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Camcorder recommendation? Works with iMovie?

B

Bickley

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 27, 2008
26
22
Just soliciting a recommendation for a decent (ie not too expensive but not a piece of crap, either) camcorder that will suffice for basic home video, as well as capturing some surfing video.

First I'll be using the camcorder to put together a video resumé for a job i'm seeking, but long term it'll be used to record random home video and the occasional surf shot.

I assume HD is something we'd want.
And I assume this can be viewed and edited in iMovie?

Can anyone recommend a brand or model? Thanks for your thoughts.
 
Sorry...I could've been more explicit

The computer on which this footage would be edited is the new (Nov '08) aluminum 13" MacBook, 2.4 GHz intel core 2 duo with 2 GB RAM. Probably use iMovie if that software is appropriate for editing video. Running SnowLeopard, too.

Budget is about $500.

Some of those pocket-sized, non-zoom-capable handhelds like the FLIP or Kodak Zi8 are attractive from a portability standpoint and ease of use, but I think that 10x optical zoom would be helpful. As would a reasonable amount of storage, decent battery life, quality HD resolution, and clear audio.

Thanks for any suggestions, or thoughts based on your experience.
 
The two big issues with pocket camcorders are 1) lack of adequate zoom, and 2) no image stabilization. If you are going to be shooting surfing videos, even amateur ones, then you are definitely going to want a good optical zoom range.

I have a Canon HG20 and I love it. Basically, the camcorders in the VIXIA line are all pretty much equivalent, with the differences being in storage medium (tape, flash, or hard drive) and in a few minor details (the HG21, for example, has a bigger drive and a viewfinder).
 
I ...

... would choose one of the Canon HG/HF SDHC flash media based HD cameras. Check for deals on refurbished ones, special offers, or buy used second hand.
 
The HF20 is a nice camera. It's got a bigger sensor than my HG20 and uses the DIGIC DV III chip. Low-light results should be better than the HG20. Plus, it's got slightly better optical zoom. It's over your $500 budget, but I say it's worth it.
 
Anyone have any experience with JVC ?

Found the JVC Everio GZ-HM200, considerably cheaper than the Canon Vixia HF20 or HF200. Thoughts?
 
Thanks you, Raging Demon....

...but the Panasonic is about 5 times what I'm willing to spend. Look nice, though.
 
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