Consumer Camcorder

haimoc
haimoc Posts: 1,031
edited January 2009 in Electronics
I am looking for a camcorder for family use and narrow the search to two camcorders: Sony HDR-SR12 and Canon VIXIA HG21. I am kind of leaning to Sony one. This is my first camcorder so help or advice is much appreciated.

Thanks.

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/sony-handycam-hdr-sr12/4540-6500_7-32775806-4.html
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Post edited by haimoc on
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Comments

  • SteveTimko
    SteveTimko Posts: 2
    edited January 2009
    What software do you plan on using to edit the recordings? Sony only works with certain software, most notably Sony's Vegas Video. Panasonic works with other software. I'm not sure what software Canon works with. You need to make sure the video camera works with the software you want to use to edit it.
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  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited January 2009
    I've had several Sony camcorders & they ROCK. As previously stated, though, Sony is VERY proprietary with their stuff. It hasn't been an issue for me.
    TNRabbit
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  • manman
    manman Posts: 256
    edited January 2009
    I personally like panasonic, but I haven't moved up to HD yet. I have a pv-gs500 which was the successor (but more simplified version) of the very highly regarded gs400, and I LOVE it. 3ccd, awesome color and image quality, and some good manual options. It is also not a HDD camera though- at the time I got it it seemed like HDD cameras hadn't come into their own as far as image quality yet compared to the panasonic.

    One thing I'd make sure to check for with the new HD video cameras is the sensor. In reading about some of them I found that the sensor doesn't actually have native 1080 resolution, but scales its' native rez up for the recording. So you're getting HD resolution but not true HD quality/sharpness. I don't know if that's true for the sony, just something I'd look out for.
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  • haimoc
    haimoc Posts: 1,031
    edited January 2009
    Thanks all for your replies. I am not sure what software to use.. Sony provides Sony Vegas, and I assume it should be enough for basic and simple editing.

    Based on the reviews of Sony camcorder and the lens quality (Canon has excelent lens, too), I think I'd go with the Sony HDR-SR12. B&H Photo has it for $849.00 that I think fairly good price.
    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/537981-REG/Sony_HDR_SR12_HDR_SR12_120GB_Hybrid_HDD_Memory.html#features
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  • izafar
    izafar Posts: 819
    edited January 2009
    Sony is a good choice, it uses a much bigger CMOS sensor (I believe it is 1/3") that results in much better performance in low light conditions and dynamic range is very good. I have not seen such vibrant colors in low light conditions in any other camcorder so far.
    -izafar

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