Actually, Sony's Hard Disk Drive(HDD) camcorders performed the best in low-light situations when compared to JVC (it's other competitor). I haven't kept up much with the new Panasonic HDD camcorders, but other memebers have posted nice things about them. The thing Panasonic is famous for implementing in its camcorders is 3CCD. Usually this 3CCD configuration is beneficial in brightly-lit areas, but not as much in low-lit areas. You say you want good low-light, but also *great* saturation. 3CCD technology does the saturating better, but the 1 large CCD or CMOS sensor does the low-light shooting better. Sony only uses either a 1 large CCD or CMOS sensor. (The difference between CCD and CMOS is minute at best.)
About 2 years ago, Sony's first HDD camcorder (SR100) was perhaps the best HDD low-light performer to date. It would be hard to find that camcorder, but you could surely get it for no more than $800 new. The one thing that doesn't fit your criteria is the digital image stabilization, not optical.
Give your thoughts. Also, read the Camcorders Forum Sticky and search through www.camcorderinfo.com for some good info.
Hi, I have been overwhelmed lately with trying to find the best camcorder for myself. I have decided on one that has a built in hard drive so that I don't have to continually buy tapes or dvds, can easily transfer the video, and can store alot without having to sway tapes/dvds. I will be mostly shooting my newborn as he grows up. I need a camcorder that has good indoor/low light video as much of the video will be shot indoors. I have been reading that the Sony camcorders don't do well in low light situations. I want the color to be nicely saturated. I would like a good quality zoom with a good stabilization (not digital). Any help would be greatly appreciated!! My budget is around the $1000 mark. Thanks!
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