Thread: Looking for a New Camcorder

Im in the market for a new camcorder. I have been looking the past couple days and all this researching is almost making me crazy..

Im looking at a mini-dv, or a hard disk camcorder rite now. I have it narrowed down to a few, I think..

Panasonic SDR-H18 (30gb HD)
Panasonic PVGS85 - Mini-DV Format
JVC Everio GZMG-155 (30GD HD)

These are the 3 Im looking at the hardest but nothing concrete. Does anyone own one of these or have any experience with them?

What do some of you own and what do you guys recommend ??

Well I don't know much about camcorders, so all I can say is choose the one of those 3 that seems the best and stop worrying about.

It doesn't matter which one you choose because in all likelihood none of them are perfect.

Before I purchase electronic items, I do quite a bit of research and it takes me awhile to make a decision. I had a hard time last year before I bought my new TV. I was looking and researching around for a couple months before I finally bought my TV. I ended up with a 50" Samsung DLP 1080p. It is a great TV !

Hmmm.. There is a little outfit called 'Consumer Report(s)', you may have heard of it. Or not. It breaks down all the info you need and is really invaluable when making large $$ purchases. Just google them.

I have a JVC myself and it's easy to use. At this stage in the game, quality of picture isn't really so much of an issue anymore within the different formats.
Personally, I'd steer clear of the mini-DV formats and go for the ones with a HD. It's easy plug and play to almost any computer. The new HD (high def) models are nice, but they are wicked pricey.

I should have got a Panasonic because I love their plasma TV's and they have consistently been a very highly rated product. That's about the extent of my brand loyalty

I also like simplicity. If one has all these bells and whistles that I'm never ever going to use, then why bother, chances are it's going to be more money for something I'm not going to use. And in the case of a camcorder, go and 'feel' them. Remember, if you're going to lug around a unit all day or even for a couple of hours, comfort is often overlooked..

Yeah, Ive also been reading reviews online about different camcorders. A couple of the reviews made me stay clear of purchasing some.

I have read nothing but good reviews about Panasonic's Optical Image Stabilizer. Its been said to be the best image stabilizer.

I am leaning towards the harddrive format.

I would say absolutely the Hard Drive. Outside that you should try to get your hands on one to see how you like it. I like to play with something like that in person before I buy it. It may look great on paper but have a crappy screen or feel awkward to use etc. I bought a Harmon Kardon Stereo that way. I found it in store first and looked it over and then went online and bought it for a lot cheaper.

Yeah, Ive pretty much decided to go with the harddrive camcorder. Im actually going to probably get a hybrid camcorder. They allow you to record video on both a harddrive and an SD Memory Card along with still photos. Pretty cool feature really.