I really, really need some help.

I would like to buy a camcorder but I am really confused by all the specs.

I can't even figure out what to buy within the Canon brand.

I would like to buy something for around $350 used. I am willing to wait to find a deal on Craigslist or eBay or online somewhere.

The last camcorder I had was a Sony Hi8 so thats where I'm from.

I would love to have HD cause I have HD tv's but if it's out of my price range then just tell me. I would like the next best thing then.

Obviously I would like the most camera for the buck. Here is what I have in mind.

HD
Hard Drive or Flash/SD card (I really don't want to worry about tapes)
Small
I use a laptop with a dual core 2 processor. Nothing fancy. 2GB ram, and I have tons of disk space.

I don't have to have Canon but it would be nice because I think they make good cameras but I am up for suggestions.

Anyone that could help me narrow down my choices I would be greatly appreciative. If I need to bump the price up a little I guess I would consider.

I know I have probably left out pertainant info so let me know.

I have two kids so I would mostly be making videos of school events, sports - baseball and softball mostly, I have a DVD burner and I would like to put most stuff on DVD and share with the family. Please please steer me in the right direction

What is the worry about tapes?

Get a used HV20. Top rated video quality and should be pretty cheap used.

I don't know. It seems like I have tons of tapes from my Hi8 that I don't even know where they are.

I had the impression that it was easier to transfer the data from the HD or SD card to the computer.

With the tapes can you rewind to a particular point?

What are the advantages of having the HDD or SD card?

Maybe thats what I need to consider.

Any other opinions?

what is more important to you? Convenience or video quality?

Arguably the HV20 with HDV will give you the better quality but it isn't as convenient for transfering (1 hour of tape is 1 hour of transfer time).

If you want to upload youtube videos than just get a flip mino or kodak zi6.

You can buy The Panasonic HDC-SD9 new for $350.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31HUVtSkB9L._SL500_AA280_.jpg

It's a small camcorder.
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-HDC-SD9-Definition-Camcorder-Stabilized/dp/B0011FTKFY/ref=sr_1_1/189-5764796-2962303?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1237041054&sr=1-1

It is not the best low light performer, but you could always turn on some bright lamps when you're inside. It's HD, records in the AVCHD format. Don't know if your pc can handle it. You can download sample mts files, a free mts player and see how it goes.

You could also convert the files to a format your pc can handle; for example with an mts to mpg converter. You could still save the original files and playback in the future in the original form for when you have a faster pc.

Sample videos/Panasonic HDC-SD9
http://www.vimeo.com/videos/search:Panasonic%20HDC-SD9

Panasonic HDC-SD9 / HDC-HS9 Owner's Thread
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1020761


It records only to SD/SDHC cards. I don't know your HD set up, put you may have a card reader on your HDTV, it may be possible to take the card out of your camcorder and put it right into the reader, if applicable. Or if you have a PS3, that could also be done.

In any event, it's worth it to get HD now, even if you have to convert it to something of lower resolution.

You could also just use the camcorder as a playback device without the pc, while leaving the card inside the camera. You can get an HDMI cable (mini end for the camcorder) and plug right into your HDTV, or use the component cables that come with the camera.

a friend of mine has a SD5 and he loves it.

Is the SD9 better?

Where can I buy for $350?

Thanks so much for the information. I really appreciate your time and effort. I don't really know anything about camcorders. I just want something nice. I don't have to have the best. I have grown out of that.

eBay.

a friend of mine has a SD5 and he loves it.

Is the SD9 better?

Where can I buy for $350?

Thanks so much for the information. I really appreciate your time and effort. I don't really know anything about camcorders. I just want something nice. I don't have to have the best. I have grown out of that.

The SD9 is the update to the SD5 - it's better.
I put the Amazon link for $349 in my post.

You mentioned "ebay". Why not buy it new? You'll get a year warranty. With ebay, you won't get a warranty and you don't even know the history of the camera. It just might stop working and you'll be out of money.

If you purchase new with a credit card, most CC's will double the warranty to two years and include other purchase protections.

Cool. I think thats what I will get.

The cheapest at the Amazon link is 395.

Thanks again.

When the SD9 was released, I paid $799. and no editing software could understand its file structure. Glad to see it's half the price, and now every NLE can handle it. I do recommend the addition of two accessories: monopod/tripod, and a video light. That camcorder weighs 1/4 pound, RC helicopters can carry it aloft. Keep in mind that the youtube video is downgraded from the original hd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3S0A3aoSjc

Especially if you are trying to shoot in its 24P mode, one needs steady hands. A 'pod' adds a nice stabilizing element to it. On video light, two inexpensive sources are going to be either LED flashlight, or something like a Sima product.

http://www.etailelectronics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=17174&Category_Code=pet10x&Store_Code=etail

As you've already researched, many reviewers didn't like the SD9, it's pro's and con's just about cancel each other out.

1. If you are outside, or inside with ambient sunlight, quality is outstanding. Indoors is where it needs a video light (no cold shoe, so a bracket is needed).

2. The lens is good, but zoom has only one speed. Macro mode is fixed at 10 inches, don't use the flash close up, it'll wash out.

3. Face detection is unsurpassed, your children will look spectacular.

4. Menu buttons are not intuitive, but menu is easy to understand

5. edit in-camera, so that you have the option of importing just what you want instead of the whole clip. Camcorder can divide and delete, frame accurate.

6. 3 second pre-record is very handy, can be switched on or off.

7. has support for optional dvd burner, $200. (PlayStation3 can play HD footage off of regular dvds).

It's been a nice experience, tempered with workarounds. Glad I purchased mine.

That's great information. Thanks so much.

I just need to find a place to buy it at the lowest price. (that is as long as it's a reputable company). Obviously I want to buy online and someone outside of Texas so I don't have to pay taxes.

Thanks again.

What would you guys choose between the Canon HG10 and the Panasonic SD9? I've read a big forum about them but wanted to see what you guys thought.

Thanks again.

I hate deciding. Should I save my money and buy the Canon HF10? That's a cool looking camera.

I think I might save for the HF10. Is it worth it? The price difference between the SD9 and the HF10?

I hate deciding. Should I save my money and buy the Canon HF10? That's a cool looking camera.

I think only you can answer that. When do you need it? How much is it really worth to you? http://************************************/img/2464/i09b0128lrvx/smile.gif

I ordered the Canon HF10 on Friday from B&H. $599 plus $150 for 5 yr warranty.

I should have it Wednesday. I am excited.

Buy a Western Digital WDTV for $100, and you can play back your HD files on your HDTV.

Dave

Huh?

I got my HF10 yesterday.

Can't I just hook it up to my HDTV with an HDMI cable?

Yes you can. I think Dave may have a vested interest in promoting WDTV because this is the second time I have read that exact same post in different threads. ;)

I think the point of the WDTV is so you can play the HD files from an external hard drive to an HDTV, independent from a pc.

You can play files directly from an HF10 camcorder, but the internal drive is not for permanent storage; you can only store so much on the 16gb internal drive and SDHC cards are usually erased to make room for more data.

Hopefully there will be a day when cards are so cheap they could be used for long-term storage.