Sony DCR-HC30 or JVC GRDV800US?

[Larry Bradt]

Hi all!

I'm new here and I'm also new to camcorders.

I'm looking to purchase my 1st camcorder and it's a tossup between The Sony and the JVC.

I have gift cards for Sam Goody, so my choices are limited.

If I go by the manufacturers specs, the JVC seems to be the winner but I read a couple bad reviews on it.

My gut says go with the Sony.

I don't know what to do.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Chris Hurd]

My own advice has always been to check out how they feel in your hands. Which one is more comfortable to hold, and has the buttons in the right places. Ergonomics are far more important than specs. These camcorders have much more in common with each other than they do any real differences. The one that feels best in your hands is the right one for you. Hope this helps,

[Larry Bradt]

Chris,

That sounds like excellent advise! I never thought of that.

I did talk to a co-worker and he said to be carefull with the "touch screen" on the Sony. He said it would kill the battery and it's virtually invisible in sunlight.

I'm definately leaning toward the JVC.

Thank you for your time.

Larry

[Frank Granovski]

I was just reading up on the JVC GR-DV800 the other day. It looks well-designed and has good specs, like that F1.2 lens. I haven't actually seen one, however, and I don't know anything about the Sony DCR-HC30.

[Frank Granovski]

Oh, I see the Sony DCR-HC30 has only a 1/6"CCD 680,000 pixels and with only 340,000 effective video pixels. The JVC's specs are a way better.

[Larry Bradt]

Thanks Frank,

I really am leaning toward the JVC.

[Frank Granovski]

As I mentioned, I was just reading up on this JVC a few days ago, and it is one on my short list. The other one on my short list is a new Sharp. I want to get my wife a new cam before summer, that's why I've been digging around.

The Sharp I'm looking at is the VL-Z800U. It came out in Japan in Feb, but it's not yet out in North America. It also has good specs, including good widescreen. I'm just waiting for feedback from Allan---who lives in Japan. See this thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=24079

[Frank Granovski]

Oops. I was thinking of the JVC DV900U's specs, not the 800, but the DV800 looks like a good cam also. How much more is the DV900 from the DV800? If it's not that much I'd try to go for the JVC DV900. You can see their specs here:

http://www.jvc.ca

Click on, English Canada, consumer products, video, and then camcorders.

[Larry Bradt]

Frank,

As I mentioned in my original post, my gift cards are for Sam Goody and my choices are very limited. They do not offer the 900U. I'm afraid it's either going to be the Sony DCR-HC30 or the JVC GRDV800US.

I wish I could get cash instead of gift cards :~(

Thanks again.

Larry

[Frank Granovski]

I can't see anything wrong with going for the JVC DV800. :-))

[Larry Bradt]

Thanks Frank. I think that's what I'll do.

[Frank Granovski]

I have 2 older 1-CCD JVC cams called the GR-DVL9500U. They have worked extremely well for me these last 5 or so years. They never gave me problems, except when I used cheap tape in them. Coupled with Fuji miniDV tape, I'm shot instructional tapes, funerals, weddings and family stuff. I even caught a few news-worthy items with them that aired on the local news. That JVC should also work better in lower light than many other newer models, but I think the DV900 would be even better in this regard, because of the F1.2 "Bright Lens."

[Larry Bradt]

<<<-- Originally posted by Frank Granovski : I even caught a few news-worthy items with them that aired on the local news. -->>>


WOW! That's pretty impressive!

It should do me just fine then.

Thanks again.

Larry

[Frank McDonough]

Got mine at good guys for $499. Best money I ever spent.

[Larry Bradt]

<<<-- Originally posted by Frank McDonough : Got mine at good guys for $499. Best money I ever spent. -->>>

So you like it too?

I'm going to have to get it!