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Question

Best camcorder under $600

Jul 22, 2011 11:18PM PDT

Hi
What is the best camcorder under $600?

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: best camcorder
Jul 22, 2011 11:41PM PDT

Please give your criteria for "best".

Kees

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Answer
Since stuff can go on sale any hour.
Jul 23, 2011 1:32AM PDT

You'll have to do two or three things.

1. Define best (and don't ask about low light as that is done and done.)
2. Tell if the price is the MSRP, what country or outlet.

My best advice is for you to tell the forum your criteria and give 2 to 5 models you are considering.
Bob

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the most important issue to me is the video quality
Jul 23, 2011 1:48PM PDT

I am talking about a brand new and the most important issue to me is the video quality. Since 3 cmos cameras are expensive I am trying to find a camera with as good as possible quality.
Thanks
George

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I'm looking into camcorders too
Jul 24, 2011 11:57AM PDT

MacBookPro 10.5.8 with ProTools 8LE. I've been recording music with an industry standard program and would like to sync video. I like quality images, it doesn't have to have every bell and whistle. Like George, I'd like good quality images for DVDs, downloading on the internet, etc. I used to be a Nikon Photographer about 30 years ago and work a lot with nature, so crisp image and clean color, good resolution are all important. Action is not so important. My main issue is that it interfaces with Macs, I don't mind using Flip4Mac, but it would be better to find equipment that was engineered to work with Macs. Also looking in the under $600 range. I've looked at Canon Vixia if I can find it in my price range and the Sony Handycam, but I really don't have any idea which manufacturers are the best or even if someone who really knows the market would recommend these models.

Thanks for your input.

still photographer gone video

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noticed you mention low light in your answer
Jul 24, 2011 12:03PM PDT

I would definitely like to work on a tripod with low light situations that would be a consideration in my purchase of a camcorder...flexibility in a variety of lighting conditions. Since I'm pretty ignorant of the options or what is even possible with camcorder technology your ideas here would be appreciated. In the meantime I will research the subject on the net.

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Sony HDR CX160 vs Sony Cybershot DSC TX100V
Jul 24, 2011 4:58PM PDT

Compact
cameras produce a better quality videos than cheap camcorders. If somebody
could help which one gives a better high definition video quality?


1- Sony HDR CX160
Camcorder

1/4" (4.5mm) Back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS Sensor

BIONZ™ Image processor

Pixel Gross : Approx. 4200K pixels

Effective Picture Resolution : Approx.
1670K pixels (4: 3)

Color Filter System : ClearVid™ array

Optics/Lens, Lens Type : G Lens

Video Format : HD: MPEG4-AVC/ H.264 AVCHD
format compatible (1080/60p: original format); STD: MPEG2-PS

Video Mode : HD PS: Approx. 28Mbps/ FX:
Approx. 24Mbps/ FH: Approx. 17Mbps/ HQ: Approx. 9Mbps/
LP: Approx. 5Mbps; STD
HQ: 9Mbps

Video Resolution : HD: 1920x1080/60p (PS),
60i (FX, FH), 1440x1080/60i (HQ, LP); STD: 720x480/60i

Video Actual (Pixel) : Approx. 1490K
pixels (16:9), Approx. 1120K pixels (4:3)

Video Signal : HD: HDTV 1080/60p, 24p,
60i; STD: NTSC color, EIA standards

Optical zoom 30X




or




2- Sony
Cybershot DSC TX100V Digital camera

1/2.3 type(7.77mm)
"Exmor R" CMOS Sensor

BIONZ™ Image processor

Approx. 16.8 Megapixels
(gross), Approx. 16.2 Megapixels
(effective)

Movie Recording Mode AVCHD 1920 x 1080(50p,28M,PS)
Approx.28Mbps(Max bit-rate)

Optical zoom 4X

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thanks, I'll check these out
Jul 25, 2011 10:20AM PDT

That certainly is an option, I'll look into it. Thank you.