HELP!!!! JVC Everio GZMG555 or Sony DCR-SR300 My wife and I are having our 1st baby in July and I wanted to purchase a hard-drive camcorder. I have narowed my choices down to JVC Everio GZMG555 5MP 30GB Hard Disk DriveandSony DCR-SR300 6MP 40GB Hard Disk DriveAs far as the price goes the Sony is a little more and a little more than i wanted to spend, but I am willing.My problem is that I have no idea which is the one to go with. Video quality is priority. The fact that the Sony takes better still pictures is not why I want the camcorder. Can someone please give me some feedback because I don't know what to do. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions posted. HELP!!!! JVC Everio GZMG555 or Sony DCR-SR300 My wife and I are having our 1st baby in July and I wanted to purchase a hard-drive camcorder. I have narowed my choices down to JVC Everio... » Read More HELP!!!! JVC Everio GZMG555 or Sony DCR-SR300 My wife and I are having our 1st baby in July and I wanted to purchase a hard-drive camcorder. I have narowed my choices down to JVC Everio GZMG555 5MP 30GB Hard Disk DriveandSony DCR-SR300 6MP 40GB Hard Disk DriveAs far as the price goes the Sony is a little more and a little more than i wanted to spend, but I am willing.My problem is that I have no idea which is the one to go with. Video quality is priority. The fact that the Sony takes better still pictures is not why I want the camcorder. Can someone please give me some feedback because I don't know what to do. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions posted. « Show Less
329104
I had a similar dilemma. I just had a baby in December and wanted a camcorder for home videos. After hours of research I decided the Sony DCR-SR300 was the best HDD camcorder out there and bought it... so far so good! It also takes great pictures, although with each video you're limited in the number of pictures you can take (don't know if it's the same issue with the JVC Everio).
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Anthony: I used to have a JVC Everio, the first model out some years back. I loved the size of the thing, and it took great still pics. The only thing I didn't like was the .MOD file extensions for the videos. It was, quite frankly, a pain in the butt trying to deal with the vids. I ended up selling it. I don't know if they corrected that .MOD nonsense, but somehow I don't believe so. Go with the SONY (my opinion). Congrats on the baby :-) Mike
1830027
Cape Codder, Wong Chun or anyone else-I just ordered a 120 min. Flip Ultra and I am very excited! This will be my first camcorder, and I am really looking forward to using this.I do have a question for either one of you or anyone else. I did read a comment where this product isn't really meant for concerts. I am going to a Sonic Youth concert next month and do plan on using this there. Is it at least an alright camcorder to use at a concert ? I plan on at least recording a few songs, and Yes it may be dark, but regardless if it is good for concerts or not, I am happy I ordered this. Thanks- Cape Codder, Wong Chun or anyone else-I just ordered a 120 min. Flip Ultra and I am very excited! This will be my first camcorder, and I am really looking forward to using this.I do have a question for either one of you or anyone else. I did read a comment where this product isn't really meant for concerts. I am going to a Sonic Youth concert next month and do plan on using this there. Is it at least an alright camcorder to use at a concert ? I plan on at least recording a few songs, and Yes it may be dark, but regardless if it is good for concerts or not, I am happy I ordered... » Read More Cape Codder, Wong Chun or anyone else-I just ordered a 120 min. Flip Ultra and I am very excited! This will be my first camcorder, and I am really looking forward to using this.I do have a question for either one of you or anyone else. I did read a comment where this product isn't really meant for concerts. I am going to a Sonic Youth concert next month and do plan on using this there. Is it at least an alright camcorder to use at a concert ? I plan on at least recording a few songs, and Yes it may be dark, but regardless if it is good for concerts or not, I am happy I ordered this. Thanks- « Show Less
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Can you explain the difference in the following 3 Panasonic Camcorders:HDC-TM90KHDC-TM700HDC-HS700I REALLY need to buy a good camcorder (under about $700) to take video of my son's lacrosse games for college recruiters. THANK YOU!!
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I bought the Sony off their website today. Frankly I would have purchased whichever one was available first. I paid for the express shipping so I should have it by next Tuesday and leave next Thursday. That was close, but it will be good to have on hand. Thanks for all the opinions and information, I appreciate it.
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The down side to Sony is that it takes proprietary software (special only to Sony). Playmemories is correct for this camcorder. The files ALWAYS have to go through software to change it to a mode that is viewable. The good thing about Sony is that it has a "steady cam" feature that helps remove the jitter from mild shaking. I imagine that would be helpful for your dad. I am facing replacing my HDR CX 100 because it is wearing out but will go with the C x240 (newer model of 100). The only mistake you might have made is the CX240 is cheaper now than the $250 I have seen for the CX100.
