Suggestions for a medium quality camcorder for in-car use?

Question

I'm looking to make fast action films in my Honda S2000 and there are a few requirements I have:

1. It must be mountable (able to accept a tripod)

2. Video quality must be capable of handling high speeds (no chopiness, high refresh rate, very stable picture)

3. Video quality must be able to deal with outdoor conditions (sudden shifts in light like entering a tunnel on a sunny day, decent visibility in rain, etc)

4. It must have a good quality audio input (I plan on using a microphone near the engine bay, btw any recommendations there would be handy as well)

5. Software (something simple, no gimmicky formats, something that would work on YouTube and a HDTV)

6. Price (no higher than $800, will consider factory refurb)

7. Durability (I'm thinking Sony. Thoughts?)

Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Answer 1

The least expensive video cameras with audio input and manual audio control are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9. If you use an XLR mic, you will need an adapter like those from BeachTek or juicedLink. All can mount to a tripod. All have manual and auto iris and exposure. "Refresh Rate" does not apply to camcorders. These can all shoot in standard definition or high definition modes. Their low-light capabilities are OK, but nothing to scream about. No camcorder comes with good bundled software. Sony Vegas Platinum or Apple FinalCut are suggested (depending on your computer editing environment).

The next camcorders that would do better in low-light are the Canon XHA1, Sony HDR-FX1 or HVR-Z1U. They are outside your budget.