I've read through most of the other camera topics (well, the ones that Certified Instigator links to at least), yet I'm still finding myself unsure about what camera I want to buy. I've managed to narrow it down to a few choices, though.
Most importantly, I'm limited by budget. $1000 or so maximum, and I'd really rather prefer to spend less. I work a crappy job, get crummy pay, have other, more pertinent things to spend money on, etc. So I'd really like to get a camera that has the most bang for the lowest price.
For the most part, I plan on making movies to upload to YouTube/Google Video and to host on my website, should viewers wish to download them and watch them in non-butchered quality. These movies will range from your regular shorts (20-40 minutes or so) to weekly "tv show" type shorts per week. There's very, very little chance that I will be making serious film to take to festivals anytime soon, so getting a "serious" camera isn't really worth it yet.
With that in mind, I'm split between the Panasonic GS250 and variants and the Canon HV20. To me, the GS250 is far superior to the GS300, and doesn't cost that much more. Mostly, though, it's between the GS250 and the HV20. Yes, the HV20 is amazing, but is it really worth the extra ?$400 or so over the GS250?
If you need to shoot HDV then you need the Canon. If that isn't important
to you then the Panasonic will be fine.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
I was in the same position as you a few weeks ago, did some research and found that the pvGS400 was the best bang for the buck, downside was that they werent being made anymore and you could only find them on ebay. Of course if you wanted buy electronics off of ebay you would be better off expiditing the process by setting your money on fire, so this is what i did:
Google "craigslist.org" "camera model". This will give you every current listing of local sellers of your particular camera. While its not *your* locality its local sellers none the less who are less prone to ripping people off as doing so to someone in thier local area would mean having to watch their back.
I just got a mint condition PVGS400 for $800 while damaged ones sell for $1200 on ebay.
An awesome site is camcorderinfo.com that should answer all your questions.
