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General discussion

Sony camcorders- please help

Jul 5, 2007 2:41AM PDT

Hello, can anyone please help me. I need to buy a Sony camcorder today, and I am clueless. I did do some research, and a friend suggested this site. I read the forum about pros and cons on various camcorders.

Basically I need a Sony camcorder, and my budget is $600. I was thinking of a hard drive but then if I go on a vacation I wont be able to download it at that moment. How many hours of video can I store on a 40 GB?

Are mini tapes more reasonable than HD? If I can get a much better one for $ 600 then I would prefer to go with a mini tape.

Please help.
Thank you

Discussion is locked

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A thought...
Jul 5, 2007 3:30AM PDT

As I have seen video from lower-end hard disk drive(HDD) camcorders, I wouldn't recommend them. For your specified budget, a miniDV camcorder will give you more bang for your buck. If it has to be Sony, then a look at the HC96 should be in order. Any reason why Sony is a must?

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Thanks
Jul 5, 2007 5:57AM PDT

I have always had Sony products, and lets just say my friends and families are Sony freaks.

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Actually...
Jul 5, 2007 8:12AM PDT

Other camcorders do exist that can beat out the HC96, it's just up to you to make that leap to Canon or Panasonic.

Some choices: Canon ZR800/ZR850 or Pana GS320/GS500

If Sony is a must, the HC96 is their top-of-the-line SD MiniDV camcorder and should serve you well.