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Jeff:Thanks for responding! I'm glad you like it so much. I think I'll give it a try. I did read a review that said that Fuji didn't think people buying a camera in this category wouldn't want HD video. I guess that makes sense, although it sure doesn't make any difference to me. Thanks again for a nice response.Steve
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I keep thinking the price will drop on the D90, just like the Canon did. Canon 50D doesn't offer the video recording does it? My worse fear is always buying a portable item at this price point, losing or dropping it. There is a certain amount of loss I can afford.I am not waiting too much longer to buy, the video option is weighing less on my mind since I just bought the wife a Panasonic Lumix (Tz50?) for quick pics. It was a HD video capture option, much better than the D90's, higher resolution, and the ability to zoom while recording. Cheap at $237.
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Hi, This was my biggest concern in purchasing a new video camera, and I first purchased a JVC Everio one, which I quickly learned would not be natively compatible. The people at the Apple store told me to get a Canon FS 100 (the forerunner to this model), and when I saw the FS 200 coming out, I decided to wait. It was well worth it, and it is COMPLETELY compatible with Mac, but there IS a catch. You need to be running imovie 08 or 09. My Macbook is almost 3 years old, and imovie HD (the 06 version) did not work with the camera, and when I would connect it, it would open iphoto and then have no idea what to do with my movies. Imovie 09 is a great program, and worth the money since it is easier to use than iMovie HD AND has important updates like the ability to post directly to YouTube (the older programs involved an extremely complicated process where you had to change bitrate settings, UGH!). So to sum up, this IS the camera for mac and imovie users, but know that you will need to upgrade your system if you are running an imovie version that predates imovie 08. Also, I recommend getting a card reader when you buy your memory card. I got a 16 gig card on Amazon that came with a reader for $40 and it's amazing. You just pop it in the side, open imovie, and I was able to transfer 2 hours of video in about 8 minutes. LOVE IT!!
1111001
You'd be better off with a HDR-SR7. The HDR-SR1 is an older model, 30G capcity hard drived-based camcorder that's being phased out. Pity, I own one and really appreciate not having to screw around with tapes. I'm using it record music concerts and contra dances (figure high school gym class coming back to haunt you or close order drill set to music). The AVCHD codec currently in place is still in need of development. The playback quality of the High Def, hard drive-based models by Sony is excellent but the MiniDV tape-based HC7 is better. Since I'm using my cameras to record concerts and contra dances, which don't follow an exact 60 minute schedule, I've decided to trade off the best possible recording quality for extended recording time, both of which the SR1 does very well. The HDR-SR7 is also a hard drive-based model, but with double the capacity at 60G. In high quality, High Def mode, you'll get almost eight hours of record time before the hard drive is filled. Go to: http://www.youtube.com/CharleyHorseNC Look over the 2007-10-20 record dates. Wide angle shots of the contra dancers were done with a HDR-SR1; close-ups of the musicians were done with a HDR-HC7. This contra dance was done under flouresent lighting and both cameras were manually adjusted for white balance and exposure. The colors and lighting seemed to match pretty well. http://www.youtube.com/FourShillingsShort Wide angle shots were done with the SR1 and pans, zooms and close-ups were done with the HC7. This concert was recorded under apalling lighting conditions. Too little light for manual white balance and exposure was set to maximum along with gain at 18dB. Lots of noise, although you really don't see it that well on Youtube. Hope this helps.
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I too am looking for a new cyber-shot. I am looking to buy the dsc-w290 but I have heard great things about the WX1, such as the new panoramic sweep mode and cmos sensor. Not to mention zoomable HD video is amazing.Why you should wait however, is that this is the first batch of cameras with the new sensor. It also uses a smaller LCD than the 3.0 inch they started using such as the dsc-w290 and is only 10.1 mp which if you shoot in 16:9 mode, will be even less.Sony will come out with new cameras being announced in January at the CES 2010 show and then you should decide. If nothing substantial is announced, the price for this will have dropped greatly. I too am looking for a new cyber-shot. I am looking to buy the dsc-w290 but I have heard great things about the WX1, such as the new panoramic sweep mode and cmos sensor. Not to mention zoomable HD video is amazing.Why you should wait however, is that this is the first batch of cameras with the new sensor. It also uses a smaller LCD than the 3.0 inch they started using such as the dsc-w290 and is only 10.1 mp which if you shoot in 16:9 mode, will be even less.Sony will come out with new cameras being announced in January at the CES 2010 show and then you should... » Read More I too am looking for a new cyber-shot. I am looking to buy the dsc-w290 but I have heard great things about the WX1, such as the new panoramic sweep mode and cmos sensor. Not to mention zoomable HD video is amazing.Why you should wait however, is that this is the first batch of cameras with the new sensor. It also uses a smaller LCD than the 3.0 inch they started using such as the dsc-w290 and is only 10.1 mp which if you shoot in 16:9 mode, will be even less.Sony will come out with new cameras being announced in January at the CES 2010 show and then you should decide. If nothing substantial is announced, the price for this will have dropped greatly. « Show Less
1507428
Sorry, I can't offer any feedback, but I found it funny that someone else is having the same dilemna with the same 2 cameras. So I will also be intersted in hearing any input as well. Is the video capability really worth it?
