What's a good video camera?

**soundbeltfarm** · 12th January 2011, 08:57

Wanting to get a video camera by the weekend and i dont know where to start.
do i get high def, and the storage ? eg whats better hdd , storage cards or what?
any help appreciated. also do i look at the zoom and stuff.
i got one now but it records to tape and pretty dated i think

**onearmedbandit** · 12th January 2011, 09:31

Panasonic, Sony or Samsung. Definitely go high def, no sense in buying old tech now that you can go HD for less than $600. SD card models will carry a max of 32 or 64gb, I've got a 16gb card which on 1920x1080 at 25fps I get about 2.5hr of recording. Of course with a hybrid (SD and HDD) you get a lot more storage, however the camera will be slightly more bulky and heavy.

Ignore digital zoom, only optical is of real importance. Most these days will be at least 25x, which is more than enough for most users. Still picture capability is another consideration, my HD cam is about 2yrs old now and only takes still as 2mp (1920x1080) but they still look mint on my HD TV.

Oh and buy a spare battery. You won't regret it.

**Scuba_Steve** · 12th January 2011, 09:48

Kinda depends what you want it for, Sony's always highly rated in video cams. like above ignore digital zoom its optical you want. Bigger lens diameter is also a plus (one that many people overlook). I would opt for HDD over DVD also like above don't bother with SD just go HD. Then there's what do you want? is size important?, weight?, ruggedness?, accessories? etc etc Try a few out in-store see what they're like to use, take a clip & ask to see it on one of their TV's to compare, its the best way to find out as what suits 1 person may not suit another.

**ICE180** · 12th January 2011, 10:11

one for sport and your bike

http://www.goprocamera.com/

they use these on ralley cars etc have used one myself very good can be brodcast in HD on any HD TV network and about $500

domestic I do not know as I only use and look at professional stuff

**onearmedbandit** · 12th January 2011, 11:03

Something to bear in mind with Sony is they use a memory card that is suitable only with Sony products. Of course you can get get card readers for them, and a lot of modern computers have them built in. It does mean however that you need to pay 'Sony' prices rather than the more competitive SD card prices, which the majority of devices use.

**robo555** · 12th January 2011, 14:50

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

Something to bear in mind with Sony is they use a memory card that is suitable only with Sony products. Of course you can get get card readers for them, and a lot of modern computers have them built in. It does mean however that you need to pay 'Sony' prices rather than the more competitive SD card prices, which the majority of devices use.

Sony has caught on. Their video cameras now accept both memory sticks and SD cards.

**Big Dave** · 12th January 2011, 15:07

For general use:
A good one is about $1500.
An excellent one is about $7,500.
A great one is about $15,000.
For on Bike use:
Go Pro. About $700 by the time you buy the card and bits.