Hello,

My question is in regards to the HG10. I'm a total video noob but after perusing these forums I'm pretty much ready to buy this model. I just want to get some feedback regarding these questions:


Let's say that 50% represents a $150 Canon camcorder and 100% represents a typical video camera used by a News station out in the field. How would you compare the HG10's overall video picture vs this "professional" camera in terms of percentage? Is it 80%? 90%? 95%? Could you give me percentage opinions for both daylight and indoor?
I have a 2.10 GHz AMD Athlon Dual Core processor w. 1G of RAM. I'm sure this is slow, but is it woefully inadequate for the editing demands I'll be requiring?
Has anybody used any of these dealers before:
· SonicCamera
· Lowpricedigital
· ShopCartUSA
I know there are some on this forum that warn against using "non-reputable" dealers, but is there anything specific you would be wary of at a place like this? All these places have the HG10 for about $450-$480


Thanks in advance!

Coincidently I am also interested in the HG10 and shopping around I found the lowest price possible (almost to good to be true) was at bestpricameras.com and soniccamera.com ($429). I was hesitant at first though because it doesn't look like a reputable site. I called bestpricecameras.com but I was on hold forever. I called soniccamera.com and spoke to Michael after a few minutes on hold. I basically asked if the items were brand new (yes), what the turnaround time of shipping is (same day or next), does it come with all original accessories (yes), and the return policy. He was very informative. I didn't want spend $700+ elsewhere so I bite my lip and placed the order this morning and spent extra for the 2-day shipping. Total came out to $468. We'll see what happens. With the extra money you save you can get extra batteries/accessories if needed + a 3-year extended warranty for $65. Sonic's 3-year for $199 is outrageous.

Coincidently I am also interested in the HG10 and shopping around I found the lowest price possible (almost to good to be true) was at bestpricameras.com and soniccamera.com ($429). I was hesitant at first though because it doesn't look like a reputable site. I called bestpricecameras.com but I was on hold forever. I called soniccamera.com and spoke to Michael after a few minutes on hold. I basically asked if the items were brand new (yes), what the turnaround time of shipping is (same day or next), does it come with all original accessories (yes), and the return policy. He was very informative. I didn't want spend $700+ elsewhere so I bite my lip and placed the order this morning and spent extra for the 2-day shipping. Total came out to $468. We'll see what happens. With the extra money you save you can get extra batteries/accessories if needed + a 3-year extended warranty for $65. Sonic's 3-year for $199 is outrageous.

If they call and put the hardsell on you to buy another battery or other overly -priced accessory, be careful. Some of the heavy discounters make up the money buy selling you a battery that was included anyway, or pushing hugely marked-up memory cards, etc.

baldie,
Did you check if they are an authorized dealer? Does the Canon warranty hold?
Good luck with the purchase.

It's interesting how these vendors could offer it for a such a low price (~$450) than everyone else (~$700)?

Here's what I get for soniccamera.com
[/URL]http://kasuganti.smugmug.com/photos/284057097_QJDtp-L.jpg

It is a scam. Some of these shops (86th St., a1 something or other, broadwayphoto) are groups that use bait and switch OR they apparently don't tell you what is in the box when they sell it to you. So you are technically buying a brand new XYZ but all the stuff that the manufacturer says comes with it is not in the box and they sell separately. Of course they don't tell you any of this. I'm glad I didn't bother with these guys, many of whom have just drop boxes for mail and have no storefront. It's insane and makes me understand why there are many successful people who simply have no regard for anyone else. Apparently they close up the corporation and move on. Why the AG can't stop them, I don't know but perhaps because there are too many people and punishment isn't severe enough.

Hi baldie,

How did the purchase turn out? Was it a scam or honest steal?