So my old Sony TRV-19 is going out on me and I'm looking into getting a new camcorder but I'm not exactly sure which one to go with. I only really use my camcorder for one purpose and that is filming at theme parks and on rides. For this reason, I don't want to spend a fortune on one, and the fact that this thing is gonna be shaking and getting roughed up makes me think a hard drive based option is bad. I like the MiniDV format and would like to stay with that. So based on my previous camcorder which had a 1/4" 680K CCD sensor, and 10X optical zoom, these are the few camcorders I've narrowed down to. I'm also somewhat limited to choices of what Best Buy carries, since I'm an employee there

A few features I think are important for my particular needs are...
1. increased optical zoom (10x really didn't cut it on the TRV-19)
2. ability of adding filters and lens adapters
3. a good sturdy camera that sits well in the hand, since I'll be taking this thing on all kinds of rides including rollercoasters
4. Good image stabilization
5. Does adequately well with low light conditions
6. Compact enough to fit in a pocket

So with that in mind, here are the camcorders I've come up with with a few pros and cons of each

First choice - Sony DCR-HC48 ($400)
Pros - 1 MP CCD, 25X Optical Zoom, Still Shot Capture, 16:9 recording with widescreen lcd
Cons - Poor low light performance

Second choice - Panasonic PV-GS320 ($500)
Pros - 2 MP 3CCD, decent low light performance, still shot capture, optical image stabilatization, 16:9 recording with widescreen lcd
Cons - pricey, questionable build quality, only 10X opitcal zoom

Third choice - Sony DCR-HC38 ($330)
Pros - 40X optical zoom
Cons - poor low light performance, only 680K pixel sensor, no still shot
could also go with the DCR HC28 which is identical it just drops the optical zoom down to 25X

At first I was also considering the Canon ZR850 but it lacks the ability of adding filters and lens adapters so if i can't use a wide angle lens on it, that rules that cam out entirely

I should also say I've been pretty happy with the video I've gotten from this thing over the years, though it never really shot well in low light. So not sure how much I want to invest in this, and if the video quality I get is gonna be worth the difference. Any suggestions which of those to go with

Your TRV19 is probably better than anything available today in your price range. Your 1/4" CCD was one of the last ones that large. Todays 1/6" CCD's are much worse in low light. I think your best option is to hold on to that TRV19 unless you have $2300 to spend on a VX2100.

Dave

well here's what's wrong with my TRV-19...it seems recently that the exposure is always cranked up real high and I've tried setting the level in the camera lower but it doesn't make much of a difference. Here are a couple screen grabs from a uncompressed DV video file to demonstrate that.

http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/6/23/1202994/SFMM%20DV%20Final%202%20003_0001.jpg

http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/6/23/1202994/SFMM%20DV%20Final%202%20003_0001a.jpg




So I guess my question is how much would it cost to repair this problem, or is it worth going with a new camcorder? I also had a chance today to get a hands on feel for both the Sony and Panasonic, and I absolutely love the OIS on the Panasonic, that alone is making me want to go that route, i also looked into possibly going with the GS80 instead of the 320 just cause I'm not sure I want to spend that much on the 320, and I can get a 32X optical zoom on the GS80 and still get the awesome OIS vs Sony's digital stabilization

Hmm....The 2nd still looks fairly normal but the first one does look overexposed like maybe you had the "backlight" feature turned on (assuming it has that option)? You know better than I if something is set wrong. As far as repair cost, I think Sony used to charge a flat rate of about $240 to fix camcorders that were out of warranty?

You are between a rock and a hard place. Spend a lot of money fixing an old camcorder or buy a crappy new one. It is really too bad the industry decided to switch their production over to tiny pieces of junk shortly after yours was made. I don't have any advice in this case. Maybe someone else has some?

Dave

Check www.camcorderinfo.com for the test reports & ratings on them.

They haven't tested the "new" Panny 320 yet but they did test last years model the 300 with the same sensor in it so that should be able to help you with the Panny.

It's really too bad that Canon discontinued the Elura 100 because that's what I got for my daughter after seeing my next door neighbors & I would of told you to get the Elura 100 but I can add that his mother got the Sony 28 from Wal-Mart & after seeing the picture quality on it especially compared to his Elura 100 he made his mother take it back & he is now looking at Canon's "Z" Line but there no good for you because you can't add the WideAngle lens onto them.

Myself from what I've read I would stay away from the Sony's (Especially The Lower Priced Models) except for the Mini-DV tape Top Of The Line 96 model & I would favor the Panny 320 but I have no idea how well built the Panny's are.

Maybe Camcorder Info above will be able to help you make the choice. Happy Hunting & Good Luck.

I just wanted to add that you might want to buy it or just even try one out from Wal-Mart, Sam's Club or Costco because if your not happy with it (Think My Neighbor's Mother) you can return it for a Full Refund without paying any Restocking Fees which BB, CC, Sears & etc are charging for returned Cameras & Camcorders.