Buying Canon HV30 - Where and What?

[aricher]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on buying a Canon HV30 and have a couple of questions.

1. Who is a reliable seller for this camera?
2. Would you recommend purchasing and extra battery?
3. What's a good brand of tapes to buy?
4. Accessories - what's available, what do you all like, what's essential?
5. What's a good tripod in the $250 or less range?

I have FCP and iMovie for editing and intend on buying some spare hard drives to use as scratch and storage.

I've been reading the threads here about this camera and am very excited about this purchase, especially with a baby on the way in 3 weeks or less! Thanks in advance.

 

[aricher]

Bump. Still looking for advice before I take the purchase plunge. Anyone?

 

[mondesi43]

Just got one on Thursday.

Circuit City...
829 w/ tripod and carrying case...
Sony DV tapes, quality is great on the golf outing I was in on Friday.

Buy the camera, then you get coupons with the purchase to buy other accessories. 10 or 15% off batery, etc...

 

[Gymnut]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

http://www.adorama.com/

Yes I would recommend purchasing another battery, although I'd look at getting a 3rd party battery: http://www.bestbatt.com/category_s/56.htm

The HV lineup takes the BP-2LXXX. The BP-2L24H gives you over 4 hours of use. I'd look into getting the wall charger as well.

Check out http://www.hv20.com for tripod and accessory recommendations.

 

[aricher]

Thanks for the advice! I ordered the camera from B&H today along with a bunch of tapes. Bought the DM50 external mic from Adorama and the BP-2L24H and a wall/car charger from BestBatt. Can't wait until Friday when the camera is supposed ot arrive. Will be reading though the hv20.com pages until then.