IDBillzFan Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 If we can leave this here a bit before dooming it to Consumer Death Valley, I'd appreciate it. Intgerested to hear from anyone who may have a Hi-Def camcorder and what they think of it. Panasonic and Sony seem to have the more highly-rated devices, though Canon seems to have some nice options as well. I have a regular format 3CCD Panasonic that has been outstanding for me, so I lean toward the Panasonic HD model, but am open to hearing anyone's experience. Anyone? Bueller?
Kiwi Bills fan Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 I picked up the Sony HDR-SR5 while I was back in the States last year. I LOVE it! (This is the one with the 40GB built in hard-drive.) The picture quality is outstanding and the hard-drive kicks butt. (You can record up to 15 hrs of hd on it) We went on a 4 weeks camping trip around the South Island last Christmas, and I was able to easily record the whole damn trip without ever having to worry about memory. My only complaint is that it doesn't have a standard viewfinder... only the LCD screen. If you decide to go this route, may I recommend Sony's waterproof housing? I bought it for snorkling/diving and when I arrived in the mail, I couldn't believe how well it was built. The thing is bombproof. (The waterproof housing is also a lot larger than what I expected.)
DrDawkinstein Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 good thread, hopefully it stays here for a bit. i, unfortunately, cant contribute any help LA. but im watching for advice as well.
IDBillzFan Posted July 31, 2008 Author Posted July 31, 2008 I picked up the Sony HDR-SR5 while I was back in the States last year. I LOVE it! (This is the one with the 40GB built in hard-drive.) The picture quality is outstanding and the hard-drive kicks butt. (You can record up to 15 hrs of hd on it) We went on a 4 weeks camping trip around the South Island last Christmas, and I was able to easily record the whole damn trip without ever having to worry about memory. My only complaint is that it doesn't have a standard viewfinder... only the LCD screen. If you decide to go this route, may I recommend Sony's waterproof housing? I bought it for snorkling/diving and when I arrived in the mail, I couldn't believe how well it was built. The thing is bombproof. (The waterproof housing is also a lot larger than what I expected.) Thanks for the input. I was surprised how many people get bummed about a lack of a viewfinder on a lot of the new camcorders because using the LCD screen sucks battery life, but I don't think I've ever used the viewfinder on my Panasonic. Typical, though, as I look for the SR5, I find the SR11, with 60GB, etc. Good looking camera. Any problem transferring to a HD or card?
Kiwi Bills fan Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 Well, battery drain is one reason that the LCD (only) viewfinder is a poor design, however my main beef with it is that it's hard to see on sunny days and while using it underwater. I am a serious (amateur) photographer and, I guess, I'm just used to having the "control" of looking through a true optical view finder. While I'm here again, I might as well recommend getting the optional light (with great IR lights) that Sony offers (HVL-HIRL) along with a decent wide angle lens attachment. The HD movies that I was able to capture of our time in Fiordland National Park, with the wide-angle lens, (viewed on our big screen TV) were AMAZING!! It felt like we were back there. (Most beautiful place on earth) Oh yeah... Sony also sells a polarizing filter that helps in certain situations too.
Fan in San Diego Posted August 1, 2008 Posted August 1, 2008 I have a Sanyo Xacti and am very pleased with it. It's all on a memory card which is convenient for transferring to computer.
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