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Question

Best basic no frills camcorder? or should I keep old one?

Jul 8, 2014 3:39AM PDT

Background: I have a Canon ZR500 that I purchased in 2006 for under $250. It is a great camcorder and the original battery has exceeded all expectations. Still holds a charge for a long time after all these years and takes good video.

I would like like to upgrade to a newer one, if the quality of the video warrants it. In other words, should I keep my old camcorder because it is 'good enough' or upgrade?

Looking for:

1. Quality video
2. Good microphone. If the built in unit is good enough, great. But some people say it's good to buy an external mike. Can you recommend a good, relatively cheap, 'bang for the buck' mike?
3. Battery that will hold a good charge

Don't need any 'bells and whistles' like wifi or other things i wouldn't be able to use. I like the idea of spending the money on just the essentials, quality video and sound.

I welcome your opinions from you experts out there and will consider any brand/model

here are a few I've run across in my research:

Sony HDR-CX230/B
Canon Vixia HF R300

I would consider the following one if it is so much better than the above camcorders that it warrants spending the extra bucks. It's a stretch for me.

Panasonic HC-V520

Lastly, any opinions on buying used? Personally I've had bad luck buying used electronics on occasion.

Thank you!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Since you have a working camcorder, maybe different?
Jul 8, 2014 3:48AM PDT
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the GoPro does look interesting, but....
Jul 8, 2014 6:09AM PDT

my guess is that, for the same money, a 'larger' conventional camcorder will give me better quality video and sound. For action shots with the camera strapped to a helmet, for example, the GoPro seems like it would be great

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Watching GoPro videos I would debate the quality question.
Jul 8, 2014 6:14AM PDT
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Answer
External Mic
Jul 8, 2014 4:43AM PDT

You have created a problem.
Not many cheaper camcorders have a mic input socket so your first short list should be camcorders with mic sockets. For example the 520 does not have a mic socket.

The better camcorders not only have the "bells and whistles" but the essentials like a good lens system and a decent audio. Have a look at the spec for the Panasonic HC-V750.

You may be better looking for the older models, for example, the HC-V700 has a mic socket and is a decent camera as well BUT it is three to four years old.

My two cameras are the 750 (this year) and the 700 (legacy)

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Thanks for you reply, but there are so many features
Jul 8, 2014 6:34AM PDT

on some of these cameras that many people never use that it seems like we are paying for the extras at the expense of what the thing was created for in the first place. For example, some cameras you can control using a cell phone through WiFi, or something like that. I don't even have a cell phone : .)

In any case, I value your opinion and will look into your suggestion.

But I still hope to get as many opinions as possible. Thanks everyone!

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Cell Phone - No Cell Phone?
Jul 8, 2014 4:44PM PDT
"No cell phone - but everybody has a cell phone." This is the manufacturers current thinking!!!! So everything they now make has to be controlled by the phone. You can even pay by tapping your phone on a box in the shop. What you can't do easily is make a phone call!
The problem, as I suggested before, is that the manufacturers now remove the useful add-ons on the cheaper models. All the older models had a mic and headphone socket - but not now. My Canon HV20, bought in 2005, had all the features now only found on the upmarket cameras. You have to look at the more expensive ones if you want these features.
One way of looking at camcorders is that the one you buy is an investment that will last for a number of years. I bought my Panasonic HC-V700 in 2011 and have updated to the 750 only this year. My older 700 is still being used for two camera shoots and by my grandchildren to make their own films.
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Sometimes it seems as if there are so many extras that I
Jul 8, 2014 6:36AM PDT

don't need and yet pay for.

I value your suggestion and will look into it.

But I still hope that others provide their opinions.

thank you everyone!