Inexpensive HD Camcorder Opinions

[kulangflow]

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!

[skellyo]

Originally Posted by kulangflow

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.

[sleebus.jones]

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.

[skellyo]

Originally Posted by sleebus.jones

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!

[kulangflow]

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.

[halfcab]

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