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Help me out guyss..I am really confused..

by rishisab Jun 10, 2009 4:37PM PDT

As you can easily find out from that weird subject line, that i am dead confused. So, I should really start of with my confusion.
I am planning to buy a camcorder for my upcoming trip to The Himalayas, Regular use for home video's and editing the videos to make my home movies( So a lot of editing is required). I have narrowed down few models of various Brands, which are: -

* Sony Mini Dv SD
* Sony sx60
* Canon FS100
* Panasonic sdr s26

And here are some very important things i want in my camcorder:

* Good Picture quality.
* Good quality in low light condition.
* Good battery life, 2 hours or more..
* Cheap accessories
* High storage

As you can see, my specifications contradict each other. I have searched down 1000's of websites. But still my confusion is still there. I can find good quality video in Mini Dv but its battery life is less n storage cost is more. Anyhow, i hope u guys can help me find my camcorder. I need to buy it in 3 days. So guys..help me out please. And yea, in case if you have any other option (just in SD Category, as my budget is not too much) you can let me know..

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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canon fs100
by chickenorfish Jun 11, 2009 2:50AM PDT

out of those id go with the canon fs100. the only neg is low light performance, but you wont find anything good for under $700

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There is no camcorder that comes with
by boya84 Jun 11, 2009 4:56AM PDT

a "good battery" in the box - so just get an optional high capacity battery. The Canon FS series is about as good as it gets in the range you are looking in - and I agree with chickenorfish - to a point... I will say that "good low light" starts at $1,500...

Be sure to pay attention to the enviromental requirements of the camcorder you select. Flash memory and miniDV tape fdo not have the altitude issues hard disc drive cams have, but ALL electronics have a operating temperature range and they need to be within that range to operate properly - and the batteries will be the week link in the chain: colder = shorter life.

The pros use warmers... like the PortaBrace Polar Mitten

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Picture quality
by rishisab Jun 11, 2009 4:26PM PDT

Heyy..i have just came to know that..sony has shut down the production of its Mini Dv Cameras..n heyy..what about the battery life of canon FS series..n its picture quality??

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um... I suggested the
by boya84 Jun 11, 2009 10:52PM PDT

Canon FS range, chickenorfish suggested them, too...

They won't meet your low light requirement, but you need to spend 3x-4x more for that.

No moving parts = better battery - but go to Canon.com and download/read the manual.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=2544&modelid=16185#DownloadDetailAct

Page 12 is what is in the box.
Page 100 has recording and playback times.
Page 103 has the operating temperature range for the camcorder.
Page 104 has the operating temperature range for the battery. (get/use spares - you are not locked into owning a single battery for the camcorder.

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