Looking to upgrade, need advise (big time!)

[harry_pluta3]

My wife and I have decided to upgrade our old Panasonic VHS-C

camcorder to a newer unit. Our budget is the $400-$600 range. The

issue with the Panasonic is picture quality, unless you have a person

filling the frame it is pretty hard to tell who they are, of course

this is a very old camera.

 

What I really want to be able to do is 1) capture my daughter's

concerts (decent sound), ice shows (low light / image stability), and

softball games (fast action), 2) record our vacations, 3) record the

pitchers I coach so I can show them their motion in a still frame /

step-by-step mode, 4) copy the videos I make to DVD, and 5) replace

our point & shoot fim camera, 2 to 3 megapixel would be nice. The

last 2 items are real "wish list", but it never hurts to ask.

 

I looked at an "open-box" Sony DCR-TRV530 today for $550.00, but the

kid at the store insisted that I would be happier with a Canon miniDV

at $600.00 claiming the picture and lens quality was much higher.

What are my other options?

 

Can anyone here help out? I know my way around every type of film

camera, but am really lost in video land.

 

Thanks and best regards,

[matt_marshall]

We have a 10-year old VHS-C camcorder from panasonic and although it's failed mechanically now, it's picture quality was superb when used in a strong light situation.

 

These days there is little difference in picture quality amongst camcorder brands. Each camera is individually designed to suit the needs of each person. Some feature extra effects and some feature greater image control. Look for a camera that has the latter. My recommendation is indeed the Sony DCR-TRV series and also the JVC DVL-820/920.

[harry_pluta3]

Can anyone comment on the JVC GR-DV3000u? I know it is stretching the dollars a bit, but with the fast lens and 1600x1200 still capture it meets my needs for under $800.00.

 

Thanks,

[j.w.]

Harry;

 

You didn't indicate if you have a computer at all. You want to replace your camcorder, plus edit to computer, all for $500? Wake up and pinch yourself.

 

You could buy a stand-alone DVD-RAM/DVD-R recorder, such as the Panasonic, for about $600 on sale. These are easy to use, and circumvents the steep learning curve inherent with PC editing, for a lot less money. You just don't have the fancy scene editing capability as with software on a PC, but it sounds like for your needs, that's not an issue right now. These stand alone boxes are good for copying tapes onto DVD.

 

But you can't do that AND replace your camcorder without spending well over $1000.

 

But you'll spend even more than that if you buy a new camcorder and a computer set up to edit video.

[harry_pluta3]

Joe,

 

I was looking just for the camcorder at around $600.00. I ended up spending the $800.00 and buying the JVC GR-DV3000U, nice piece of gear. I did also replace my home computer, but that was another issue and can be written off as a buiness expense. Right now I am working my way thru Ulead's VideoStudio.

 

Thanks to all,

-harry