Camcorder that works with Final Cut Express

[chelsealuvsnina]

Hi,
I am a film student at UCSB and am looking to invest in a camcorder for some small video projects, web casts, just to get a some practice editing. I am planning on getting a professional unit in a couple years before I head out to grad school.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I am looking to not spend more than $400... HD is not a priority because I can't afford it but I am looking for something with good picture and sound quality and something that will transfer on to my Final Cut express with no problem....
Thanks!

I have a Macbook running Leopard.

 

[chelsealuvsnina]

Come on

no one helped me out here. But my budget has increased to about $600 any ideas now???

 

[bigbossbmb]

Pretty much an miniDV camera will do. They run $200-500 for the basic models. At $600, you are getting pretty close to the price of the Canon HV20 which is a great camera. I would suggest saving a few more bucks until you can afford that.

Cut back on the Freebirds perhaps? mmmm Freebirds

 

[chelsealuvsnina]

Pretty much an miniDV camera will do. They run $200-500 for the basic models. At $600, you are getting pretty close to the price of the Canon HV20 which is a great camera. I would suggest saving a few more bucks until you can afford that.

Cut back on the Freebirds perhaps? mmmm Freebirds

LOL. I would be offended if it weren't the truth, very pricey but oh so tasty! I could probably spring a little more. I am researching and there are some tricky little sites who are willing to sell the camera for cheap but it doesnt come with anything! If you see any amazing deals send them my way. Thanks!!!

 

[bigbossbmb]

watch out for those stores... most of them are scams.

be sure to check resellerratings.com before you do anything with an online retailer.

 

[chelsealuvsnina]

How about?

http://www.zoommania.com/descript.asp?prodid=2059B001#includeditem

This site had good seller reviews from google shopping.... I feel like this is a really good deal but $579 seems cheap am I missing the catch?

 

[AviationFan]

www.resellerratings.com is a good place to check reviews and find out about the reputation of many stores. There are definitely a few black sheep out there, unfortunately.

- Martin

 

[leumluath]

http://www.zoommania.com/descript.asp?prodid=2059B001#includeditem

This site had good seller reviews from google shopping.... I feel like this is a really good deal but $579 seems cheap am I missing the catch?

Not so good from resellerratings.com, unfortunately. http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Zoommania

 

[deniser]

I have just bought the Canon HV20 and am very very pleased with it. There is a forum dedicated to the HV20

 

[netherfred]

Panasonic NV-GS320, or whatever its called stateside. 3CCD, DV tapes (cheap archiving!) and optical stabilizer. My friend just bought one for €400, which would mean it's about $400 in the US. Personally I've got the older model sans stabilizer but with mic input and headphone output, GS180 if I remember correctly.

Edit: it's called the PV-GS320 in the US and amazon has it for $340...

P.S. the manual on internet shows on the cover page Dutch windmills! ;-)