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Looking for a compact HD camera for travel only ??
Firstly I am new to The Hood and have read many of the great positings with great interest..
I'm taking my wife to Paris next month on a river cruise at thought it would be great to grab a few clips of video we can share with our family on our return. I don't want to lug our big camera so I'm asking you experts for advise.
There is just a sea of options and I have no time to research the various models.. I would like to get something that might be a emergency back up camera that could be used on home tours in a pinch...
Budget around $ 400.00
Thanks Stuart
Look at the Canon Vixia series. They shoot to flash cards and capture in 1080p. You can get last years lowest model for around $500. Look for the HF-100 or the HF-10.
Stuart:
My next purchase of photography / video equipment will be a DSLR still camera that also shoots HD video. (Getting HD video is a bonus, but not the main thing; in my/our case, we're wanting to upgrade and get better digital stills than our current older point and shoot can produce.)
If a true dedicated HD video camera were my immediate next priority, I agree with Nic ... the Canon VIXIA HF-10 or HF-100 would be at the top of my consideration / wish list.
Nic / Gary thanks for the tips on the Cannon. The HF-10 looks as if the storage capacity and configuration might be the better option of the two.. I have read several reviews - mostly they are related to the software up-loading...
Have you heard how well the wide angle works ?
Stuart,
I've got the Canon Vixia HF100. For my walkthrough videos, I need to use a wide-angle attachment, but for vacation videos -- like your Parisian river cruise -- I'd think you wouldn't need the attachment and the camera itself should be fine. Overall I've been pleased with this camera.
It's especially convenient to store on SD, vs. tape. For easiest workflow, I'd recommend getting a card reader, rather than transfer from the camera. I don't use the included software for upload, so I can't comment on that.
Note the standard battery lasts just over an hour, so I'd recommend getting a spare.
Shelley
Shelley - great input thank you - it gives me more confidence hearing your comments... do you shoot home tours on a regular basis with the HF-100 ?? What wide angle lens kid do you use and any comments on the HF-10 Nic and Gary mention.
Stuart
Shelly - I was in Los Angeles yesterday and stopped buy Bel-Air Camera looking for your HF100 or 10 and to pick up a couple of filters and bit n pieces - they didn't carry the Canon Vixia HF100 or the 10 but did demo me the Canon Vixia HF 20. I broke down and picked up this camera and a wide angle lens so this will be a great little camera to carry in my briefcase.
Harrison Ford passed by me as I walked in - he was carrying out a new Panasonic HD camera - his budget was just a bit more than I could afford.
I really appreciate the help you guys all provided. - When I get home next weekend I hope to put my new toy to use....
Hi Stuart,
Glad the camera purchase worked out for you. Hmmm, now that he's behind the camera, maybe Harrison Ford will join Wellcomemat....grin.....
Shelley
I agree, my main cam is the Panny HMC 150, however, I have a couple Vixias as well. An HV30 and HFS100. in my opinion the picture quality at this level can't be beat. In fact it might be better than the HMC 150. The internal mics on those Canons are extremely low quality though.
I will also give the nod to Canon. I purchased an HV20 specifically for capturing HDV tapes, and for a backup when shooting in tight spots (like houses). I have been so impressed with the quality of this little sucker, that I have been using it exlusively for about six months. Once you get used to the small size you can do some great things.
