Author Topic: Camcorders  (Read 12119 times)

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Offline CG6468

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Camcorders
« on: February 09, 2013, 10:53:03 AM »
I want to buy a camcorder. Does anyone have any opinions regarding make, model, etc.?
Illinois, south of the gun controllers in Chi town

Offline compaqxp

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Re: Camcorders
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2013, 11:21:57 PM »
I know this topic is quite old, but I use video cameras on a daily basis so I'll give my input.

In my opinion the only brand to buy is Sony, but I'm very biased to them. In the end it comes down to the storage medium, features and price point you're looking for.

Zoom - Don't get something fixed or digital zoom, both suck. Pay a little extra and get something with proper optical zoom.
Focus - A manual focus option can come in handy even if you can't imagine using it. Some cheap cameras won't have it.
Storage - Something that takes storage like SD cards or with a built in HD. SD is a little easier to deal with.
HD - Get something that does proper HD because some don't. 1920x1080 is what you want not 1440x1080 or other resolutions.
Accessories - You might or might not need them, but having the option to add things like lights and extra mics to a camera can be useful. If you can't see why you might want this then don't worry too much.
Batteries - A lot of cheap cameras now come with built in batteries. I think that's a terrible option because they will die over time and you can't easily replace them. Also if you're on a trip a mains socket is not always near whereas a second battery can be carried.

Something like this is would likely be fine for you (It's good on all points except accessories): http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-Handycam-Full-HD-Camcorder/en/p/HDRCX220/R#specifications



Offline Articulate Ape

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Re: Camcorders
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2013, 12:19:16 AM »
This is the lamest tag team spamage I've seen in some time.
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Offline compaqxp

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Re: Camcorders
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2013, 12:46:05 AM »
This is the lamest tag team spamage I've seen in some time.

What?

Offline thundley4

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Re: Camcorders
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2013, 05:23:59 AM »
I know this topic is quite old, but I use video cameras on a daily basis so I'll give my input.

In my opinion the only brand to buy is Sony, but I'm very biased to them. In the end it comes down to the storage medium, features and price point you're looking for.

Zoom - Don't get something fixed or digital zoom, both suck. Pay a little extra and get something with proper optical zoom.
Focus - A manual focus option can come in handy even if you can't imagine using it. Some cheap cameras won't have it.
Storage - Something that takes storage like SD cards or with a built in HD. SD is a little easier to deal with.
HD - Get something that does proper HD because some don't. 1920x1080 is what you want not 1440x1080 or other resolutions.
Accessories - You might or might not need them, but having the option to add things like lights and extra mics to a camera can be useful. If you can't see why you might want this then don't worry too much.
Batteries - A lot of cheap cameras now come with built in batteries. I think that's a terrible option because they will die over time and you can't easily replace them. Also if you're on a trip a mains socket is not always near whereas a second battery can be carried.

Something like this is would likely be fine for you (It's good on all points except accessories): http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-Handycam-Full-HD-Camcorder/en/p/HDRCX220/R#specifications




My only problem with Sony is that they take a proprietary memory card.

Offline compaqxp

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Re: Camcorders
« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2013, 08:34:41 AM »
My only problem with Sony is that they take a proprietary memory card.

The more expensive ones don't, but those are a bit much for most people. If I knew much about other camera I might be able to recommend them, but I've only ever used Sony.

Offline CG6468

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Re: Camcorders
« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2013, 02:26:10 PM »
I got a Sony Handycam HD 8 GIG, 30x Extended zoom, HDR-CX210, 5.3 Megapixels.

Haven't really had a chance to use it much.
Illinois, south of the gun controllers in Chi town