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Best video camera for ~$500

A

adamadekat

Gawd
Joined
Aug 12, 2004
Messages
527
Hey, guys. I was planning on purchasing a digital video camera by the end of the summer so I can create my high school's Senior Video. I plan on spending $500 or so for the camera. Keep in mind I will be filming indoor and outdoor. Any suggestions for the best camera to purchase?
 
For that price range, low-light ability won't be the best...

Given that, I'd recommend finding the best of the Panasonic 3 chip cameras you can. I know there have been deals for the GS120 on clearance for <500 (I have this one, it's great for it's price). There's a newer line of models like the GS150 - watch for sales on these too.
 
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=366886&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Canon Elura 90. It's just over $500 (at $504).

Here's a link to a review of the Elura from a very good, non-biased site:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-Elura-90-Camcorder-Review.htm

The GS150 that was previously suggested is $100 more: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...713&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

..and here's a review...

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-PV-GS150-Camcorder-Review.htm

According to the reviews, the GS150 is slightly better than the Elura 90. But! It's $100 more. Realize that they are both very good cameras, and whichever one you get you will be happy with. The image quality is going to be a tad bit sharper on the GS150, and the colors are going to be very rich. If you think that added image quality (and much better, clearer video in darkness) is more important, then spend the extra $100 and get the GS150.
 
Do you guys recommend I get the warranty? The average price for the warranties are around $100 :-\
 
Depends on how often you will be using it, where, and how well you take care of your electronics.
 
Another vote for the Panasonic 3-CCD line, I have the GS-120 personally.
 
You can get tapes from ecost.com for a bit over $2/ea in 10 packs. Just pick one brand and stick with it - using different brands of tapes int he same camera can cause problems over time.

If you want another battery, hit ebay. There's tons of generic batteries there for cheap and they work great.

Other than that, get a tripod. Just don't expect to be able to move the camera (pan, tilt) smoothly on anything costing less than $400 or bought at a chain store (Best buy, etc). I've got a GS120 on a $100 tripod from best buy and I don't even try to move it - too jerky. Smooth movement costs :)
 
dboy said:
You can get tapes from ecost.com for a bit over $2/ea in 10 packs. Just pick one brand and stick with it - using different brands of tapes int he same camera can cause problems over time.
Click to expand...
Can't be said enough. And stay away from Sony tapes if you don't have a Sony camera...there's special lube on there that can gunk up non-Sony cams.
 
adamadekat said:
Does this place look trustworthy to buy the camera? It was the cheapest on pricegrabber.com and the reviews were pretty good...only half of a star missing.

http://www.electronics-expo.com/product.jsp?x=PVGS150&zipz=11001
Click to expand...

Cheapest? Pricegrabber shows that they have the GS150 for $700. B&H has it for $600.

GS-150 for $600 at B&H Photo/Video

Reseller Ratings page for B&H

Unless I'm missing something, it looks like B&H has it for cheaper. And B&H is an extremely respected company.

Other than that, get a tripod. Just don't expect to be able to move the camera (pan, tilt) smoothly on anything costing less than $400 or bought at a chain store (Best buy, etc). I've got a GS120 on a $100 tripod from best buy and I don't even try to move it - too jerky. Smooth movement costs
Click to expand...

QFT. Spend the extra money on a tripod with a fluid head from Bogen/Manfrotto or Gitzo.
 
That's strange. I just checked and it was $700...a few days ago it was at $511. Oh well, I think I'm going with Beach Camera: Price is $557 with free shipping.

Six-Month Rating: 9.60
Lifetime Rating: 8.96

8.36 Pricing of Products and Services
8.92 Likelihood of Future Purchases
9.36 Shipping and Packaging
8.82 Customer Service
9.58 Return or Replacement

Sound okay?
 
Ordered on 6ave.com...but here's the beauty of it:

I ordered it over the phone and I told the sales rep exactly what I wanted:
-The camcorder
-6 pk. of Panasonic tapes
-Mack 4 year extended warranty
-Mini-tripod, lens cleaning kit pack

But, I told him I didn't want to pay $299.99 for a 4 year extended warranty like it says on their website. He said, "Oh if you order it over the phone, it's only $99.99!" SIIIIIIIIIIIICK.

So then I said I wanted the Sakar DU-21 (5 hour battery) to see how much he would give it to me for. The total already was $665 he said, so then I told him I wanted to stay within a $650 price range. "Oh well I'll tell you what," he says. "I'll chuck in the battery and we'll call it a deal." Owned. Total with their signature 6 cents ground shipping was $665.something I forgot.
 
I just got my camera. It's tiny! I got everything the sales rep said he would, except the mini-tripod/lens cleaning kit...bah. That doesn't really matter, since I really scored with the free battery.
 
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