Budget (But Good) Camcorder?

[Aysedasi]

I'm looking to replace my ageing Panasonic MiniDV camcorder which has served me well now for many years. In truth, it doesn't get a lot of use, only at Le Mans and Silverstone each year and very limited use elsewhere.

I don't know much about these things, but I don't want to faff around with tapes any more. Ideally, I'd like one with a HD - but whatever storage solution I choose, it needs to be able to store up to 2 hours of video at the best quality I can afford.

And there's the rub - as always, I'm on a budget. I don't really want to pay more than £150 and if that means looking around for something that's been factory refurbished etc., then so be it.

Any suggestions people? I'm not really sure where to start looking!

[GORDON STREETER]

Just seen this but only popped in to collect my post and off out, I'll have a "word" tonight !

[Aysedasi]

I just knew you'd be the first to reply Gordon, old friend, old pal.......

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

old friend, old pal.......

I'm on the case but you might have to "grovel" for a few days more !

[Aysedasi]

No problem Gordon - as it happens, I'm away (in a few hours) for a week - anniversary holiday for the missus and I - so no rush at all! And my grovelling knows no bounds!

[Aysedasi]

I'm resurrecting this thread as I'm still in need of a purchase. I'm getting a tad itchy as it's only 8 weeks until I leave for Le Mans and my old camcorder was really playing up at Silverstone last weekend. So any recommendations, including second-hand, would be very much appreciated.

[GORDON STREETER]

The only ones we could come up with second hand and at that sort of price I personally wouldn't want.
But I would advise a hard drive one with a separate viewfinder and if possible one with optional SD card facility as well.
It is possible to find one on ebay if you know what ones are good and don't have any problems, I brought one off ebay that I was looking for that was 3 months old that the guy had paid £1200 pounds for (with original receipt) and I got it for £700.
I had an email from the guy who admitted that it was far too complicated for him and had been talked into it by a camera shop when all he needed was a point n shoot job !
That salesman was pretty good making the customer spend more than £1050 over what he needed!!
Ease of use is a must as some of them are a bit fiddly especially if you have a handful of bananas like me !
__________________

[bella]

ayse, have you considered updating your slr at the same time so you can record video with that?

[Aysedasi]

Sorry, slow to get back Bella. Yes, it's a thought, but I only got my SLR last year (thank you Gordon )) and somehow I like to have them separate and distinct....

[geordiecriag101]

hi there, just seen this post n see if this helps. i got a panasonic v700 last year and been realy impressed with it, nice n light, easy to use, great quality and basic editing functions can be done on it. the only down side i havevis the battery life could be better, about 90mins of a full charge. take a looke at my vids on youtube to c what u think. www.youtube.com/user/geordiecraig101

[Aysedasi]

Thanks for the recommendation! Even one of those 2nd hand is probably more than I can afford in advance of a Le Mans trip thiough!

[GORDON STREETER]

I too am a fan of Panasonic camcorders and the one I have at the moment is the best camcorder that I have owned.
Although hard drives are the way to go there are loads of good quality digi tape ones that you can buy for peanuts on the net or in your local rag.
I do still use one occasionally for non important things and the only problem that I have had over the years with them is the tape sticking to the head when using it in differing temperature changes.