So, are you taking the plunge to buy a high definition video camera this year?

[Bete]

I just bought a Canon HV20 high def camcorder. It's not the most expensive one out there, but I feel for the money it will serve my purpose.

Blue ray video cameras are already available and I was tempted to get the very best technology for my Christmas present this year, but I changed my mind about doing that video camera. It lacks some special features I want in a video camera like low lighting features. I don't feel the PCs and video software markets are up to par yet for this kind of camera, either; so, I went with older technology and bought one that uses mini DV tapes. I did buy very expensive pro style HD tapes for the camera. There are more advances coming in 2008, but again I don't feel compelled to get the best technology available if everything doesn't follow with it.

Anyway, I was curious if anyone is taking the plunge for a high definition camcorder for Christmas? and what your choice of video camera it will be?

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I bought a Canon XH-A1 earlier in the year. It's a mini-DV (HDV) based camcorder.

I would worry a lot more about the optics and sensor(s) than I would about the recording media. I'll probably get a firestore some time next year and quit using tapes.

 

[Bete]

I would worry a lot more about the optics and sensor(s) than I would about the recording media. I'll probably get a firestore some time next year and quit using tapes.

Would you share info on what firestore you think you'll be getting? They all seem very expensive. It seems like a good idea, but the smaller units don't seem to have enough for my needs and the larger ones are very expensive.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Would you share info on what firestore you think you'll be getting? They all seem very expensive. It seems like a good idea, but the smaller units don't seem to have enough for my needs and the larger ones are very expensive.

I really don't know yet. I'm waiting another year as I expect prices to fall pretty sharply. I'm also considering other options, like recording to a tethered laptop. I'd love to see someone come out with a device that let's you record over wifi. I'd love to be able to keep a RAID 5 NAS plugged in nearby and just have it dump data onto that when possible. That won't work on vacations, but I typically don't bring my camcorder on vacations.