Hi All,My wife and I are heading to Europe for a holiday in a couple of months and have just begun the search for video cameras.We are looking at spending up to about $1400 and was wanting some advice on what to look for and suggested models.So far we have found the Sony HC30, a panasonic - GS50 (I think)...Cheers,B.
I swear by Sony. However, a lot depends... on what features you want. I would strongly suggest a flip-out lcd screen for ease of use, as looking through a viewfinder (colour or not) becomes tiring.Also, I recently bought one (can't remember the model) - a Sony - and I needed it to play back digital tapes AND super 8 video as well, as I had old recordings on that format. If this is not a concern, then buy digital. However, that will raise the price.Another consideration when buying is whether you want more than one battery, and I suggest you do need a spare with longer life capacity. Further, buy a UV lens (cheap as) as it fits over your lens and stops it getting dirty/scatched as well as cutting out UV damage and you get a clearer picture.Post another message or e-mail me if you want more info or I can help in some other way.CheerZ Vincent
I just bought a Canon vid camera on Sunday! I was looking around for a few weeks.... Finaly I narrowed it down to the Sony DCTRV-33 and the Canon MVX200i. Both take the DV (digital video) tapes, however the Canon has a bigger CCD (1.3M pixels) so takes better quality video and still pics. Its also got a bigger lens (34mm) and more optical zoom. The Sony only has 1.0M pixels and the stills are worse quality. I got it for a good price also ($1250) I chose the DV format over the DVD-R (ie, the cameras that record straight onto a 8cm DVD) because the tapes can record 60minutes, instead of 20-30 on the DVD.Also, if youre going overseas within 30days of purchase, you can claim the GST back at customs
thanks for the info....... still's aren't really an issue... we have a 5mp for that. But optical zoom is important, as digital zoom is useless I assume.I was hoping someone would mention the DVD-R cameras, I was originally thinking about them, but 30mins sucks.What about batteries ? How long per charge ? We need a fair bit as can't assume everywhere we go (eg: some hostels) we will have access to power.For claiming GST, just need a Tax Invoice, is that it ?