High Definition Camcorders

[PaRtZ]

Came into a bit of money recently and after deciding buying twin webers for my 1.4 205 was not the way forward, I think i'd like a high definition camera. As most of you know I only do filming at a hobby level so I don't need a very high end one. All im after is quality of image

Now theres alot of abbreviations at the end of models and I only know high def, HD, 3ccd and miniDV. So can anyone direct me to either a good high definition video camera for around £400 I'd be grateful

thanks

[Greetings]

www.camcorderinfo.com

[Rich J]

Cannon Hv30 is what I had for a while. If you can pick one of those up it could be your best bet.

[Captain Scarlet]

You won't get a new High def camcorder thats any good at that price range.

HD is a pain in the ass to work with, and from what I have heard it takes a much better computer to be able to render the footage properly in the edit.

At £400 I'd look into standard definition (if its HD at this price then you know that quality has been lost in other features of the camera).

Look at this camera for example, Toshiba claim that is HD but as the resolution is only 1280x720 (as oposed to x1080) then it can be immediately dismissed as not true HD, and according to the reviews the quality is comparable with some of the standard def cameras (Sony DCR range etc).

If you want something that is nice on quality, have a look at video tests on Vimeo and such, just to get an idea of each cameras own capabilities.

Lowest entry HD camera I can recommend is the Canon HV30, which is you look around you might be able to get a good deal on, or you could source one second hand (My local cash converters is seling one for £420).

[that NBR dude]

HD Cameras have been the biggest drain on my bank account, ever since I bought the damn camera. Unless you are buying a more top-end camera, and have a damn high specced PC / or a MAC I wouldn't suggest it.

At £400, you will get on so much better looking at Standard Definition MiniDV cams, preferably with 3CCDs. Have a look around Amazon ect and see whats available at that price range. New cameras at £400, you will get a good choice of highstreet names, and are all much of a muchness, so just look for features that appeal to you. However if you want to venture into the 2nd hand cameras, you will get a lot more for your money.