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Check out the review at camcorder info dot com.It beat out all others in its price class that it was compared to in the review, (panasonic, jvc, sony).However for $400 more (double the price) the canon HV-40, for instance is really outstanding, and for $650 there are a couple better choices.
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Panasonic came out with a portable DVD Burner to go along with the HDC-SD5 camcorder. The model # is VW-BN1. It just came out and so far only a few are available on Ebay from people who pre-ordered their HDC-SD5 with the burner and just received it (but don't want the burner). I haven't seen it available anywhere else, but you should see it in retail stores or Amazon in a month or two. You can transfer video directly to the DVD Burner (on a normal DVD-R disc) from the camcorder, and you can play the discs through the player on your High Definition tv (so you don't necessarily need a PS3). Panasonic came out with a portable DVD Burner to go along with the HDC-SD5 camcorder. The model # is VW-BN1. It just came out and so far only a few are available on Ebay from people who pre-ordered their HDC-SD5 with the burner and just received it (but don't want the burner). I haven't seen it available anywhere else, but you should see it in retail stores or Amazon in a month or two. You can transfer video directly to the DVD Burner (on a normal DVD-R disc) from the camcorder, and you can play the discs through the player on your High Definition tv (so you don't necessarily... » Read More Panasonic came out with a portable DVD Burner to go along with the HDC-SD5 camcorder. The model # is VW-BN1. It just came out and so far only a few are available on Ebay from people who pre-ordered their HDC-SD5 with the burner and just received it (but don't want the burner). I haven't seen it available anywhere else, but you should see it in retail stores or Amazon in a month or two. You can transfer video directly to the DVD Burner (on a normal DVD-R disc) from the camcorder, and you can play the discs through the player on your High Definition tv (so you don't necessarily need a PS3). « Show Less
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I would personally go with the pj650v. I own one and I never regretted buying one. The features u get with it is insane. U can shoot 24p,60p,30p. U have the option to shoot in avchd or mp4. The image quality is amazing. When I first got I showed the quality to my tv production teacher and he was kinda of jealous because this records better image than most big cameras. If u like to shoot in low light just get some cheap led lights and u should be good to go. There are tons of other great features. Overall this is the best option to choose.
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It doesn't shoot in 1080p but good luck downloading and editing that content. And 1080p uses up twice as much memory on your flash drive. The TM700 is nice but it has that annoying fan noise problem and it's not nearly as good in low light as the Sony. The CX300 has an Effective Picture Resolution of: 2650K Pixels (16:9), 3540K Pixels (4:3) & the CX550 has an Effective Picture Resolution of: 4500K Pixels (16:9), 6000K Pixels (4:3). It's way better in low light too with the bigger sensor. It has a viewfinder and a high resolution (3X that of the 300) 3.5" LCD. The 550 also has the manual control wheel. BTW, the price difference is $360 and anyway, the 350 with 32 more GB is only $40 more than the 300. You won't see 32 GB's in class 4 SD cards for $40 for a few years at least. They're all good camcorders though, but I think the 550 is well worth the extra money.......unless you're married and your wife will kill you........;-)
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I see that the VM pro is still available for $229 so I don't understand what you're talking about. Also, if you're interested in a video mic for your camcorder or DSLR camera, then you might consider the reasonably priced Videomic for $149. Seems like a good deal to me.
28122
Vincent, have you contacted GE, you can click on the tab that says contact the seller and send them a email. I have a video in my review of the GE DV1 pocket camcorder. it takes some great video and nice pictures if you read a lot of the reviews on this camcorder most of them say it's not really waterproof. and it dose not have auto focuses and you can't take real close up on like a coin. I would buy the cheaper model and check it out. I gave mine to my sister but I will buy another one and now that they are only $60 it's a very good deal, look at my video.