Teach me on HD Camcorders

[V70R]

Looking into spending around $500ish for a good High Definition camcorder.

Mainly used for home vids etc.

What should I look for / avoid?
Is using it as a still camera a feature to ignore?
HDD size vs Lux capability ?

Must have a good image stabiliser for in car work and travelling with cold hands.

[coFF33]

gopro wide hero HD 2
or nothing

end thread.

[SEXUAL TYRANNOSAURUS]

GoPro wouldn't really suit your needs.

your budget seems a bit low for what you're asking... But im sure you'll get close.

Brockas bought a mad HD camera, maybe hit him up for his specs on his Sony one.

In regards to using a still, it would blow your budget way out with having to buy quality lenses.

[waxdass]

Sanyo 1080p HD camera are awsm!
great reviews aswell... picked mine up last year under $500

www.digitalrev.com

[AGIT8D]

I'd make sure you can get something with an external microphone plug in, especially for internal and external car use.. You can get some decent wind reduction microphones that'll plug in, biggest thing I skimped over when I bought my Panasonic HD camera (still with HD video).

Also, you can get decent video bodies for 7-800 with a lense and the option to change lenses.. Something else to think about if you really get into it. Can interchange fish eye and all sorts. Wish I'd held out and gone for something like this also.

[XT43]

http://sanyo.com/xacti/english/products/vpc_hd1010/index.html

Got one of these from ebay for about that price a year ago. I think they have a new model but close to the same price.

great for in car ( get the knock off wideangle lens ) and also family stuff

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZIxSkeVtnco" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

night

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jWKEDppca_Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[TJ]

http://www.catchoftheday.com.au/smallfish_info.php?products_id=30602

[SEXUAL TYRANNOSAURUS]

I'd make sure you can get something with an external microphone plug in, especially for internal and external car use.. You can get some decent wind reduction microphones that'll plug in, biggest thing I skimped over when I bought my Panasonic HD camera (still with HD video).

Also, you can get decent video bodies for 7-800 with a lense and the option to change lenses.. Something else to think about if you really get into it. Can interchange fish eye and all sorts. Wish I'd held out and gone for something like this also.

Fak, didn't even think of this. I was strictly thinking HDSLR's.

[AGIT8D]

Fak, didn't even think of this. I was strictly thinking HDSLR's.

I found some awesome little units 6 months ago when hunting around, unfortunately all the little letters and numbers of the specs mean nothing to me as I'm a n00b plus I didn't have the capital available to purchase one. Having the freedom of lenses and manual settings to get the correct light etc for video would take a LOT of time out of editing, and gives you much more creative freedom on the go. Plus genuine external microphone sound.. Awesome for nightclub movies, windless car movies etc.

[V70R]

I agree with the logic of getting what you pay for.
The primary objective is to get a handycam for the missus's birthday but I will be using it as well. I wont be doing any serious filming etc - just something entry / mid level bang for buck.

[SEXUAL TYRANNOSAURUS]

looking at the reviews on those Sanyo's... They look awesome for what you need.