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Looking for a new camcorder - can't decide which one to get

post #1 of 8
2/12/13 at 5:36am
Thread Starter 
I had an Panasonic camcorder that used miniDV cassettes with a Leica Dicomar lens and 3MOS sensor. I liked it a lot but the image quality wasn't that great once you zoomed in past the 12x optical range. Has that changed with the HC-X900K or HC-X900M? If not, I'd like something with more optical zoom. I'd also like something with good audio recording. I know an external mic with help provide better audio recording. I don't care about still quality since I have a dedicated camera for that. My only other requirement is 1080P @ 60FPS. No Sony as I refuse to buy Sony products.

I'd like to make the purchase today or tomorrow so quick replies will be appreciated.
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post #2 of 8
2/12/13 at 6:46am
Once you zoom past the optical zoom it's softer but still useable IMHO. Here are two videos with my Panasonic TM700 1080p60 3MOS camcorder zoomed to full intelligent 18x zoom (630mm eqiv).


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post #3 of 8
2/12/13 at 7:49am
Consider the Panasonic FZ200 - it has a 28-672mm optical zoom (video) that is f2.8 at every focal length, and an external mic input. It does 108060p, and has more manual controls than most camcorders. f2.8 at the wide end is a somewhat smaller aperture than most camcorders, so the low-light performance at wide-angle will be lower, but at the high end the low light perfromance will be better, and you have much more reach optically.
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post #4 of 8
2/12/13 at 8:07am
And if that is not enough zoom, Panasonic offers an optical extender than can be attached to the FZ200.
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post #5 of 8
2/12/13 at 8:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bsprague View Post

And if that is not enough zoom, Panasonic offers an optical extender than can be attached to the FZ200.
Yes, and it gives you an over 1100mm optical telephoto, that you can handhold, as here in this brief clip:


Select 1080p (shot at 108060p, handheld).
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post #6 of 8
2/12/13 at 9:10am
If you view Mark's clip, be sure to select HD 1080p.

Looks like you found the lens and an adapter Mark!

It is an impressive clip. I can't imagine someone with an interest in wildlife photo or video that would not want one of these cameras badly.

I went into a jungle in Costa Rica last year. My wife had her FZ150 (without the extender) and I had my RX100. Don't tell her I said it, but her photos blew mine away.

Bill
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post #7 of 8
2/12/13 at 9:14am
I also have the Panasonic DMC-ZS20 pocket size super zoom with 20x optical that is the smallest 1080p60 super zoom camera that I know of and it also has GPS built in. Here it is next to my Pentax Q that is the smallest mirrorless camera that works with my APS-C and full frame Pentax lenses using a low cost adapter and also fast C-mount lenses.


ZS20 zoom test :
Pentax Q with 85mm F1.4 and 12.5mm F1.3 lenses :
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post #8 of 8
2/12/13 at 1:16pm
Here's another 1100mm telephoto video clip using the FZ200: a woodpecker in action:



Select 1080p for best quality.

Used the lt55; straight from the camera.
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