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Question

Advice on high end Sony Camcorder

Nov 23, 2013 4:13AM PST

Hi All

Im looking to replace my trusted 14 year old PC3 sony camcorder.
it was the first commercial video camera to have 0Lux so i would like this function.
ive been keeping an eye on the sony website for about a year now and there has been no new models brought out this year.
the only model available in the uk that i like the look of is the HDR-PJ650VE but this only has 3lux.
the top of the range HDR-PJ780VE has an horrendous looking microphone stuck on the top of it that looks horrible and easily breakable so thats defo a nono.
the only other one i can find has been discontinued HDR-PJ710VE but sods law this has everything i need including 0lux night vision.

has anyone got any ideas when sony bring their new range of cams out and also any other cameras out there worth having a look at.
it needs to be compact so as to fit in a bumbag as im sometimes on crutches and carying things over my shoulder is a pain.

thanks in advance for any reply's.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
A few problems
Nov 23, 2013 4:36AM PST

Zero lux was lambasted for a few reasons. If there is no light, what's to record? The truth was they had to be more truthful in later years.

As to the mic, how else would you get the mic away from what could be noise from focusing, motors and such?
Bob

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Answer
Replacement camera
Nov 23, 2013 6:10AM PST

What R.Proffit says is correct No light No picture. Most modern camcorders have very good low light performance if you need it.
Look for a camera with an external mic input and buy a separate video mic. The best place for a mic is near the sound and as far away from the camera as the mic lead will allow. The only mic worth mounting on a camera is a shotgun mic.
Look at the Canon and Panasonic range as well. Both sell excellent cameras. I had a Sony Hi-8 camera in the good old days and I now have a Canon HV20(now replaced) and a Panasonic HC-V700, I would not go back to Sony as they try to tie you to their own make of accessories.

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replacement camera
Nov 23, 2013 7:02AM PST

thanks for the replies.
to answer your points. "If there is no light, what's to record".
as i said my trusted pc3 is 14 years old and the 0lux was certainly helpful many many times.
at partys there was many time that the camera just didnt pick anything up at all as it was just too dark so a quick flick of the switch and it captured all of the party even though in black and white.

the mic
never had a problem with sound even though that camera had lots of moving parts for the dv video tape.
i must add the camera wont be used for any professional work.

having an external mic is just something else to carry and as i mentioned im sometimes on crutches so extra bits would be just pointless. im quite happy with the built in mic unless the new cameras are that bad.

i did check out the panasonic 920 which was the top of the range last year but didnt like it that much.
i will have a hunt through the canon range as ive not looked at any of them before.

thank you both for the advice.

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Video Amplifier
Nov 23, 2013 3:05PM PST

The "flick of a switch" just switched on the video amplifier in the camera. In modern cameras this is both automatic and self setting. In other words the amp sets itself to a level to give a useable picture. My Panasonic HC-V700 works in near darkness but with a slightly grainy picture.

Virtually all the new cameras use SD cards so there are no moving parts and no noise. The worst that can happen is that they pick up noisy breathing! Many do not have viewfinders (which you may be looking for) so operator noise is reduced considerably by holding the camera away from the face. ( a minor benefit of no viewfinder!)

The new cameras can come with "zoom" mics, that is they concentrate the listening area to the front of the camera and within the zoom range. They are surprisingly effective.
A shotgun mic may suit you better but I do recommend that you look for a stereo one. All camera mic inputs are stereo for mid range cameras. Clearly mono to stereo adapters are available BUT people have had trouble with the extra bending force that a plug+adapter put on the camera mic socket! An option may be a Koolertron SG-108 SG108 Shotgun Professional DV Camera Stereo Microphone for 3.5mm microphone socket. My handheld and my Lavalier mics are both stereo.

Sorry you did not like the 920, its an excellent camera. My next on the wish list is the 720.

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replacement camera
Nov 23, 2013 8:52PM PST

Thanks Terfyn.

i will have a look at what both of you have advised above and check out some other models. a lot of the stores though only have the lower end £2-300 and dont stock the higher end cameras so its a difficult decision without actually seeing or trying them out first. not easy for me to go to central london as the walking is the problem for me.

the decision is do i buy one now or hope sony bring out some new models in may next year.
i will check the other models but im seriously liking the sony lens which compensates balance and wobble when your moving as for many years a lot of my video's have had quite a bit of shaking while im walking.

im not needing a new camera until next june so i have time.
im taking my god daughters to a one direction concert at wembley stadium just around the corner from me.
ive got vip tickets and what the girls dont know is they will be meeting the band after the show so i cant rely on my 14 year old sony to last the whole day.
any idea of where i can get some good ear plugs as well.

thanks once again.

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Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS)
Nov 24, 2013 1:40AM PST
the decision is do i buy one now or hope sony bring out some new models in may next year.
i will check the other models but im seriously liking the sony lens which compensates balance and wobble when your moving as for many years a lot of my video's have had quite a bit of shaking while im walking


I take your point but would like to point out that Sony do not have a monopoly on image stabilisation - they just shout louder than the others about their "wobbly lens". I do a lot of filming on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway which, like most of the Little Trains of Wales - is not exactly stable!! The OIS on my camera is perfect for this filming, I handhold for most of my videoing and the IOS compensates every time.
The fact is that all the "good" cameras have these features which can match if not better Sony's. If you are not happy with Panasonic, Canon has a great range. My HV20 tape camera is still excellent and had OIS back in 2005.
For extra stability I use a Monopod which doubles as a walking pole. You mention a need for extra support on occasions. Could you convert one of your walking aids to carry your camera? This may sound daft but Amazon carry a large stock of clamps and fixings to hold, for example, a microphone or light - just a thought. Create an advantage from a need.
Good luck with 1Direction!! My Granddaughter would give anything to be there. Me I'll stay far away in Wales - probably hear them from here!
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update
Mar 24, 2014 3:02AM PDT

hi all
just an update of whats happened so far. well not a lot really.

i did look at quite a range of different models from various makers including some that mentioned above.
but before i did drop the wonga i just wanted to compare to the latest sony range which gets released here in the uk next week.

this is the model i was looking at:

HDR PJ810E http://www.sony.co.uk/buy/HDR-PJ810E

Specification: http://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/handycam-camcorders/hdr-pj810e/specifications

can i have some thoughts on this model please
thanks