Which video camera

[ian clark]

I can not see a specific site for video questions so put it here

I currently use a JVC handicam for videos mainly holidays and the grandchildren

My concern is two fold firstly the quality of colour rendition seems poor, dull and lifeless ,compared to the still shots taken with my D3100,

Secondly the sound quality is also poor particularly the wind noise even with the wind noise reduction switched to on?

So what video will give me better quality and sound I particularly would like one that allows for a plug in mic any thoughts?
My budget is £500 ish

[rbarry]

Hi Ian,

The three main domestic manufacturers you should be looking at are Sony, Canon and Panasonic. The latter may well suit your requirements best for your budget. I haven't had my finger on the pulse recently, but a three chip HD Panasonic would fit the bill nicely. Look for optical image stabilisation, not digital. Also look for quoted optical magnification, don't be impressed with wild digital magnification figures.
These days hard disk or memory card recording formats are best as you avoid mechanical transport problems associated with tape machines.

Most camcorders have the facility for an external mic, but you may find the zoom mic OK on the Panasonics.
If not then Rode do a great mic for domestic camcorders, originally called the Rode video microphone! This is a mono mic but perfectly suited to small video cameras. Stretching the budget further would get you into the sennheiser range of microphones.

As an aside, I have an old 3 chip Sony VX2000. It still produces great SD footage and is brilliant in low light. How good the smaller chipped Panasonics are in low light I don't know, but always go to the store and try before you buy to check out the ergonomics as well as the results of captured footage on a tv screen in the shop.

HDC-SD800 just blows the budget at £550.00
http://www.google.co.uk/products/cat...d=0CFkQ8wIwAA#

HDC-SD600 comes in at £459.00
http://www.google.co.uk/products/cat...d=0CF4QgggwAA#

Check tech spec here:
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_G...#anker_4547713


Hope this helps,

Rick.

[ian clark]

thanks rbarry gives me somethings to look at and consider