$500 video camera?

Question

I need a video camera, but i cant seem to find one that I want. My budget is about $500. Im planning on filming me and my friends skateboarding. Any suggestions?Please help

Thanks

Answer 1

Let's see.. you have some options here. If you're doing any helmet-cam or on-board filiming, or even "run and gun" shooting, I would stay away from Hard Disc Drive (HDD) or DVD-based camcorders... they can glitch on record if you bump them a bit.

I usually recommend optical image stabilization, but that can also get screwed up with the wrong kind of vibrations. Electronic image stabilization doesn't get confused with vibration, but it's not as effective when you are able to be very still. Some kind of stabilization will make your tele shots much clearer.

Your best bet for this, particularly if you plan on editing and producing DVDs or Web video, would be a flash memory based camcorder.... few moving parts, way more rugged, all else being equal. You'll also want a good OPTICAL zoom. And around $500, you could even get close High Definition.

My current favorites are the Canon HF100 (high def) and FS100 (standard def) for flash memory (SDHC card) camcorders. There are versions of these with built-in flash (HF10, FS11, FS10), but I would rather just buy an SD card, or use one of the half-dozen I already have... anyway, same camcorders, just different features. I have review links below.

The FS100 runs under $340, the HF100 around $640, from a reputable camera dealer such as B&H.  You'll also want a couple 8GB or 16GB SDHC cards.

Answer 2

Image Stabilized is perfect for your skateboard life..

my suggestion is..

Panasonic SDR-H40 40GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Price : $354.25

reference : http://astore.amazon.com/hot-new-release...

Answer 3

You can use pricegrabber to search for the lowest price of cameras..

I think the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300/B Black Digital Camera in the list is a good one to try.

http://dealstudio.pgpartner.com/search_a...