I'm about to invest in my first camcorder - as a beginner I'd love a bit of advice...

I'll be using the camcorder mainly for nightclub environments (very dark normally) and general use (Holidays and home movies )

I want it to be as small as possible so I will use it more

Is the Sony IP7 right for me?

[TommyVecetti]

Be warned that most camcorders will not perform well in a low light situation like a night club, in fact without proper lighting most of the footage will look awful.

The IP7 doesn't have the largest CCD available for a single chip model, and a larger one would benefit you in a dark environment. Most of the choices in the other threads around here would be better.

Thanks Tommy

Well, low light recording capability is important as I will be getting a lot of use out of it in clubs.

I also looked at the JVC GR-DV95 spec which says 'Digital Colour NightScope' - will this not do the job? Would you think this would be better or worse at the job than the Sony?

Perhaps someone can answer this too: Would I be able to buy a better microphone to record sound in a club, as I'm assuming the sound quality would be rubbish if I used the built in one in a very loud environment? If so, what kind of prices do therse retail at?

Thanks all

[MarkE19]

To be honest miniDV camcorders do not work well in low light conditions. Even the semi-pro DV cams can only work down to around 2 lux. I never normally advise this but Hi8 camcorders are better at low light recording, but these will not be that small.
External mic inputs are not normally found on the smaller, budget camcorders. Make sure this is listed in the specs if it is important to you before you buy.

Mark.

Thanks Mark. I've been trawling through pages of info on the net all day and have prety much found out exactly what you're telling me: MiniDV cams aren't great in low-light situations.

Can you perhaps recommend some of the best ones anyway?

I have to have a small unit, to smuggle it in clubs!

Im in a similar situation to funkster (i.e. looking for a camcorder that will record in darker environments, like clubs). I was thinking of buying an extra light such as Jessops VL35 to clip on to the camcorder, but would this be powerful enough? Its a 30W halogen bulb. Or would i need more powerful lighting still? If so, what kind of light can you recommend or would I need to think about proper studio lighting (i.e. nothing that will provide enough illumination that will clip on to the camcorder)
thanks
(and sorry for hijacking the thread!)

[lead]

The IP7 performs very badly in low light conditions. Even in 'low light mode'.

I bought the Sony PC105 a week ago, and it performs amazingly in low light - highly recommended!