Best Camera for $500

[DivotDan]

A buddy of mine and his wife recently had a death in their family. His wife's grandfather passed. At the funeral and afterwards they were playing video of the Grandfather as everyone grew up and at various events in their life. She was moved by this and decided that they should also have a camera to document the events of their life so that their grandchildren can have the same experience she did.

That said he asked me fore a recommendation in the $500-$600 range for a decent camera. My first thought was the HV20 but I still don't think it is in this range yet. He does not seem to care about media type, but there is a preference to have HD if possible. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

 

[Zander]

I'm a fan of Panasonic's MiniDv cams. I have the GS150, it's a sweet little camera.

 

[HDkilledFILM.]

Hv20

 

[HBlack]

I wouldn't go any lower than an HV20 for HD. A good consumer SD camera is probably a better choice for documenting family events anyway, because of their better low light performance.

 

[seunosewa]

A good consumer SD camera is probably a better choice for documenting family events anyway, because of their better low light performance.

The HV20 has better low light performance than all consumer SD cameras right now. They all have tiny, noisy chips.

 

[HBlack]

Ah, thanks for the correction. Good to know.

 

[DivotDan]

What do you think of the HG10 vs the HV20?

 

[HBlack]

HG10 might be a better option because it's easier to transfer footage. Check out www.camcorderinfo.com, but that definitely seems like a good choice.

 

[Ian-T]

I have the HV20...but as sugested the HG10, with its internal harddrive would be a good choice. I'm not sure if they are down in the $600 range though. In that case it would be the HV20.