Can you suggest a good HD camcorder

**kryz2per** · 08-11-2009, 04:41 PM

Hi

I'm planning to buy a camcorder to be used mainly for personal and family use. But I also like to use it later on for work like shooting a video of a client and then editing it.

What cameras do you suggest. I'm reading some review of Sony HDR-XR520 and HDR-XR100. Do you think these cams are worth their price tags? How about the Canon? What models are good? I'm very open for suggestions. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a camcorder with built in hard disk?

I guess my next question is where to buy? Are there shops that also offers discounts to philmug users

Thanks!

**Sponsor** · 08-11-2009 04:41 PM

**Kenneth** · 08-11-2009, 05:45 PM

I bought a Canon HF200. Great video camera and not that expensive. Very compact, almost as big as a regular can of soda.

The problem with Sony cameras is their proprietary format. I'm not sure about the models you mentioned, but they might not work with iMovie 09. You'll have to verify. See the compatibility list.

Hard drive based camcorders are ok, lots of space for footage. But remember, its still a a hardrive. I personally don't have any experience with those, but I would think like any hardrive, any sudden shock while its spinning could irreversibly damage it. And what happens when it naturally dies as all hardrives do?

I think flash based media has faster write speeds and gives you more flexibility. A 16gig SDHC card can store up to 1 hour of full 1080i footage, or up to 6 hours at lower settings (which still look great).

Frankly I think nobody's going to watch a home video more than two hours long, much less three. So having a 60 gig hd isn't really that worth it.

Plus trying to render full HD footage takes soooooooooo long (and this is already without any effects or transitions). Rendering a 10 min clip on my Intel Core duo iMac takes about an hour. Even on my Intel C2D 3 ghz PC its still pretty long.

I would think Amazon is the cheapest. If you can order online and have it shipped via JAC, it would still come out cheaper than if you bought it at Hong Kong (which I did) because the box is small. Probably just +2 or 3,000 shipping charge.

**yahoomarco** · 08-11-2009, 06:20 PM

Vixia models

I totally agree getting a canon model. but prices here are ridiculous. your best bet is to ask somebody you know to get one from the states and make sure they hand care it going here. im planning to get one too in the near future.

**rdy0329** · 08-11-2009, 06:22 PM

For personal, Flip HD. SPotted one at Games and Gadgets TriNoMa.

**minggoy** · 08-11-2009, 10:04 PM

rdy how much is the flip hd if i may ask.. thanks

**RandyQ** · 08-12-2009, 08:50 AM

I concur re: Flip. This is one amazing HD camcorder.

I've seen footage from the Flip shot by a professional shooter friend in the US - its really amazing, considering the price/size. If you want quick, easy, convenient HD shooting for personal use, I dont think you can beat the Flip. Take note that its not a P2 or XDCAM, but hey if you want HD family videos its good, cheap, fast.

Of course, once you see the Flip and realize its limitations, you will quickly see that you can NEVER bring this to a paying client shoot. But if your client isn't looking, maybe you can sneak a shot...

**ramil** · 08-12-2009, 11:01 AM

If you are going for the Flip HD, here's something you might want to consider - Kodak Zi8.

This got good initial review from Engadget. It has features that the Flip HD doesn't have - electronic stabilization, SD card slot, mic line-in jack.

I'm just not sure when this would be available locally. if ever you find one, please let me know.

**RandyQ** · 08-12-2009, 12:02 PM

Seems like this kind of HD cam is the way to go for personal HD, no?

I've seen the stuff from Flip - wonder if this is good too.

**kryz2per** · 08-12-2009, 02:10 PM

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for the tips you gave they are very helpful. I'm still reading reviews here and the web as to what to get. I think after I made up my mind, next step is to find a store to buy. Anyone here have experience directly buying from Amazon and shipping it here? My experience before was I ask my friend from NY to buy stuffs for me and then ship it using FedEx or UPS. How can I order from Amazon and ship it through JAC?

Flip HD and Kodak Zi8 are great in terms of price and size. I think its also very easy to use that even my 7 year old daughter can shoot family videos.

I'm still comparing the Canon Vixia models and Sony models. What about the Sony HDR-TG1 do you think its a good buy?

Can you also tell me what's the difference between 1920 x 1080 and 1080i (note the "i")?

Thanks for your help, this will be my first higher end camcorder so I want to make sure I make the best decision. A camcorder for both personal and work use.

**Abet Arcenas** · 08-12-2009, 02:30 PM

Get a Canon 500D. Full HD video plus a good camera that can utilize the different Canon lenses that a normal camcorder does not have. Seamless transfer of video to imovie, iphoto, final cut express.