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General discussion

Need help choosing budget HD camcorder

Jul 25, 2011 12:52PM PDT

I am looking for a decent budget(pref under $300) high def camcorder. This would be used for:

Travel
Videos of children and family

What I am looking for:
1.Good video quality is the most important thing. I know at this price point it not going to be spectacular but I would like something that we can play back on our high def TV and be viewable.

2.Decent in low light conditions-again, i know it will be sub-par to more expensive models but at this price point something relatively decent. This would be mostly used for outdoor travel shots(Seine River night cruise, sightseeing at dark,etc)

3. Decent stills

4. Relatively portable(could be carried around in a tote bag, if not in large pockets).

5. Decent battery life would be nice but if all other things are good, i could just buy several backup batteries.

Models I am considering:
Samsung HMX-Q10
Toshiba Camileo H30
Sanyo VPC-GH4
Canon Vixia HF R100

Does anyone have any advice, comments or recommendations?

Discussion is locked

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(NT) Anyone?
Jul 25, 2011 11:59PM PDT
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Just so you know.
Jul 26, 2011 3:07AM PDT

The question may have been asked before. Some folk feel slighted if I note that and sorry if that offends you.

Try this. Use the CNET Camcorder chooser and see if one that bubbles up hits your specs. And this is MY ADVICE. Google that model and look at amazon and newegg user reviews too.

Picker at http://reviews.cnet.com/camcorders/?tag=hdr;snav on the top right.
Bob