Panasonic V700 vs X800

Basically similar to previous model SD800 (NTSC/US); 3MOS sensors will have better color rendition/much better image quality than the single sensor on the V700. The 800 will have an image similar to the X900M, but without the extensive manual controls.

The only potential downside is potential motorized fan noise on the audio with the 900/800 that is not on the V700/doesn't have a fan.

Since I am not 100% certain on that fan issue, someone would have to chime in here if this is actually an issue on the X800/SD800. Or you can do a search on that particular model.

FWIU, it was more of an issue on 2011's TM900 than any other model.

Hi Superdon - I thought the X800 was the X900 without a viewfinder, headphone and mic jacks? Pretty sure it has the manual control ring. Here is a side-by-side of the V700, X800 and X900 from Slashcam: http://camcorder-test.slashcam.com/compare-bc18c43e99292ae56498ba7a24453e3a.html

From the sample images, it looks like the X800 is better than the V700 in low light. I would miss the mic jack though.

Did you see that there is a £50 cashback voucher on all Panasonic cameras and lenses purchased before 31st December?

Cheers - hope this is helpful in making your decision!

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

Just did a search...X800 doesn't have the lens ring...

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/Camcorders/Expert+HD+Camcorders/HC-X800/Specification/8535678/index.html;jsessionid=0a6d28e930d8aa66893cdbd3422fb00d9d9fee735609.e38Pa3mLbx4Oci0Lb38QahyObxeSe6fznA5Pp7ftolbGmkTy?trackInfo=true

It depends what you're going to be using the camcorder for...
If you need extra zoom, you could always walk a little closer to your subject. Do you anticipate you will frequently be using an external microphone?

Although the 3MOS sensors will give you a better image...if your end destination is mostly YouTube, it's probably not going to make a lot of difference versus viewing it on an HDTV. You can't really make a wrong choice, as they are both decent.

Panasonic X900/X900M/X800:
The manual ring gives you easy, fingertip control over the focus, zoom and exposure settings. You'll find using the ring a much more intuitive, comfortable, user-friendly process than accessing a menu screen. With the manual ring and manual operation, the X900/X900M is a pleasure to use and gives you the freedom to craft unusually expressive images
*HC-X900/X900M only.

http://panasonic.net/avc/camcorder/hd/x900_series/feature2.html#f2_04

To clarify, the X800 will definitely have a better image. I didn't know what you were going to use it for. Something more serious, the X800 is going to look more professional.

Regarding the mic input; if you eventually need better audio than the X800 internal microphones, you can get a separate audio recorder, like a Zoom H1 or one of the cheaper Tascam models. These are battery-operated wireless recorders. Many of them, like the Zoom H1, are affordable.

..along with decent video editing software, like Sony Vegas Platinum and learn how to sync the audio in post. It's not difficult, you just have to get used to it/YouTube and the web have tutorials. You line up the separate camcorder and external audio tracks in the editor and then mute the camcorder audio...render the better external audio with the final video output. When you're first filming a take, you can create sync points like clapping your hands onscreen as to make it easier to line up the tracks later.

You can mount the recorder and camcorder on a light bracket and easily hold them together..many of the brackets have a 1/4" input so you can place it all on a tripod.

These seem like like an extra expense, but you don't have to buy everything at once; but at least you know there is an option to upgrade the audio.

Professional movies don't shoot audio into the camera, it's always done separately. Many professional videographers also capture audio separately as the audio recorder is wireless and can be placed anywhere; on a bracket, on a stand, on the other side of the room, etc.

This way you can get the X800 with the better quality video and upgrade your audio later, if need be.

Zoom H1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/H1-PORTABLE-DIGITAL-RECORDER-DICTAPHONE/dp/B003Y6S2WU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354664950&sr=8-1

Shoe bracket
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vibesta-L-Shaped-Bracket-Metal-Camcorder/dp/B0092OJJIO/ref=sr_1_60?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1354665059&sr=1-60

Vegas Platinum 11
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Vegas-Movie-Studio-Platinum/dp/B0051M6I9O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1354665105&sr=8-4

...or Vegas Platinum 12
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Vegas-Movie-Studio-HD/dp/B008RVQMOW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354665105&sr=8-1



how to sync audio with video
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+sync+audio+with+video&oq=how+to+sync+a&gs_l=youtube.1.4.0l10.978.21602.0.25987.55.33.17.5.5.2.161.2460.28j5.33.0...0.0...1ac.1.S138hatMG2E
Edited by xfws - 12/4/12 at 4:14pm

Superdon - if money is really tight, have you considered buying used? You can get a used V700 from Amazon for £305.

On the other hand, if you can stretch your budget about £100 from the X800 price you quoted, you can get a used X900 for £499.99

For what it's worth, here is how I attach an external recorder to the old TM900:



Cheers,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution