best 1CCD hobbyist camcorder?
 

dear all

just been selected to take part in a 5 day film-making challenge in singapore

http://www.phoenixinwonderland.com/s...e5guerilla.php

the challenge does not allow 3CCD cameras [quite glad that they did that, or i might have plonk down money for a VX2100]

i'm looking at the Panasonic GS35, but i don't really want to rely just on a camcorderinfo review

any other suggestions?

hopefully, the camcorder has
1. headphone out
2. mic input
3. manual controls
4. hotshoe [GS35 doesn't have this]
5. top-loading tape mechanism

i could throw a curve ball and buy a Sony HDR-HC1 [its a 1-CMOS sensor], but don't think i should spend so much on my 1st camcorder...

thanx in advance to all for your suggestions

I have an Optura 50, looks great. It has a RGB color filter so it will (in good light) give you color similar to that of a 3chip. The Optura 60 fufills your other desire for a hotshoe('bout 100 bucks more). Also the HC1 has a bottom loader...so its a pain in the butt to take off a beachtek adapter, and also makes "quick release" plates not so quick (first hand experience...if you need to swap out tapes quick and use a tripod...dont get and HC1)
Also you'll probably have to search for the other model names because you need the pal versions...good luck!

thanx for the recommendation, now looking thru some of the reviews
the PAL version is MVX40i [10x] or MVX45i [14x]
however, there seems to be a handling flaw, as the LCD screen, if tilted, will block the function key...

You would think that would be a problem, but it really helps in my opinion...you're finger won't be in the way of the LCD. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but in the end of it all unless you need to constantly keep switching between the function button and the menu button, it doesnt bother me.

thanx for your comments

in the end, i got a panasonic gs25 at a computer show

$749 singapore dollars
came with
6 DV tapes
2 extra batteries
tripod
256MB SD card
semi-soft case
lens cleaning kit

$700 Camera
 

Hi - Got a friend who asked me what to get in the $500-$800 range. I've never researched that price range, would anyone have a suggestion? They'd prefer new but obviously a better camera could be had if used. No film type stuff just a decent camera with some optical zoom and good optical stabilization, won't be using a tripod much. Thanks for any input.

I can't speak to a specific model since they change so fast. But he should make a list of what features are important to him and then pick one.

If I wanted a consumercam for a friend, I would have them look at:

1. Optical zoom range 10x okay but some are 20x or more...
2. MiniDV format (most likely, but maybe HDD or DVD is better for their needs
3. Physical size of the camera
4. Nightshot capability
5. Brand (Sony, Panny, or Canon)
6. Firewire port

For me, I also want

good manual controls for focus, iris, & WB
top loading
mic and headphone jacks

Unless he REALLY wants still pics & video in one unit, he should know that two cams are usually better than one.

Thanks Bob - Nice area, my parents just retired there, may be down over the winter.

Panasonic GS 250
 

this is a nice camera for the money... 3 chip, mic input... BUT it has 1/6 inch chips I think which means needs more light..

I think it performs similarily to GS400 which has 1/4.7" CCDs.

Let me know if you are coming down. We will go shoot something. :)

You're darn right we will Bob - Happy Holidays

1/4.7 chips are going to be better in low light then 1/6 chips, no doubt about it. I have the GS200, and my nephew has the GS400. Needless to say, the GS400 performs better then the GS200, but it's more expensive too.
The GS200 is a good cam for it's money, though. 3CCD, manual controls, including manual focus ring,...

Really appreciate all your replies, I am enlightening my friend with all your input. Thanks again

Optura 60 is my top pick in this bracket. Next up for me would be the Pana GS400, but its quite a bit more.