HD camcorders?

[Eva SC2]

Wanting to upgrade my video camera to an HD video camera. Any tips on which one to buy?

[AndeeSC2]

I like the HD for a lot of things that aren't SC ... but don't get me wrong. The HD is also really awesome for the fun stuff too, but what I find (and it could be just my own experience), the edited movie files for our SC Video pages are usually HUGE and take FOREVER to upload. Last time, I just gave up and reformatted the whole damn video as normal and sent it in.

[RosiePieCharm]

You can edit HD smaller so it sends in faster but then it's not much different.

[VixenSC2]

Wanting to upgrade my video camera to an HD video camera. Any tips on which one to buy?

There are alot on the market, you have to see whats good for what you want to do, for instance if you are planning on shooting indoors alot then one with good lighting balance is important. There are a few good forums on cameras that we found very helpful. Compaired to what I started with its supprising how much better the new ones are.

[Eva SC2]

And the forums you found to help would be WHERE? a link would be more helpful. Anyone else with experiences from specific makes and models. really love the one you chose? which one is it... I've heard that they take forever to upload, but I want my DVDs to look better.

[Xandusk]

I have the Kodak Play Sport that I just picked up dirt cheap at Staples. It's water proof to 3 metres which is why I wanted it. Good side- it's compact (actually smaller than my cell phone) and has a nice crisp clear full 1080P HD video when the lighting is good. Down side-like every camera it gets grainy in low light. Still pictures are only 3 megapixel and the zoom on it is only a 4x zoom.
Since I normally use the HD video that is built in to my Canon Rebel anyway, I wanted a camcorder that I could take camping and not worry about the rain etc.

A search for compare HD camcorders can help you narrow things down as everyone is going to want something different out of their equipment. http://camcorders.toptenreviews.com/hdv/ has a few reviews, but if you have a local store like Henry's or Black's (ok I admit these might be specifically Canadian but you can use the search functions on the websites) then once you have narrowed down your choices, go into the store and ask questions. A store like Henry's will let you play with the equipment in store too. You don't have to tell them it's for 'adult work' just that you will be using it in indoor low lighting or outdoor bright sun or whatever the conditions will be when you use it mostly.

[Eva SC2]

Thank you so much Xandusk. We do not have those stores in the U.S. but I get your drift. And the reviews of models will be very helpful. I normally like to compare equipment side by side with user reviews before going to the store and asking about different models. Not all of them are very knowledgable about the products.

[Xandusk]

You can still use the Henry's comparison fuction to help you make a decision, then go to whichever store you have where you live

[Beau Jingles]

It really depends on how much you want to spend. My newest that I use is a $2000 camera, but I bought it for more than just SC.

I am a big Sony fan and all of my cameras I use now are Sony. If you want something that does great pics and video for a reasonable price the NEX-5N is a great option for around $600...I have the NEX-5 which is the previous version.

The key to video is the sensor size...anything below that price right now has a smaller sensor, which means not as good in low light. APC-C sensors are currently the higher end of the consumer/prosumer cameras.

If budget is the most important thing, then you can pick up some sub $500 cameras and they are all pretty much equivalent at that prince point. i.e. using the same size seinsors.

Feel free to get in touch with me if you more info...

P.S. Also shooting in HD makes a big difference in the original quality of the video, EVEN if your final render is only standard 720x480 quality...you will notice a significant difference.