Please recommend a digital video camera

[PatrickGaerlan]

I'm in the market for a new digital video camera. It'll be for basic home video use. I'm looking at either the Canon Elura 65 or the Sony DCR-HC40. They're both in the same price range and about the same size so I guess it comes down to the features and usability. Does anyone have any experience with either one?

[extremyks]

When it comes to Digital Video, I personally inclined to choose Sony. I have tried several brands in my lifetime... and I still keep coming back to Sony.

Even my lowest Sony DCR-H15 do wonders. One thing I like about about Sony is the color that it gives compared to other brands. I'm not sure if the Elura 65 has a night shot feature that will come handy on those family outings, it has been standard feature on most Sony video cams. Plus the USB streaming feature of the Sony is a plus.

Don't get me wrong here.. I also have a Canon MiniDV cam.

[Maverick]

just like extremyks, I too have been using Sony cam's ever since I can remember, (all though those Canon HD Cam's look tempting). I'm currently using the DCR-TRV22. The TRV series seems quite good IMHO. :2cents:

[Kenneth]

I'm very happy with my Canon ZR60. And best of all, its very reasonably priced. The ZR80 is just $400 at Amazon.com

[pipoyg]

I'd like to recommend the Canon ZR series as well. Feature by feature they are what I think the most "value for money" option at least for the Canon line. Before they changed the shape of the Elura series, I was seriously eyeing this because of its size since it was more compact (Elura 40 and 50) than the ZR ones. Now that they've changed the shape of the Elura then I'd go for the ZR80 if I were buying now.

I personally use a ZR70 and its been great.

[kapemuna]

The Panasonic PV-DV953 is also a good choice. It's a 3ccd video camera that also has a 3 MP resolution. The lens are made by Leica. It has more manual controls compared to the cameras you mentioned (color bars, manual sound input, etc. ). It's also small. 5 x 7 inches lang yata if I'm not mistaken. You can buy it in Hidalgo, Quiapo at P 67,000.

[El CaMOTe]

the Panny 953 is about 88+K pesos at places like Western, Abensons etc.,

there is another Panasonic 3 CCD that is 67+K pesos, I forget the model no. but it is an entry level 3CCD cam, but megapixel only, with a Leica lens and even smaller than the 953.

1 year warranty only but I am told and international warranty too unlike most Sonys, which is a local warranty.

Sony wise, there is a 3CCD cam called the TRV940 running in the vicinity of 105K pesos. A big handycam with the pro 'rocker' type sw. Zoom in/out config. This is the real 'Prosumer' type cam.

[PatrickGaerlan]

The Panasonic 953 has really nice features but at P67,000 to P88,000, it's too much over my budget. I'll be checking out the Canon ZR-series too, but right now I'm leaning toward the Sonys. Time to do a little more research. Thanks for all the replies!

[cutiepanda]

Hiya, I personally got the Panasonic NV-GS200 (PAL version)... it's very lightweight and is also 3CCD and 3MP, I would suggest it given that u can get an interest-free installment.

[El CaMOTe]

Hi Penguin 45,

If you're on a 'serious' budget, why not opt for a Digi8 camcorder. Sony has them !! Thing is, they are on their way to being phased out !! Dunno what the next 2-3 years will do to this format.

But they use Hi8 cassettes which are cheaper than miniDV. Much cheaper models (20-30K pesos). They might have some 1.0+ megapixel units and they support firewire (Sony's "I" something or other).

Remember Sony warranty in the Philippines is just that 'in the Philippines only' !! So watch out :dry: