Recommendations for HDV camcorders under the $800 range

[BipolarNick]

Looking at HDV camcorders, not doing anything etxtreme, just making some indi short movies. Don't need a 1200$ camcorder. I have great editing expereriance and I am getting a new camcorder to record with. I have a 05 Sony Handycam MiniDV. I am looking to get something new and better.

I was looking at these:
Sony HDR-DC3E HD camcorder
Canon iVIS-HV20 1080i HD HDV
Sony HDR-HC1 HDV

I am trying to get the best for my buck. Are any of of these worth it. If not please suggest something for me please if you know any better. Thank you

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

For camcorders, Sony is the best.

 

[hvfsl]

Sony is good, but out of the camcorders the OP listed, the canon is the best. I would try and go for a HV40 if you can, but the HV30 or HV20 have pretty much the same image quality, although a lack a few features.

 

[BipolarNick]

.

Ok thank you very much. I'll start looking around. I was leaning around sony more, because I have a previous model and they work with my Mac. Will all these camcorders work with Mac (FCP).

 

[lindahl22]

Sony is good, but out of the camcorders the OP listed, the canon is the best. I would try and go for a HV40 if you can, but the HV30 or HV20 have pretty much the same image quality, although a lack a few features.

Of the Canon Vixia series do you know which format would be the best. I created a thread here about it

 

[HellDiverUK]

I just got a HV-40 to go along with the two XDA-H1 cameras I have. The HV-40 is used for places the XDA-H1's are too big (in car footage, sticking to windows, etc). It's pretty excellent quality, and the MiniDV is a useful feature - there's not many small HD camcorders left that still use tape.

 

[BipolarNick]

I just got a HV-40 to go along with the two XDA-H1 cameras I have. The HV-40 is used for places the XDA-H1's are too big (in car footage, sticking to windows, etc). It's pretty excellent quality, and the MiniDV is a useful feature - there's not many small HD camcorders left that still use tape.

So are you telling me I should buy a Hard drive Hi def camcorder instead of a HDV. Cause I'm not trying to spend more than 600 bucks realistically, I know there are great deals on ebay that sell 1000$ camcorders or at least the 800 - 900 range you can get for a lot cheaper. I'm gonna be making stuff this summer so what do you think would be the best route to take.