Looking to buy a digital video camera. Harvey Norman has em for about $1000. Want to use it for family as well as kiting/surfing. But the range & options are extensive.

looking for any experience on what brands are good in this price range and what size optical zoom to get - 10x, 14x, 20x???

Russ

Hey RussC,

I use a Sony VX2000, they are a three chip semipro camera which is now about three years old. You can still get them new at around 60% of what I paid back then. Expect to pay around 3000 for a new one. It has 10X Optical, forget whatever digi zooma camera has, it is pure marketing as it looks crap when you use it. Any TV channel wont touch it unless it is optical only.

Definately go Mini DV or DVCAM if you can afford it. Three CCD's are worth the extra money as the colour reproduction is clear and crisp and really vivid.

There are lots of good brands, and if you dont want to go higher end, go into a Newsagent and check out reviews in the Camcorder magazines. There are also heaps of websites which rate cameras up against each other in different price ranges, so my advice is check it all out.

Also if you buy a camera with any more than 10X zoom, you will definately need a good tripod, do not go cheap here as the cheapies are nasty and allow movement. I spent around 300 for mine it is a Manfrotto and is good, without going stupid on cost. It is basic and does the job .... Hmmm a nice fluid head one would be sweet! Dream on!.

Anyway, as Shannon says, check to see if it can have filters and adapters screwed on to it and also check for housings availability.

Have fun and good luck, maybe let us know what you decide to go for in the end.

Cheers,

Darren

i bought a dvd cam from harvey normal about 1 year ago, i found that they will come down in price a fair bit and offer extras to get the sale if you pretend you can get a better deal.