So what should I buy and why. My budget is firm. I've only owned Sony and never had any problems. I like 20X optical but low light clarity would probably take priority over that. I prefer MiniDV tape, don't want hard drive or cd. Thanks.
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Bill while out in Florida, I came across a Magazine that I never had heard of so I bought it, and gave it a test run. I actually enjoyed this one issue, about twice as much as Videomaker. In the current Issue they actually cover (review, list pros/cons, etc..) which camcorders have best bang for the buck, and I break it down into different price groups. So this might could help you find out some info in that 1k price range.
If your going to the Beach Bash I'll bring it for you to see. The rumor is that we are going to turn "Chunky" into a Bowfishing Television hero!! -
Thanks Coach. I'll check it out when I get back from Missouri.Comment
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Bill while your in Missouri, I'll post this Camera link for you. It's $99 over your budget, but...it will give you something to contemplate over while your on your way back home
Here's some teaser information!
Capture high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) video to a MiniDV cassette with the Handycam® HDR-HC5 high definition camcorder. Record every detail of every moment with the 10x optical/80x digital zoom and Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens. However, you'll be capturing more than just video with the 4.0 megapixel still image feature. Snap spectacular 2.3 megapixel photos while filming in dual record mode. The HDR-HC5 even slows down the audio. Get it all and get it in high definition with this amazing camcorder.
2.1 Megapixel (Gross) ClearVid™ CMOS Sensor
1/3" ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (1080 lines of resolution - HD Mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution - SD Mode) and still image performance (4.0 Megapixel). Unlike traditional CCD Imagers, CMOS Sensors require less power, providing better battery performance.
Switchable HD/DV Format Recording
The HDR-HC5 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on a standard MiniDV cassette.
Real-Time HD Codec Engine
Sony developed a Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. This engine provides efficient MPEG2 compression, and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that High Definition video can be recorded on the same MiniDV cassettes as are used for SD recording.
x.v. Color
x.v.Color can capture or display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors than currently possible. This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural, lifelike overall experience.
10X Optical / 80XDigital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.
Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T Lens
Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfectg renditions of subtle tones. The additional T coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.
2.7" Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo™ LCD Plus Display (211K Pixels)4
The 2.7" Wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with imporoved resoltuion. The 211K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.
Smooth Slow Record
By increasing the record rate from 60 fields per second (fps) to 240 fps for 3 seconds allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is great for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, record an audio track to narrate what is being seen in the video.
Memory Stick Duo™ Media Slot3
Capture still images up to 2304x1728 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo™ Media for easy trasfer to PCs for emailing, printing or shairing with other compatible Memory Stick® media compatible devices.
Dual Record
While recording video in High Definition you have the ability to capture a 2.3 Megapixel still image directly to Memory Stick Duo™ media.
Super SteadyShot® Image Stabilization System
Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera "shake" without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.
Cinematic Mode
Perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces, the HDR-HC5 Cinematic mode lends 24 frame film-like effect to your recordings.
i.LINK® Interface (IEEE1394)2
A high speed bi-directional digital video/audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.
Tele Macro Function
Useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocussed so that the subject stands out.
Active Interface Shoe
Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.
Built-in Intelligent Flash
For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows.
Super NightShot® Infrared System
With Sony's NightShot® infrared system, capture video in total darkeness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away. Super NightShot mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed to increase picture brightness and clarity. Color Slow Shutter mode allows you to record in low light situations with full color detail by slowing down the shutter speed.
Scene Selection Modes
Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset.
Fader Effects-2
Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black, Mosaic, Monotone, and White.
Picture Effects
Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Mosaic, Negative Art, Pastel, Sepia, Skin Tone and Solarize. Effects available in Playback mode: Mosaic, Pastel or Skin Tone.
InfoLITHIUM® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System
Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect". Sony's exclusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
Multi-Language Menu
Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean or Traditional Chinese.
One Touch Wide Angle Shooting
Easily switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios for shooting, with just the touch of a button.
Easy Handycam
Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam Button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are "locked out" leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.
On Screen Zoom and Record Buttons
For additional control of the camcorder, the DCR-HC5 features Zoom and Record buttons on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows the user more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.
Manual Focus
Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.Comment
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Coach I leave in the morning. Going to a 3D shoot up there. Tink was at this shoot last year but told me he wasn't going this year.
Can you tell me how the CMOS Sensor compares to CCD? Thanks.Comment
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Bill I don't have any experience with CMOS chips. This is my very first ever 3 chip camera, and the "battery power" to me isn't an issue. I have 4 batteries and each one of them get me up to 12hrs of field time.Comment
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Found Something
Originally posted by Bill M View Post
Bill, I found some information. I don't know who the guy is, but this is what his opinion is regarding your frequently asked question.
Originally posted by Mojmir PribisComment
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