Inexpensive HD Camcorder Opinions
 

I'm thinking about picking up a new camcorder and was looking at a couple of the web share style HD camcorders. Specifically, I was looking at the following:

Pure Digital Flip MinoHD $229
Creative Labs VadoHD $229
Sony Webbie MHS-CM1 $199

Anyone have experience with any of these?

I don't think that cheap will ever produce good quality

I have the Sony Webbie and I liked it. Quality is not as good as my Nikon but for the price difference, I can't complain about it. It is very versatile, small enough to fit into my jeans pocket, and uses the same Pro stick Duo(2GB) memory my wife's camera uses.

As long as you don't intend to use it mainly for still photos (only 5 megapixel compared to 12 on my Nikon), I think you'll be satisfied with it. Keep in mind that 5 megapixel for still photos still looks good and lifelike(depending on what your shooting).

Edit - I don't have any experience with the other two brands. I'm strictly a Nikon (SLR, DSLR) fan while my wife loves the Sony brand.

Thanks for the feedback on it Lito. I really only want it for video since I have a Canon G10 for still shots. I've seen some of the videos with it on youtube and the video quality looked pretty good for the price.

good info, ast some point I'll get some r/c vids online

I rarely have any use for the latest and greatest technologies. Often a few years old and a few steps down from the top will be perfectly useful and functional.

Take a look into the sony handycam series camcorders. I have a DCR-DVD810 series handycam and its been nothing but wonders for me.

I would also take a look into the cheaper DCR-DVD610 and the DCR-DVD108.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=8828194

http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/1207...108_camcorder/

I already have a Sony Handycam: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DCR-SR40-.../dp/B000GT47I6

I'm primarily looking for something with a higher resolution. I've watched a lot of videos on youtube in HD of the Sony Webbie and MinoHD and they put most standard camcorders to shame for clarity. The biggest drawback with them is there is no image stabilization and the zoom is much more limited.

Well if they are higher quality video's for a cheaper camcorder I say go for it. :yes: I am not dissapointed with the quality of my 810- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MGMtIKBCw0

Here's a video I found on youtube that was filmed with a Creative VadoHD. Be sure and click on the view in HD link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-0un...eature=related

IMO, that's pretty darn good video quality for a $229 pocket camcorder.

Not bad at all... Is $229 the retail price or the market price. For that price I would look into it no doubt.

From what I've seen that's their selling price.

Thats not bad at all. Maybe I shoulda looked into these before I spent $500 on my 810.

:whistle: For what it worth I’ve got like 17 video's on Youtube and they were all made on my $105.00 Canon A520 in Video mode.. I just record 20sec at a time and edit it into a video. We have a nice HD camcorder that records on a CD and stuff but my wife wont let me use it!.. :lol::lol:

Something to thing about!..

What I like about my HP M547 is that it records unlimited(limited by your SD card) video. I mount it inside one of my shells to get onboard videos. Its a cheap camera($99 new, $40 used) that takes decent(read 6.2mp) pictures and acceptable video. Here is an onboard of my V-Twin. Also remember you are looking through the windshield of a Proline shell. All of my videos were shot with this camera.

http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/h...rrent=Twin.flv

:lol: That's COOL :yes:I've got to try that!.:intello:. but again i only get 20sec at a time..:diablo:

nice Tempted!... :wink:

Skellyo, did you end up making a decision between the three? You've got me interested now, so I'd really like to know what you came up with.

Thanks!

I ended up not buying a HD cam right now. I bought a GoPro onboard camera instead. Also, I'll probably end up spending the extra money and getting something like a Canon HF100 (or the newer equivalent) by the time I do buy one.

A bit late, but I use a Panasonic TZ5

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-e...del.DMC-TZ5S.O

One of my videos using that camera:

http://www.vimeo.com/2881341

Those cameras have been going for really cheap lately, I've seen some sub-$200.

Impressive!

So, just for fun I went out and bought a couple of these inexpensive HD camcorders for comparison.

I haven't had much time yet, but these are my thoughts so far:

1) Aiptek Action HD for $145 on sale.

- Quick vid of Summit in the snow (720p @60 fps): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlKfOmCd2s4 (Remember to click "watch in HD").
- Vid quality on 1080p @ 30fps is too choppy for motion, but I'm impressed with the quality at 720p @ 60fps.
- Build quality seems cheaper than the Sanyo, but it's solid enough.
- Cool feature: You can record direct to it from another video source like your DVR for example
- Flash works really well for still photos
- Nightshot feature works pretty well, but it takes time to auto-focus in low-light
- Looks really clear when hooked directly to my HDTV. Impressive quality for the price.

2) Sanyo VPC-HD100R for $200
- Also works as an MP3 player

I've only spent a little time with the Sanyo, but I am really not impressed so far. If I had to choose right now, I'd pay $200 for the Aiptek before paying $100 for the Sanyo, if that gives you an idea. I'll devote more time to the Sanyo though to give it a fair shake in the mini-comparison.


I ordered the Creative Vado HD on eBay for $165. This one appears to have the best reviews from all that I've read, so I'm interested to find out how it does compared to the first two.

I'll let you know as I do more testing with them.

I don't own a video camera but I have a few 8gig mem cards for my 12mp nikon with the magnesium body and I can shoot over an hour of video at a time at high res with it