Advice on camcorder purchase

Mick, do you have a format preference (HD, Memory, Mini-DV, DVD)? I would look into Sony (check their site). You can have optical image stabilization, Super NightShot (IR mode) and excellent low light performance for under $1,000 USD, but don't forget accessories such as spare batteries, (maybe) a wide conversion lens. and consumables if you choose a format other than hard disk.

Hey down under! I think most of the under-$1000 camcorders are comparable. Sony, Canon and JVC (I think) HD camcorders use a funky video format that isn't a straightforward MPG and requires some conversion. I would look for what's on sale and suitable and run with that. (I got a Canon HG10 last spring - enjoyable, good images, but annoying that the video file doesn't port to Adobe Premier). Also I don't know how much importance you are going to place on sound quality, but without an auxiliary microphone, most on camera recording doesn't sound all that great. I ended up getting a separate PCM recorder to pick up a better audio track.

Hey, thanks both Thomas and Michael.
I'll be looking at HD format for my camcorder - Michael can you recommend a specific Sony cam? (or is it the usual "get what you pay for"?).
Thomas, thanks so much for the heads-up re sound - yep, for the recording I'll be doing, sound is a big part.
Thanks again, guys.

Mick

Mick, I can not suggest a specific model since I have no direct hands-on experience, but I do have an older Mini-DV (Sony DCR-PC110) which the new crop of machines should outperform, and I am pretty happy with what I have.

Thomas is right about aux. Mic. inputs which I have and use, but that's usually only available on higher end units. I also like Mini-DV because it records uncompressed video and has aux. AV inputs + Firewire, so I essentially get a firewire capture device (feature) for free - this can cost $300 if bought separately. I'm a bit biased toward Sony for their IR capability; it comes in handy under extreme low light conditions by lowering shutter speed for better noise performance (video integration) but not all units have this (Super-Nightshot) feature.

I don't know about the native MPEG format which Thomas mentioned (which probably has something to do with proprietary rights and no one really knows who owns MPEG2) but Sony does include a trial version of Vegas (editing software) which I use - I find it more intuitive and less complex than Adobe Premiere.

The LANC wired remote feature is also very useful in addition to IR remote control.

Browse through the Sony AU site for more information. As Thomas suggests, looking at other brands will be useful for comparison purposes since our needs are unique:
http://www.sony.com.au/dis/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=30727

Thanks again, Michael! I'm really a newbie in this particular area of photography so I need all the help I can get.

Mick

The file format referred to is AVCHD... if you do a Google search, you'll find a great deal of gnashing of teeth... it is an format integral to Blu-Ray, but not quite... sort of a mini-version. I know the Canon HG10 has aux mic and light inputs, seems like the JVC does too, and since the Sony sort of led off the pack, I'd be surprised if they didn't. All these cameras come with included software to transfer and manipulate the files, but Adobe Premier or AVID's editor would be the choice for real production (okay, I forget there's a MAC-specific program out there in this class also). I'd sort through some choices and compare to see what camera best suits you.

The Sony HDR-SR10 looks a lot like the Canon HG10, has an active hotshoe that will take lights or external microphones... with Christmas sales on, it looks like it comes in at under 1000.