I'm looking for a new video camera. I want one of exceptional quality. Any recommendations?

Question

I am looking for a video camera. I bought a Samsung one recently, and when I tried it out, it was horrible. I could barely make out peoples faces! It was actually worse than the video camera function on my regular digital camera that I bought years ago. I really want good quality. I don't know what all the specs mean. I always thought optical zoom was important on cameras, but when I looked at higher priced high-definition camera models at the store, their optical zoom was lower than the cheaper video cameras. If you understand all those specs that the cameras have, please explain them, and name which high quality brands or models you would recommend. As far as price range, that really doesn't matter that much, just post price next to model. I would rather pay more and get something I'm going to be happy with. I don't care if it's sleek or cute, either, you know? I want crystal clear images and brilliant colors and awesome sound. None of that grainy, dark blurriness with muffled sound.

Answer 1

RED 1 model :)

Answer 2

When I was looking for a new camcorder a few years ago I found Camcorderinfo.com very helpful. They have loads of reviews which are much longer and details than the cnet ones. They're also split into good sections - for example, I was looking for good video quality but in a fairly small package with good battery life, so I knew I could just go to a review and skip to the pages about picture quality and battery life! God, I sound like a work for the site!

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

The Sony high-def camcorders are supposed to be good. I got a JVC Everio mg-505 last year; its not high definition but it gives great quality SD footage (suitable for good quality DVD). I don't know what the new high-def JVC range is like.

Answer 3

Since you did specify price, below is a page of my favorite site to order from.  They even have customer reviews so that you can get an idea of what other people thought. This site has some really good electronics, and have been a loyal customer for 5 or so years.

One good example is the

Canon XL2 3CCD 20X Optical Zoom Professional Camcorder

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...

Answer 4

anything made by samsung

cause they are the BEST

Answer 5

Since you did not tell us your budget, and you specified awesome sound, the only cameras that will meet this will be miniDV tape based camcorder with a mic-in jack and manual audio control.

The least expensive camcorders that meet this criteria are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9. Optical zoom is important - at least, more important that digital zoom which should be disable on whatever camcorder you use. These camcorders are in the $800 range. They all shoot in standard definition and high definition (DV and HDV) and as miniDV tape based camcorders provide the best available video quality when compared to other consumer camcorders using different storage media.

As high def camcorders, their low-light performance is not that great.

If low-light is important to you, then you will jump to the next level (which I an currently shopping):

Canon XHA1

Sony HDR-FX1 or HVR-Z1U

Sony HDR-FX7 or HVR-V1U

Answer 6

Go to www.cnet.com they give excellent reviews and video demos.