Best HD Camcorders under $1,000

GnarShredd · Posted: Nov 10, 2009 11:33 am Post subject: Best HD Camcorders under $1,000

Anybody have any recent experience with new HD cameras? I've been out of the market for a while and my DV handycam is pretty much ancient at this point. I might be looking to make a purchase winthin the next few months so if there's any new tech coming out between then and now, I don't mind waiting. (Selling a bunch of old stuff and am planning to spend the cash on this new gear).

What I'm looking for in a camera is: HD quality video, under $1,000, HDD storage preferable (to preserve video quality when transferring to the computer and to not have to deal with tapes), audio-in options (I'm assuming most cameras still have this for external mics but like I said, I've been out of it for a while), and reasonable portability (I'd like to take on trips with me and don't want to lug around a separate bag if I don't have to).

I say $1,000 but lower cost is better of course. in any case, I don't want to sacrifice quality for a cheaper camera since I want this one to last me a long time.

NorthwestRider · Posted: Nov 14, 2009 6:10 pm Post subject:

Canon t1i.

Erik · Posted: Dec 22, 2009 5:56 pm Post subject:

I am wondering the same thing as the original poster, but with a twist.

I want to get an HD camera and I want to get one fast.

I'll be doing some on-location shooting for FUEL TV and they won't be accepting anything but HD. Makes sense. I also want to have one to film my kiddo(s - one on the way! A Boy!) when they're still super young in HD.

I'm not made of money, but under $1000 isn't my uber-goal. One that shoots in 1080p is. That's what I've been searching for the most. The Canon Vixia comes up again, and again, and again... I don't know what to think. Kind of seems like it's meant to be. My little Canon Powershot has lasted a long time despite the fact that I don't think it takes very good photos. My Canon Digital Rebel XT is phenomenal. I might be a Canon guy but only on the back of that Rebel XT and the fact that the Powershot lasts despite taking a good beating from me traveling and taking that thing absolutely everywhere.

So - throwing 1080p recording capabilities into the mix - does that muddy the waters a lot or is it something any of you guys and gals can comment on?

Thank you,
Erik

HHI Dave · Posted: Dec 25, 2009 10:59 am Post subject:

I'm wanting to buy my first HD video cam too. That T1i looks like a winner, especially for the rookie shooters like me. If only it were waterproof... Mr. Green

Craig-R · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 19 Dec 2008 Posts: 1676

my brother just got a T1i for christmas, but we've barely used the video function because they recommend a stage 6 memory card, and all we had was a bunch of stage 2's... but the camera itself is amazing and would definitely recommend it.. the screen is huge (for a DSLR), and the body is super lightweight too