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Question

Progress since hdr-cx11/cx12e from Sony

Jan 4, 2014 4:25PM PST

I have the camcorder mentioned. Is the progress in camcorders such that a new one would bring great advantages? WhT i DON'T LIKE IN MY CAMCORDER IS THE VIEWFINDER: AS SOON AS THE SUN SHINES IN IT, YOU CAN'T SEE ANYTHING. I want to be able to look through. Any help? Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Viewfinders
Jan 4, 2014 6:29PM PST

The trend on the lower end of the mid range camcorders is for no viewfinder. The upper end of Sony, Panasonic and especially Canon is to fit viewfinders - so what is the solution.
In short a sunscreen. I made mine out of cardboard covered in black heavy duty tape ~ 3" wide and held in place with a couple of elastic strips. It works but I have rarely needed it. My screen has illumination control which gives enough light to see the picture easily.
I have two cameras a Canon HV20 (2005) with a viewfinder and a Panasonic HC-V700 with only a screen. The disadvantage of the viewfinder was that the camera picked up the sound of my breathing which was most annoying. The result, I used the screen more and more.
So get your cardboard and sticky backed plastic and make a simple screen or hood. Keep the inside matt black if you can.
If the light is entering the viewfinder itself try changing the eye cup to one that fits your face better.

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Progress since hdr-cx11/cx12e from Sony
Jan 4, 2014 11:43PM PST

Thanks for your answer. Are the newer camcorders so much better thanthe HDR-CX11E/CX12E or should I stick to mine?
Thanks

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New camcorders
Jan 5, 2014 12:12AM PST

It is a balance. Newer camcorders should benefit from better chips and from innovations such as better optical image stabilisation, but they are commercial items constructed down to a price.
Certainly the use of SD cards instead of tape gives the newer cameras an advantage and the introduction of Wi-Fi as a control and monitoring medium is a step forward but, in the end, it is the quality of the video that counts.
An example, my HC-V700 gives IMO excellent results but some people have been disappointed with the video from the HC-V720 replacement.
Answer. If you can - try before you buy.