Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestions?

P

Patrick

Member
Hello all,

I am looking to add another camera. I love the DVX but it is a little large to through in a bag and work out some thoughts. Any suggestions on a nice little DV cam in the $500 range? I have an old Sony DCR-SC100 which is small and I like, so if I don't get better quality I'll stick with my old Sony and save money. I figured that cheap consumer DV cameras have gotten much better in the last 10 years. I may be wrong. Can one get a 3-chip in that price range? Have things gotten any better?

So many questions.

Anyway, CNET gives good reviews to the Panasonic Palmcorder PV-GS50. Any thoughts on this? Other suggestion? What about good camera review sites other than CNET. Something like dpreview.com but for video.

Thanks!

-Patrick
 
Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

I'm pretty sure you can't get a 3 chip for that price. As for camcorders, I love my Canon ZR-20
 
Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

I went out of town for a few days, but before I did I checked around and found the Panasonic's PV-GS120. Turns out it is a 3 chip for around $550 US. There even seems to be a site dedicated to the series. www.pana3ccduser.com

Anyone used one of these? Might be a nice complement to the DXV. Have to see if it can shoot in a squeeze mode.
 
Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

I owned and sold the predecessor to the GS120 and GS200 which was called the GS70. It had lots of controls (some were removed in the GS120 but remain in the GS200). My problem was that it shot very poorly in low light. According to reviews, the GS120 and GS200 have improved on low light performance very nicely over the GS70.

The picture quality of the GS70 was quite impressive, so long as there was adequate light. Another drawback is that it is so tiny, it is extremely difficult to keep still, and the electonic stabilization does only the slightest damage control of this problem. Forget taping beyond about half the zoom range unless you are using a tripod.

I have my sights set on the GS400, also 3CCD, but 1/4.7 inch chips rather than the 1/6 inch chips of the 120 and 200. The GS400 has had rave reviews from most everywhere. I think that camera will be the new Sony TRV900. I really want it as my second camera for weddings (my DVX being first, and my old Sony TRV310 will be relegated to balcony camera)

I'm still considering the GS120 as either a throw in with the luggage family cam (around home, my DVX is the family cam!) and a tripod mounted camera for weddings.
 
Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

I have a GS400 coming - and if all goes well, it will become the back-up camera(s) (both 'B' and 'C' in situations requiring multiple camera angles simultaneously.

I am actually also looking at the Cokin filter system and some sort of decent lens hood for the unit.
 
Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

I have had the GS-400 for over a month! I wanted a smaller cam but being a DVX-100 owner I couldn't settle for less! It has the most manual features for a cam its size and gets incredible 16:9 quality and very respectable 4:3 ! Highly recommended ! The cam does manage to get a film look with Cinegamma and a 30 frame rate! Great stealth cam with manual features! You can get it in places that you would never be able to do with the DVX-100! Just shot 12 tapes with it in Fiji! I will post info on trying to match it with a DVX-100 picture! Cons are no XLR connects ..........and yes you can buy an adapter.
 
Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

Re: Looking for a quality Small Camera - Suggestio

The Hama 52mm hood is recommended! Use a 43mm to 52 mm step up ring! and 52mm filters!
 
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