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General discussion

sorting by low-light performance

Dec 15, 2005 9:02AM PST

I'm new to the camcorder market but I'm looking for something that will work well in low-light (imagine the single candle on my grandaughters 1st birthday cake). But none of the reviews seem to have anything objective on this element of performance. If low-light performance is my highest priority, what camcorders should I be looking at?

Discussion is locked

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Sony DCR-HC90
Dec 19, 2005 1:11AM PST

I did a lot of research and found that the HC-90 was the best when it came to low-light performance. I have taken video of campfire scenes with mine and am quite pleased. Another HC-90 owner has a site with video clips posted. I found it to be quite useful with making my purchase.

http://www.disneyfunsite.com/hc90_clips.htm

Hope this helps...Nicole

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Low Light performance
Jan 12, 2006 5:24AM PST

Thanks for the clips - very helpful. Does someone have experience of the Panasonic GS150 and/or GS250 which can be compared to the Sony DR-HC90 in low light?
Basically,I'm trying to decide whether the Panasonics have acceptable low light performance. I'm not a video "fanatic" but I do take a lot of indoor videos of my granddaughters and I do want reasonable clarity and quality. Most of the reviews I've read about the Panasonics report poor light performance but seem to have been written by real enthusiasts who are looking for perfection. I'm only looking for reasonably acceptable quality. At present I have a 7 year old Sony Handycam and if the Panasonics were as good as I'm getting with my present cam - I'd be happy.
Would appreciate any comments,please.

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CNET's review of GS250
Jan 15, 2006 6:43AM PST

While this Panasonic got high marks in general, the reviewer was not impressed by its low light performance. Several user reviews say the same. Though I don't have experience with this camera, I too am looking for one with great low light capabilities. From all I've read, the HC90 seems like the answer due mainly to its large CCD size.