Buying a flash-based camcorder
April 16, 2008 9:49 AM Subscribe
Looking for an affordable (<$400) tapeless camcorder
Our Panasonic PV-GS9 is on its last legs. It records to Mini-DV tapes, and while the quality is good we've found we don't like dealing with tapes. The heads are vulnerable to failing, not to mention getting gunked up, but the biggest issue is storing and transferring clips to the computer. It seems it would be much more convenient to deal with SD cards (but I'm open to HDD if it's reliable). Cards are getting cheaper by the day, as well. Since we're also close to needing a new digital camera I'm hoping I can justify the price of a flash-based camcorder by using it in camera mode, too. I'd also like to shoot HD video, if possible. This is just for home video usage, by the way.
Am I asking for too much? Are there technical issues I'm not aware of?
My AskMeFi search didn't turn up anything directly relevant, but I apologize if I've missed a recent thread on this. I've also looked into Cnet and other online review sites, but since it's been 4 years since I shopped for a camcorder I'm a little overwhelmed. Also, the experiences of other MeFites is worth a lot to me, rather than spec sheets or websites with sponsors.
Our Panasonic PV-GS9 is on its last legs. It records to Mini-DV tapes, and while the quality is good we've found we don't like dealing with tapes. The heads are vulnerable to failing, not to mention getting gunked up, but the biggest issue is storing and transferring clips to the computer. It seems it would be much more convenient to deal with SD cards (but I'm open to HDD if it's reliable). Cards are getting cheaper by the day, as well. Since we're also close to needing a new digital camera I'm hoping I can justify the price of a flash-based camcorder by using it in camera mode, too. I'd also like to shoot HD video, if possible. This is just for home video usage, by the way.
Am I asking for too much? Are there technical issues I'm not aware of?
My AskMeFi search didn't turn up anything directly relevant, but I apologize if I've missed a recent thread on this. I've also looked into Cnet and other online review sites, but since it's been 4 years since I shopped for a camcorder I'm a little overwhelmed. Also, the experiences of other MeFites is worth a lot to me, rather than spec sheets or websites with sponsors.
Seconding the Flip. I have no personal experience with it, but the nerds (and Oprah) are all raving about it, and it's very inexpensive.
posted by designbot at 11:43 AM on April 16, 2008
posted by designbot at 11:43 AM on April 16, 2008
You can look at pretty solid video over at vimeo, and the flip ultra isn't exactly at minidv resolution. So if you're leaning hd (which is higher resolution than standard), the flip is in the wrong direction for you. Frankly, I don't know the camera that does this for the price you're looking for. I think your solution might be the reverse. There's a number of new still digital cameras coming out that shoot in high def video as an added feature, so if you're looking to get a new camera and a high def video camera, you could solve it that way.
posted by history is a weapon at 12:21 PM on April 16, 2008
posted by history is a weapon at 12:21 PM on April 16, 2008
Response by poster: Thanks for the Flip recommendations, but I'm hoping for higher quality video. I found a Sanyo has a model that seems to be what I want at the right price, but I won't know without a lot more research.
posted by monkeymadness at 12:39 PM on April 16, 2008
posted by monkeymadness at 12:39 PM on April 16, 2008
i have the flip, which is cute and easy to take around. i also have a sanyo, but the one that goes underwater, not the HD one. the sanyo is works quite well, is not as small but is still quite portable. i definitely prefer my canon sd1000 for still photos, although the sanyo can do still - even while videotaping. i think the worst thing about the sanyo i have is that it's not very wide angle, so you have to be somewhat back from your subject to film effectively.
posted by snofoam at 2:29 PM on April 16, 2008
posted by snofoam at 2:29 PM on April 16, 2008
My Aiptek A-HD does 720p, but the built-in microphone (there is no mic-in) is pretty awful. I think you're going in the right direction by looking at the Sanyo.
posted by bryanjbusch at 2:57 PM on April 16, 2008
posted by bryanjbusch at 2:57 PM on April 16, 2008
I can't give you any specific advice, but I can point you in the direction of camcorderinfo.com, which I've personally found very useful.
posted by Magnakai at 4:53 PM on April 16, 2008
posted by Magnakai at 4:53 PM on April 16, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Skorgu at 11:17 AM on April 16, 2008