Need Help Deciding on a HD Camcorder

[DaveyG]

I'm insanely new to camcorders, I've never owned one before.

I am getting married next year and am not hiring a videographer but want to get a camcorder for someone to carry round on the day. Also the reason I've decided I want to invest now is because I'll be starting to want to video stuff (I imagine kids will follow shortly after marriage)!

I've had a real quick scan around but have no real idea what I'm after. I do want a HD one (have full HD TV) but other than that not really sure what I should be looking for. I assumed HDD would be good?

I guess I have am looking to spend around £500. I know that may restrict me somewhat as HD camcorders seem to go anywhere from £400-£lots-of-money.

So if anyone could help me out (I'm not in charge of a lot of things for the wedding, so I'm hoping not to mess this up ) I'd really appreciate it.

If anyone has recommendations or ones to avoid etc that would be great!

Thanks in advance

[senu]

The problem is that by next year, the models may have changed and the higher priced ones today could be £500 or less
FWIW it is better to get a proper video person for your wedding. If you have a friend who has one or can use one let him use his own camcorder
Just giving your camcorder to any friend on the day may result in hrs of footage of which only 5 min ( if that) will be worth watching .
A newbie will Handhold a lot zoom, pan , talk, try to catch every moment and guess what ? .. You wont like it, trust me on that. You wont find it funny
I have done a few ( including my own Sisters ) and was glad I also got them an official one as he was able to use techniques I had to learn "on the fly"
They are not as easy as they may seem
To guide you Hi def is Good, HDD isnt bad ( some folk are more keen on cards now)
£500 is perhaps not going to get you the "canines tackle" of camcorders but is decent money
Kids come when they want.. not always shortly after the wedding ( unless you know something I dont)
HTH

[DaveyG]

Yeah hiring a professional would be good, but sadly it comes down to budget and we simply can't afford one, so the next best thing is a camcorder which (as you rightly say) might give us about 5 mins of decent footage.

I know that given the wedding is about 10 months away technology will change, as will prices, that's something which I fully accept. It's not to say I won't use the camcorder before hand, we have a few events occurring before the wedding which it will come in handy for. And like I say, I see it as an investment right now.

Thanks for your advice

Hoping that someone could point me in the right direction of a camcorder...?

[jackobite]

Originally Posted by DaveyG

I'm insanely new to camcorders, I've never owned one before.

I am getting married next year and am not hiring a videographer but want to get a camcorder for someone to carry round on the day. Also the reason I've decided I want to invest now is because I'll be starting to want to video stuff (I imagine kids will follow shortly after marriage)!

I've had a real quick scan around but have no real idea what I'm after. I do want a HD one (have full HD TV) but other than that not really sure what I should be looking for. I assumed HDD would be good?

I guess I have am looking to spend around £500. I know that may restrict me somewhat as HD camcorders seem to go anywhere from £400-£lots-of-money.

So if anyone could help me out (I'm not in charge of a lot of things for the wedding, so I'm hoping not to mess this up ) I'd really appreciate it.

If anyone has recommendations or ones to avoid etc that would be great!

Thanks in advance

panasonic...is the one..cost about £495 on play.dot com...hd s 9.....not sure number..but it,s a fantastic performer...my son had it in china month before olympics....went every where..with it...you havent seen HD like it perfect...got over a 100ohours of stuff...jaw dropping stuff...just plugged it into my philips plasma and i cant explain the qualiy...im gett ing one later on this year hopefully...and forgot to say he purchased extra.."card" ?..he did not need them it holds huge amount of stuff.. when my son got it ..it was about£599..so it,s come down a good bit...hope this helps jackobite

[senu]

Cleared that one up then
You may have a proficient friend to do it but not just anybody who wants to have a go

So you have a budget of £500
Would like Hi Def
and HDD models
Dont mind SD card
and wont consider tape

This narrows your choices to the Sony, Panasonic and Canon offerings
Sony SR10
Canon HF 100
Panasonic SD9 or newer SD 100
Are a few to go on based on your budget

[A n d r e w]

I've got an SD9 and while I think it's a pretty good little camera for the money, it can be a bit hit-and-miss if you leave it on automatic and use it indoors (I assume at least some of your wedding & reception is likely to take place indoors).

I've not used the Canon HF100, but from what I hear it's noticeably better (though not perfect) in those kind of conditions.

There is a bit of a price difference, and I cannot recommend enough the value of buying yourself an SDHC card and trying out both in-store. Firing off a few minutes' footage in a camera shop might mimic the kinds of conditions you'll encounter on the day (though retail stores seem to be lit up like candelabra these days).

Also, if you're planning on doing any editing, these AVCHD camcorders ask a lot of a PC. HDV (high defintion on tape) is less processor-intensive, so you might also want to think about a camera like the Canon HV30 if you've got a bit of editing in mind but don't fancy telling the boss sorry wife-to-be that now you've got your camcorder sorted you're about to spend the house deposit on a new computer. The HV30 might be slightly out of your price range, though.

Plenty to think about, and at least 10 months gives you plenty of time to mull things over, track prices, and familiarise yourself with your new piece of kit when you finally pick it up.

Good luck!

[DaveyG]

Would like to say thanks to you guys for replying, as you say I can track the camcorders you've mentioned and try and compare newer models if I am not buying for another few months.

Thanks again!