Entry level HD video camera

[Luke7777]

Total noob when it comes to these things. Been using a Panasonic NV-GS57 for some years now, but currently have that "itch" to get something a liitle bit better. Main use is/was recording the kids swimming at galas (with some reviewing afterwards to sort out some style issues) . Also other sporting events from time to time, family stuff, the occasional wildlife, etc. Distances in the 20-200m range.

Would love the higher quality of an HD vidcam, without having to rob more than one bank. Been looking at some of the cheaper models (Sanyo, etc) , but enquiries into these models was met with utter disdain from the more respected shops

So.....best (affordable) "brand name" one I can currently find is the Sony HDR CX110 . Any comments on this, things I need to look out for ?

 

[Dolby]

I'm on a phone - so can't really click :/ How much is it?

The Canon SX1 is a very capable still camera and has 16:9 1080 30fps video too. Optical zoom equivilant is 28-560mm and you can get it for just over R6k

 

[Luke7777]

R4599 @ SACamera and 4999 @ Makro.....so eBucks could come in quite handy

 

[Dolby]

OK - probably better than the SX1 price wise then

Though - for R1,000-R1,500 more I'd personally consider having a decent photo portion and longer zoom

 

[arf9999]

OK - probably better than the SX1 price wise then

Though - for R1,000-R1,500 more I'd personally consider having a decent photo portion and longer zoom

huh?

 

[Dolby]

huh?

oh - sorry ... I thought his requirement was 20-200mm - and the zoom on the SX1 is 28-560mm ... hence I thought he'd get a longer zoom than he wanted

 

[Luke7777]

Comments on the SX1 noted, although budget wise I'll have to fit in a 2nd robbery. Still very much open for comments on the Sony or equivalent

 

[Luke7777]

a little "bump" to get the attention (hopefully) of the post-weekend crowd

 

[MyWorld]

I'm going to stir the pot here, but have you considered the Canon 550D dSLR?
It is HD capable and you have the added bonus of changing lenses and getting that perfect shot.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS550D/page20.asp

The added bonus of this is that you get a good camera and a video camera in one.

 

[Luke7777]

I'm going to stir the pot here, but have you considered the Canon 550D dSLR?
It is HD capable and you have the added bonus of changing lenses and getting that perfect shot.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS550D/page20.asp

The added bonus of this is that you get a good camera and a video camera in one.

Well, apart from the fact that it's at least R3K more than the Sony, which will require me to rob at least 3 banks, it's a pretty decent camera

....very much out of my league

 

[arf9999]

I'm going to stir the pot here, but have you considered the Canon 550D dSLR?
It is HD capable and you have the added bonus of changing lenses and getting that perfect shot.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS550D/page20.asp

The added bonus of this is that you get a good camera and a video camera in one.

But no autofocus while recording?

 

[phoneJunky]

I also considered the Sony HDR CX110, but I don't know if I should go HD or just normal Handycam like http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/1016227/Sony_Handycam_DCRSX44_Silver/. Which one did you decide on and why?

 

[mercurial]

Check out orms.co.za as well.

 

[Luke7777]

I also considered the Sony HDR CX110, but I don't know if I should go HD or just normal Handycam like http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/1016227/Sony_Handycam_DCRSX44_Silver/. Which one did you decide on and why?

If this comment is meant for me....I'm still deciding I already have a normal videocam, so another normal one will be silly in my case.

Still awaiting comments on the CX110 though.

@ mercurial : did so, see there's a CX150 model as well. Haven't had the time to look for the difference between the 2, apart from the 16GB built in to the 150. Didn't look whether it could take additional cards as well

 

[arf9999]

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX11...ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&filterBy=addFiveStar

NB Doesn't come with memory, so you'll need an SD card...

 

[Luke7777]

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX11...ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&filterBy=addFiveStar

NB Doesn't come with memory, so you'll need an SD card...

Yip, seen that, hence my comment on the built-in 16GB of the CX150. Personally I wouldn't mind having to carry a few spare SD cards around. Better than the DV tapes of my current model

 

[Luke7777]

So....lots of camera experts on this forum, but none willing to comment on a video cam ? Or are video cameras treated the same as that family member you don't talk about, 'cause he's either in jail or a Lions supporter ? Yes, I've read the reviews, but it's always nice to get feedback from here.

 

[SubliminalThought]

Would love to help you but I'm a stills kinda guy. Video is becoming the little cute baby everyone talks about I think as DSLR video is now becoming standard.

 

[bwana]

So....lots of camera experts on this forum, but none willing to comment on a video cam ? Or are video cameras treated the same as that family member you don't talk about, 'cause he's either in jail or a Lions supporter ? Yes, I've read the reviews, but it's always nice to get feedback from here.

Given the nature of the forum section I think it's just because we're more still camera-centric. More and more still cameras are coming out with HD video but they're either in P&S form or dSLRs, which you've ruled out due to cost.

 

[Luke7777]

Given the nature of the forum section I think it's just because we're more still camera-centric. More and more still cameras are coming out with HD video but they're either in P&S form or dSLRs, which you've ruled out due to cost.

Thanks....that explains the virtual sideways looks this thread has been getting As for stills, I'm still using the ol' Fuji FinePix S5600 and it suits my minimal requirements fine. Right now I need a decent HD vid cam, compact enough to ride along in the golf bag, swim bag, etc. Will wait till the boss decide to upgrade her camera and *then* look at the good stuff