[geofftelforduk]

Guys

I have had a standard defintion Mini DV for the past 6 years or so and I am now ready to upgrade to an HD camcorder.

I have read a number of reviews online, but as always there are conflicts in opinion.

Initially it will be used for the arrival (not literally I might add) of our first baby so it needs to perform well in low light. After this it will be general indoor and outdoor use.

I use a Macbook running Mac OS Leopard with iMovie 08 (will buy iMovie 09 if necessary).

For £500 - £600 can someone please give some recommendations??

The ones I have looked at are:

Canon HF10
Sony TG3

I am not sure if I want SD and/or HDD! Advise appreciated!

Many thanks!

[c__w]

I'm not sure how the HDD saves the footage but with SD it saves a file for each scene you shoot which can be straight copied on the computer either from the camera or by removing the card and putting it to any card reader. This alone is a big bonus for me.

I've breifly used a Canon HF10 and the quality was very very good.

[geofftelforduk]

Hi cw

Thanks for the reply!

Yeah I have read that about the SD card based camcorders!!

Thanks again!

[A n d r e w]

The HF100 is better value for money that the HF10 - same camcorder with a different paint job and without the built-in memory. Canon have a bunch of new camcorders out now, too: might be worth taking a look at their website and searching the net for prices.

For the money you're looking at spending, I'd go for either the HF100 or a Sony SR11 (if you can find one for £600). The Panasonic SD100 is probably a little cheaper, but has smaller sensors (a situation Panasonic has remedied somewhat with the top end of their latest line-up, i.e. the TM200 or TM300, but they might be a little bit pricey for you).

[geofftelforduk]

Thanks Andrew for the reply!!

I ended up going for the Canon HF100!! Read a handful of reviews and it seems impressive!! Proof will be in the eating as they say!! Got it for £520 from CCL Online!!

Thanks all!

[A n d r e w]

No problem!!

[LeeroyB]

Originally Posted by geofftelforduk

Thanks Andrew for the reply!!

I ended up going for the Canon HF100!! Read a handful of reviews and it seems impressive!! Proof will be in the eating as they say!! Got it for £520 from CCL Online!!

Thanks all!

I've just checked CCL online and this cam is now £670.30! Bugger! £520 would have been the perfect price to pay as well.

[sclass]

Check out your local currys instore. None available online.
I paid £399 four weeks ago. Not much stock in the stores but worth checking to see if they have any in stock even if ex-display. Good luck!