High Def Camcorder-Any Recommendations?

[TravelingGal]

Back down to 144 on Amazon if anyone is interested...

 

[TravelingGal]

An article on high def cameras of all kinds on msnbc.com today.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34277886/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

Also the zi8 on all colors is now 149 on amazon last I checked today.

 

[steph72276]

TGal, did yours come in? If so, have you had a chance to use it yet?

 

[TravelingGal]

Well, so far, I am not impressed with the Zi8.

I don''t expect this unit to perform like a real HD camcorder...I got it for 144 bucks, and I think you get what you pay for. I do, however expect it to outperform my 3-4 year old Canon SD850IS point and shoot CAMERA when it comes to video quality in low light. So far, the Zi8 is failing miserably. This is after upgrading the firmware to 1.06, which is easy enough to do IF you are somewhat technical.

Even with the unit still, in low light there is a lot of noise when I move around. There also seems like a lot of jello when I pan the unit. Compare this to my Canon which seems to be able to follow movement very well. The Zi8 cannot keep up with Amelia in low light, and it''s especially bad when I''m holding it because I magnify shake.

I haven''t done any outdoor light testing, so I''ll check on that tomorrow. The Zi8 is also .mov format, which is not working well with my editing software (obviously not the Zi8''s fault!). If you have a mac, then this would work much better for you. The files are looking terrible on my PC, and only are a little bit better when connected to a HDMI monitor directly.

The software that comes with it is kind of lame, but I''m probably biased since I work with more complex editors. There is a media converter that I have to use to bring in files under mp4, which run more smoothly on my editor. But the conversion takes awhile, which kind of takes away the convenience of drag and drop into the computer. For those of you who don''t have software already, I understand that the Flip software is a much better user experience.

The external mic jack is nice. I bought a Sony mic and it works well with it and is an improvement.

Basically, I would get this camera if you know a bit more what you are doing. I think there are more consumer friendly models out there. I do think from the choices existing, this is the best one for me because it has a few more options. It can also do crappy stills in a pinch. But ultimately, if you are hoping for amazing *high def* footage, I think you may be disappointed. Unfortunately, to get that kind of footage, I have to spend way more money which I don''t want to do at this point. We''ll see if it can shoot better in regular light tomorrow.

 

[steph72276]

Thanks for the update....doesn''t sound much better than the one I already have so I guess I will wait for the more expensive ones to come down in price.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 12/10/2009 7:05:24 AM
Author: steph72276
Thanks for the update....doesn't sound much better than the one I already have so I guess I will wait for the more expensive ones to come down in price.

My thoughts too Steph. It's going back. The meh IQ coupled with the issues with my video editor makes me think it's not worth the $200 bucks of effort. I think I'll spend more money and use it for in house low light conditions and continue to use my canon P&S in a pinch when out and about.

ETA Steph, I just saw you asked me about an update on the 7th. Sorry I didn't answer sooner...I didn't even see that yesterday when I was writing my mini review.

 

[steph72276]

No problem

 

[iheartscience]

Thanks for the write up, TGal! Hmmm...now I want to hold out for a regular HD camcorder, but I''m pretty positive I''m getting a new regular camera for X-mas from the hubs so I''m not sure how much new technology I really need all at once! Also, he sent me a couple of articles/reviews of pocket camcorders and regular camcorders:

Pocket camcorder face off: http://gizmodo.com/5401862/ultimate-pocket-camcorder-comparison

Best camcorders for all budgets: http://gizmodo.com/5421645/the-best-camcorders-you-can-buy-on-every-budget?skyline=true&s=i