hi guys,
Im a fist time poster but a long time reader,
This summer (in about 3 weeks) im traveling to Europe for a month, and I want to get a camcorder for it. I dont have alot of money but I was thinking about the GZ-HD7, the downfall of that though is I need to bring my laptop and buy a monster external hard drive. I really like the fact that its full 1080i, the awesome bitrate, and has 3 ccd's, but the need of a laptop is a major turnoff. I think tape would be better. From what I have read, I dont really like the avc hd format sony is pushing. I also am a really big fan of optical image stabilization. I have considered the HDR-HC1, or the HC7, but you guys are the experts so I would really appreciate your input. I am willing to spend up to about 2 grand, but it is a stretch. Please keep in mind that im paying for this with my own money and make 8 bucks an hour. Thanks.

You might want to peruse the threads here. There are many threads about HDD Camcorders and specific HD units. Also, there are a couple of threads are about HD vs Flash memory vs MiniDV vs MiniDVD formats.
The Canon HV20 (MiniDv tape) is probably the best regarded HD Camcorder right now. It's the one I think I'm going to get for a European trip this Fall.

Have fun in Europe, good luck!

I lived in Germany from 2002-2005, and right before leaving bought a Canon ZR50 for around $350 from Best Buy. I have around 15 Mini-DV tapes of fantastic memories from that time, including a bunch of in-car footage from the Nurburgring (hand held and hard mounted), snowboarding in Austria, sailing in Greece, walking the streets of Lisbon, oompah bands at Oktoberfest, etc etc etc etc usw. Would it have been nice to have in HD? Of course. But lets get real, at 8 bucks an hour it'll take a LONG time to pay off $900 instead of $300, and a small, good standard def mini-DV will be less of a worry and let you concentrate on having fun and experiencing things for yourself while still getting some perfectly accedptable footage. Don't worry about optical image stabiliser, manual controls, etc etc. The important thing is going to be travelling light (i.e. no laptop, there are plenty of internet cafes to check email), not worrying about your HD cam getting stolen, dropping, breaking etc, and taking in as much culture as you can. Eat, drink, and be merry.
Maybe the $250 Aiptek HD and a couple big SD cards is the way to go. Just don't charge a thousand dollar cam on a credit card unless you're quite sure that you'll pay it off soon. Otherwise some sweet HD footage could end up costing you your credit rating for years.

cheers
Kurt

If you're not really big into video taping, then you should probably just get an inexpensive MiniDV camera and a nice still digital camera. Then again, the HV20 is dropping pretty quickly in price and is already a fantastic deal, so it's really up to how much you think you will use it. You could resell it if you backed up all your footage to a hard drive if you decide you don't really need it.

I would steer you towards HD.

Do it right the first time.

You can get the Canon HV10 for under $700 now at reputable dealers online.

Its fairly easy to carry in a cargo shorts, etc.

If you are thinking about getting the GZ-HD7, you'll save some dough, and get some great video going with the HV-10.

I have about 1300 saved up and my mom has told me that she will lend me the rest. I think you guys have convinced me not to get the GZ-HD7, but I agree with Blasst in terms of HD, ive been saving up for this specific purpose for about 5 months and i don't want to do something less than hd. The canon HV10 sounds like a good idea too, which brings me to the question of is bestpricecameras a real site? the hv-10 is on there but I cant post a link yet because of my post count. If it is, I would buy it from there i think because its only 419 bucks. They have some pretty cheap slr camera's too, but i checked it and its located in brooklyn which i know is notoriously bad for gray market products. does anyone else have any suggestions? thanks so much guys, until i read this i was ready to take a huge camcorder laptop and external hdd to europe.

I just realized bestpricecameras is a scam, can anyone suggest a retailer with a good warranty?

Have a look here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/448812-REG/Canon_1194B001_HV10_2_76MP_CMOS_HDV.html

I would add that the Canon HV-20 is better in low light, has a few more features, and will cost you a bit more...... you'll have to decide.

Overall the HV-20 is the better camera, but you can't tote it around like the HV-10, plus you need some extra dough to take out the good looking women you'll meet in Europe. ;)

Yep B&H is a great outfit & you may even want to try & push them lower on the price because they will deal.

Also you may want to check Costco for the Canon HV-20 (They seem to be in & out of them) just because of their 90 day return policy on Camcorders so if your not happy with it you can return it after your European trip or before you go.

If you buy from somewhere else make sure you know what the return policy is & if there are any restocking fees & how much they are.