Best video cameras?

Question

I am looking for a decent to excellent camera, because I'm going to be making alot of videos soon.

I would like it to have good sound and visual quality and night vision.

And I would like the price to be less than $500.

Does anyone know a good brand of video cameras like that?

Please and Thank you!

Answer 1

The ONLY camcorder tha approaches your requirements is the Sony DCR-HC96.

As a miniDV tape based camcorder, it will provide you with the best available video quality (DV formatted video does not compress as much as hard drive, flash memory or DVD based camcorders... more compression = lost data = reduced video quality).

As a Sony consumenr camcorder, it has a built-in infrared emitter that can take mono-chromatic (green/white) video in compete darkness - there is no other camcorder available with a built-in IR light.

The Sony DCR-HC96 has an "Normal" and "Low" audio gain switch. This is as close as you can get to real manual audio control. Use "Low" when recording loud audio like bands... Most other camcorders do not have this control - the only better ones have full manual audio - Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7, HC9 - and they are all outside your stated budget. And if B&H gets any more of THESE http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/47... get one - because then you have a real mic-in jack and can use more than just the Sony proprietary mics in the "active interface" shoe...

Answer 2

i have a Sanyo Xacti HD2 high-def camcorder that's works pretty well. was 450$

you could get a 60GB Handycam Camcorder for quite cheap to.

Answer 3

you can tyr canon hg10

Answer 4

These reviews might help:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ratings.php

Answer 5

SOMETIMES IS BEST TO BUY A USED ONE THAN A NEW ONE...I HAVE PURCHASED SO MANY DIFF CAMERAS OFF EBAY...TWO WERE JVCS AND NOW THEYRE DEAD.....3 ARE SONYS AND ARE PERFECT...I NEVER BUY NEW....EBAY RULES!