Optical Zoom is important to me and anything under 35x I am not really interested in, reason being I enjoy filming Birds/Nature and this requires to be some distance from the subjects.

Low Light (Indoors) isn't a prob as I will not be filming that much if at all indoors.

I love the idea of using Hard Disk/SD Camcorders and not having to use DVD's/Tapes to record footage. I understand that most record in .Mod file formats but to me this is no problem as I can convert these easyly enough for editing in softwares.

So with all these considerations my list has come down to a JVC Everio GZ-MG330 or Canon FS100 and I am at a loss to which one to purchase?

Also would these give me any better Video than my FZ-18 digital camera?

If there is any models which I should consider then please do tell

A lot of Q's there I know but hopfully someone can help me out..

Kind Regards

James

[Newcorder]

Another one for the Pot a Panaspnic SDR H40 the reason I have added this to the list because I know from experience the Image Stablizer is great (Same as my FZ-18).

So to recap which camera would you choose?

Panasonic SDR H40

JVC GZ-MG330

Canon FS100

Thanks

James

[A n d r e w]

I'd give the JVC a miss. My (limited) experience dictates that the Everios aren't worth it at that money. I'd probably go for the Panasonic. If it was really my own choice, for £300 I'd go for a miniDV camera, but you're adamant you don't want tape, right? Or, for another £50, the Panasonic HDC-SD5, which records to SD cards. It's £350 at Amazon. But the AVC High Definition files from the SD5 aren't particularly easy to edit (there are workarounds, but a fast, up-to-date PC is needed).

Andrew.

[senu]

Originally Posted by Courtaj

I'd give the JVC a miss. My (limited) experience dictates that the Everios aren't worth it at that money. I'd probably go for the Panasonic. If it was really my own choice, for £300 I'd go for a miniDV camera

,
Is the right answer..

[koolpc]

I would say MiniDV too after reading a lot of great info on this part of the forums.

[Newcorder]

Thank you all for the replies...

Mmmm I wonder are the Camcorders with DVD any better Quality then the Hard Disk format camera's?

If so can you recommend a DVD Camcorder with at least 35x Zoom Optical (Pref one which allows you to use R/W discs for up too 250gbp please?

So far the Panasonic H40 is top of my list good Lens and 40 gig for next too nothing extra on the Fs100 and JVC models I mentioned, the Canon FS100 has what seems to me a poor lens IE:Purple fringing /CA not sure about the JVC model but from I have read thus far people are not too impressed with that Model.

Thanks

James

[A n d r e w]

This is my personal opinion (not that's it's ever stopped me before), but DVD camcorders are dubious in the extreme. Unless you like either waiting until you've completely filled a disk before you can use it for viewing or you like the idea of buying many, many disks.

There are much better options than DVD. Avoid.

[Newcorder]

Lol that killed that idea off

Looks like the Panasonic, just looking for a good deal on the Camera. Tried Jessops using a Voucher Code and the darn site won't accept it supposed to be 10% off all Camcorders! Works fine with everything else of course.

Cheers

James

[koolpc]

Panasonic are a great make. Good Camcorders with a great following.

[Newcorder]

The Saga continues..

I have come to the thoughts I am better off with a DV Tape camcorder because at the end of the day I would want better Quality Video than HD/Flash/DVD performance (Easier editing).

The need for a large zoom lens is still needed and one that does not show too much CA/Fringing.

So with a changed budget of say 200 pounds which ones out there would be a wise investment for the price?

Thanks

James

[redsox_mark]

I suggest the Canon MD235.