I need a new Video camera...help!

[patsal]

We have a video camera, but even after purchasing a new battery it will only run for 15-20 minutes. Repairs will most likely not be "worth it". So I'd like to get a new camera--don't want to miss all that great Chtristmas stuff! Any suggestions for digital camcorders? I want something reliable with a fair number of useful features on a budget of about $500 or less.

 

[dmonroe]

BUMP!


We are in the same situation, and would like to purchase a new recorder soon!

 

[Minnie824]

This is a little over your budget, but I wanted to post....we got the Sony mini-dvd (model number has 403 in it) one...normall $999, but if you watch on Best Buy, you can get it for $899. They also have a 203 model number one thats cheaper...the big difference..the 403 records in surround sound! We got that one, and haven't taken it to disney yet, but we recorded my DDs bday and it was SO cool! Singing Happy Birthday, reminded me of Horizons ride, where they were all there singing...the surround sound was a really neat feature, and so far its a great, easy camcorder.

 

[civileng68]

We have a video camera, but even after purchasing a new battery it will only run for 15-20 minutes. Repairs will most likely not be "worth it". So I'd like to get a new camera--don't want to miss all that great Chtristmas stuff! Any suggestions for digital camcorders? I want something reliable with a fair number of useful features on a budget of about $500 or less.

I have the PERFECT Camera in your budget.

Get a JVC MiniDV camcorder. I have had mine for 3 years now (bought it at $500.00 so they may be less now) and it is simply amazing. It has a larger flip screen than most, with higher resolution.

It is crystal clear. My brother in law bougth the professional JVC camera and quite frankly you can't tell a difference other than his has a slightly wider view. Quality - wise they are the same.

I've NEVER had a single problem with mine.

You can also buy the Lithium Ion 4 hour batteries and you're set!

 

[madgomez]

BUMP!


We are in the same situation, and would like to purchase a new recorder soon!

I'm looking for a new video recorder too - but this post is really just to say what beautiful children, and what a great photo!

 

[hilltopper72]

Go to Techbargains.com and look daily at their US wide specials. The link to almost every electronic store/website . Usually once or twice a week they will have a place that has 30% off Bestbuy or Circuit City prices. Try it

 

[amandadaddy]

We just bought a Sony dvd-300 in mint condition with lots of extras on eBay for $350.00. No surround sound, but it records directly to mini-DVD, allows for editing, and will run for up to 4 hours on a single battery. If your looking for a real bargain and have the time to research the product and the seller, eBay might be the right option for you.....it was for us.

 

[civileng68]

We just bought a Sony dvd-300 in mint condition with lots of extras on eBay for $350.00. No surround sound, but it records directly to mini-DVD, allows for editing, and will run for up to 4 hours on a single battery. If your looking for a real bargain and have the time to research the product and the seller, eBay might be the right option for you.....it was for us.

Just be careful buying expensive electronics on Ebay. There is a real issue right now with MANY of the sellers (even with very high ratings) that they sell items that are NOT in their inventory currently.

They list the items with an automatic program and if they sell out they don't update their listings. You may buy, sell, and then get an email 3 days later that they dont have it. Then if you try to get your money back they will try to sell you something cheaper for the same price to make more profit.

Im not accusing them all of it but it's becoming a problem with Ebay. I reported one that I bought a $600.00 digital camera from and I was told that this is becoming a problem with many retailers of electronics online.

Sometimes they will have NO intentions of having a certain item in stock and simply want you to purchase it, then they have your money and they try to convince you they just ran out and get you to buy a cheaper item that you may not realize is cheaper.

There are some really "iffy" one's right now in NY. Just a heads up. I've learned to call BEFORE buying it to make sure they have it in stock and then I can also read what kind of people they are by the way they interact on the phone with me. If they are not professional or have amateur phone messages or odd hours for a business that is supposed to be a big selling business, I won't buy.

 

[Frantasmic]

Check out www.cnet.com if you want some good comparisons.

If you can hold out, I'd wait until the Thanksgiving Christmas rush starts (Black Friday). I bet there will be some good DVD camcorder sales this year.

 

[dcibrando]

I have one right now I am selling on ebay - Panasonic GS50...and have used it at Disney World twice this past year... did an AWESOME JOB with the fireworks, illuminations, and fantasmic too!

Got a new hard drive camcorder so selling this one... LOTS of extras for only $375

item # is 7558302054

 

[funshipm174]

This is a little over your budget, but I wanted to post....we got the Sony mini-dvd (model number has 403 in it) one...normall $999, but if you watch on Best Buy, you can get it for $899. They also have a 203 model number one thats cheaper...the big difference..the 403 records in surround sound! We got that one, and haven't taken it to disney yet, but we recorded my DDs bday and it was SO cool! Singing Happy Birthday, reminded me of Horizons ride, where they were all there singing...the surround sound was a really neat feature, and so far its a great, easy camcorder.

Minnie,
That is one great camcorder! It even has a 3 pixel still shot. Features are Unbelievable! If you can spring for the extra money, this is a worthwhile longterm investment. Just took video of our son and his halloween parade.
Only negative thing is battery they give you doesn't last long. I purchased a 7.5 hour battery at Circuit city for $149.00. It is worth it.

 

[patsal]

Thanks for the suggestions. I may try to expand my budget

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

My $100 Kodak EasyShare takes stills and audio video, fits into my purse pocket quite nicely and does a great job.

I have a large memory card so it takes hundreds of pixs and up to about two hours of video.

I was sort of shopping for a new digital camera as well but thought I would wait until the digital camcorders get perfected and cheaper.

In the meantime this is working out so well that I went out and bought one for my daughter for Christmas.

Only problem I have is that the zoom is not quite what I would like.

Slightly Goofy

 

[dmonroe]

I'm looking for a new video recorder too - but this post is really just to say what beautiful children, and what a great photo!

Awwwww! Thanks!

 

[Brianne]

This is a little over your budget, but I wanted to post....we got the Sony mini-dvd (model number has 403 in it) one...normall $999, but if you watch on Best Buy, you can get it for $899. They also have a 203 model number one thats cheaper...the big difference..the 403 records in surround sound! We got that one, and haven't taken it to disney yet, but we recorded my DDs bday and it was SO cool! Singing Happy Birthday, reminded me of Horizons ride, where they were all there singing...the surround sound was a really neat feature, and so far its a great, easy camcorder.

If yours is the model that records in widescreen, then we just bought the same model recently. We love the camcorder---it is a bit pricey, but dang, the footage taken so far has been gorgeous!

 

[720L]

We have a JVC MIni-DV camera--it has been great. No problems with it. I think it was under $200.