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General discussion

HD vs 3ccd camcorders--buy which now?

Jan 30, 2006 12:40AM PST

I have made tons of home videos of family trips through the years, and what bugs me every time I watch them again is how poor the video quality is (bad color saturation, terrible low light quality, etc). So for a very long time, i was thinking to myself, ''wouldn't it be great to shoot family outings with movie quality results?''

I'm not even an ameteur videographer, but do have creative instincts and an eye for good visuals. Thus, I am considering any type of consumer/prosumer camcorder that can turn all my future family outings into Steven Soderbergh directorial efforts. Don't laugh. Budget: $1000 - 1500 with approp accessories.

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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hd vs. 3ccd
Jan 30, 2006 12:57AM PST

The only HD camcorder you could get is the Sony HC1. It is $1500. No accessories.
You could try and find the Panasonic GS400 or wait for the GS500. Very good consumer cams. Not going to be great in low light.
You could save some money and get into the Panasonic AG-DVC30, Canon GL2, Sony VX2100 class.

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I don't think you can meet your objective with your budget.
Jan 30, 2006 2:50AM PST

Even the lowest priced HD cameras are barely within your reach, and additional costs lie in the computer hardware and software needed to convert the raw video to a finished 'product'.

If you don't mind risk, and are a savvy buyer, you might be able to find something on eBay. Otherwise, your best bet may be to wait a few years for prices to drop and capabilities to increase.

In the meantime, you might want to consider a good video edting package. Sony Vegas 6 (not the $100 version) allows things like light levels, color saturation, etc. to be adjusted. If you learn to use it, and, if there is enough detail in that dimly video, it may be possible to salvage what you've already got. However, it's also possible that you would find a lot of 'noise' if you increase light levels, so there is no guarantee. However, you would move much farther ahead with your video skills.

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HD vs 3ccd camcorders--buy which now?
Feb 1, 2006 3:25AM PST

What are you using now??? VHS, 8mm, Super8mm??
A good 3ccd MiniDv is well within your budget. John