IDBillzFan Posted July 31, 2008 Share 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Bills fan Posted July 31, 2008 Share 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.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted July 31, 2008 Share 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IDBillzFan Posted July 31, 2008 Author Share 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Bills fan Posted July 31, 2008 Share 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in San Diego Posted August 1, 2008 Share 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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