[SouthCali]

I'm planning on getting the HF200. It's on sale during February for $519 on Amazon, no tax and free shipping. I have a $100 gift card so I'd be paying $419 out of pocket. Is there a better camera for around that price range or is the HF200 for $419 the best deal out there?

 

[Cdy291]

The best deal out there would have been my HF20 for $555. But since thats already gone I can't find anything better than what you've got there.

 

[hausertreyen]

You might check out the new Sony HDR CX-150. It just came out on Monday and will very likely have better low-light performance than the HF200 (it appears to have the same sensor as last year's solidly rated $1000 Sony's from last year).


I haven't found any reviews of the new one online, however.

 

[SouthCali]

I just checked out the specs for the new Sony on CNET. I hope they review it soon. It seems like it might be a better camera than the HF200. I don't know all the details of Sony products but I like the fact that this one includes an SD card slot and a ProDuo slot instead of just having a ProDuo like Sony products before.


Now, if I go for this should I get it now or should I wait a couple of months in hopes the price might go down? I'm not going on vacation (the reason I'm in need of a new camcorder) and the deal on Amazon for the HF200 is until the end of the month.

 

[scottb4u]

I'm considering the same thing. Price is very attractive. The big plus is a mic and headphone jack that only expensive units have. Plus, built in memory makes the transfer of video more difficult, especially if the memory is slow.


The only issue I'm having is the Sony has a new cybershot, TX7, that does 1080i...decisions!

 

[scottb4u]

also, the new Canon line will have several reasonable HD price points...

 

[SouthCali]

Do you know when the new Canon line is due out?



Also, I've been reading up on the CX150 on the Sony website and I'm getting the impression that it has both the SD card slot and the ProDuo slot but will only record to the ProDuo. If that's the case, what's the point of having the SD Card slot? Also, the ProDuo slot will only accept card up to 16gb.


From the Sony Website

Recording Media : 16GB Non-Removeable Flash Memory

Memory Stick PRO Duo Media (Sold Separately)


No mention of using SD cards as recordable media.

 

[scottb4u]

I do NOT want a hard drive machine. Drives fail. Often. Removable flash memory is the way to go. It gets faster and cheaper too...

 

[SouthCali]

Does the non-removable flash memory indicate a hard drive? I thought it was like having an SD card built in instead of a hard drive, kind of like the iPod nano. I don't know. But if it's a hard drive built in, I think I'd want to stay away, too.

 

[scottb4u]

A hard drive machine will say so. It has a laptop drive in it. A flash machine has no moving parts for storage.

 

[SouthCali]

So then the 16gb built in is good because it's flash memory and not hard drive memory, right?

 

[sdc177]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hausertreyen /forum/post/18112717


You might check out the new Sony HDR CX-150. It just came out on Monday and will very likely have better low-light performance than the HF200 (it appears to have the same sensor as last year's solidly rated $1000 Sony's from last year).


I haven't found any reviews of the new one online, however.

Not true. The CX-150 sensor is much smaller.

 

[hausertreyen]



Quote:
Originally Posted by sdc177 /forum/post/18113437


Not true. The CX-150 sensor is much smaller.

True - what I meant to say was in reference to low light capabilities and that the CX-150's sensor has the same low-light technology as found in the more expensive Sony cameras (which gave them much better low light performance). The 500 series cameras sensors overall are better and bigger.

 

[dustindu4]

CMOS sensor size is kind of irrevalent when comparing low light capability between the Sony and the Canon. If the Sony sensor is smaller it doesn't matter because it is a Exmor R sensor that is backlit, and will beat out the Canon sensor any day in low light. Low light being the caveat there.

 

[sdc177]

Sorry, I was referring to the earlier mention of the Sony 150 and 500 series having the same sensor. If I'm not mistaken:


CX150 = 1/4" back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS

CX500 = 1/2.88" "Exmor R" CMOS


Both Exmor R? Yes.

Identical sensors? No.

Same low light performance? No.


I don't know anything about the Canon.

 

[dustindu4]

CX550V: 1/2.88 back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor with ClearVid array

 

[SouthCali]

It seems like the CX150 will have better low light performance than the HF200. Any thoughts on how the two would compare in daylight/indoor/regular environment settings?

 

[tunaman4u2]

I'll post this here... some price talk so you guys can get it too


S100 for $550... HF200 $380... DELL


I think I'm going for the HF200 for $380 thats just sick


As weird as it is... I had to click through Logicbuy.com not use Dell's website directly


EDIT: Figured out that the price at Dell through Small business is different that Dell Home Office


USE SMALL BUSINESS to get the savings... funny to have the same camera for 150 less

 

[Tyr-Sog]



Quote:
Originally Posted by tunaman4u2 /forum/post/18127802


I'll post this here... some price talk so you guys can get it too


S100 for $550... HF200 $380... DELL


I think I'm going for the HF200 for $380 thats just sick


As weird as it is... I had to click through Logicbuy.com not use Dell's website directly


EDIT: Figured out that the price at Dell through Small business is different that Dell Home Office


USE SMALL BUSINESS to get the savings... funny to have the same camera for 150 less

wow, $380(checked and it is)....that certainly seals any question of that camera being the best bang for the buck if it already wasn't at $500

 

[tunaman4u2]

Dude, I just pulled the trigger on it... couldn't pass this up & I've been looking for MONTHS...

I got the HF200 for $380 & they had a good sale on a 8 GB Ultra II SDHC Flash Memory Card for $25ish...

FREE SHIPPING too... did have to pay tax though


Moving on next week to the owners thread!


I've done hours of research & realize that next years model isn't going to be improved significantly at all...