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General discussion

Help with best DV camcorder

Mar 24, 2005 10:03AM PST

I need advice on the best camcorder around the $1,200 price range to produce professional-looking training videos. As a novice (but quick study) to videography, auto functionality ranks slightly over manual control. I will be using Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 software. According to Adobe, it works best with video captured across a DV (firewire) interface. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Choices
Mar 30, 2005 3:32AM PST

I would recommend going to www.camcorderinfo.com for a lot of good information. Go with Sony if you want auto functionality and Panasonic for manual control. You probably want the Panasonic because the Sony has very little manual controls yet the Panasonic is better balanced with incredible manual control at this price point.

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Any personal favorites???
Mar 30, 2005 10:42AM PST

Thanks. I did check it out but the more I read, the muddier it gets for me... :o/
Any suggestions or personal perferences in the $1,400 price range?

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gs400
Mar 30, 2005 11:32PM PST

I completely understand, I have spent way too much time on that site and others like it. I usually don't like to make specific recommendations because it is a lot of money and everybody has their preferences. This time though I think I am safe to say that the gs400 is the best at this price point. However, some of the early ones generated enough noise that the mic would pick it up. If you get one make sure you can return it.
You may want to go back to that sight and read the review of the pv-gs400 and its new brother the pv-gs250 just to make sure it is a good fit for you.

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What about the Sony HC1000?
Mar 31, 2005 5:12AM PST

I really appreciate everyone's assistance. Due to lack of availability, sellers of questionable reputation and the nagging "what if" tape transport issue on the GS400, I now leaning toward the Sony HC 1000. If any of you have any info or experience with this camcorder, I'll gladly accept your input. The HC 1000 seems to be rated with like kind camcorder size, picture and low light quality (over the GS250). The lack of manual controls I'm thinking is not a problem for my anticipated uses (I hope). Thanks.

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Help with best DV camcorde
Apr 1, 2005 1:20AM PST

The Sony HC 1000 is highend consumer camera, you mentioned the lack of manual comtrol. The Panasoinic camera is the other post gives you manual control of everthing if you need it!! Why don't you print out the pdf of both cameras and study them? What about externial microphone?
The Sony has 3CCD imager so the picture will be a little better. And it is smaller. Here is another option from Panasonic. John
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=70622&catGroupId=25003&modelNo=PV-GS400&surfModel=PV-GS400&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702