Hello everyone,
I am completely new to this website but have been making home movies for a couple of years now. I would like to buy a new video camera but just can't decide on which one to get (since there are so many to choose from!). However, I've decided on several things...
1. I want the best camera possible for up to £450.
2. I don't really care about the zoom but do care about picture quality.
3. I want a miniDV so I can play all of the films that I've been making with my current camera.
4. I want something that's good for editing on computers.
5. I need one with a microphone jack.
So if anyone could advise me as to what camcorder I should get then I would be very grateful. Thanks for reading

Hi Slug,

I'm at pretty much the same stage as you - started 2.5 years ago and want to advance beyond typical "home movies" (BTW I joined the local Video club - most of these clubs seem to have a membership of mainly retired people but there's still much to be gained from doing so - many have years and years of experience from when film was expensive and editing required a razor and cement - makes you realise how lucky we are.

Anyway....

My choice (though I don't have the required funds at the moment) would be to pick up a 2nd hand Panasonic NV-GS400 on eBay (typically just above your budget, but below £500). Loads of manual stuff to take your camerawork to the next level.


...and ticks all the boxes in your post.

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Tim

I agree - nice camera.

__________________
I have two prejudices - I am anti HDV for consumer camcorders, and I eat mooks who claim to be pro wedding vidders and ask dumb questions.

www.zaskarfilms.com You tube channel 'zaskarfilms'
JVC DV5001e (big cam), Sony PC6E (tiny cam), Vinten pro5, PAG light, SM58, Sony ECM50, Sony C-76, 0.5x convertors for sony, Rode video mic, Vegas 7.

Thanks Tim, the camcorder looks good to me!