HD video camera - recommendations

[ArcticFox]

Hi all

can you recommend me a HD video camera, suitable to be given to someone to video myself and friends eventing/lessons etc so ideally with a decent zoom, good definition and easy to use/easy to download.


many thanks

cx

 

[Leg_end]

I use the flip cam and I really rate it.

 

[millitiger]

I have an HD flip too and it is great, very easy to upload videos and edit too... and my techno phobe mum can use it easily!

 

[now_loves_mares]

Well I was going to say Flip too, until I saw you wanted a decent zoom. I love mine, it's great for dressage and SJ, but rubbish if you want to video any XC. Mine is only a 3X zoom - my point and shoot still camera has a considerably better one, albeit not HD

 

[ArcticFox]

Thanks, Will have a look at the Flip though even though the zoom isn't great.

I'd like to gather a few camcorder names to get them and compare before asking hubby to let me buy one

 

[Rosiefan]

I think you need a viewfinder for videoing XC because it can be difficult to follow the action just using the screen. That may not be an issue with modern ones though - mine is about 10 years old.
I'll be interested in the answers as said elderly one records to a mini tape and has to be downloaded to my old laptop which has the correct type of port for the cable I have to use . It's also quite bulky and heavy.

 

[measles]

I'll let you have a look at mine on Sunday. It's a small sony but not anywhere as good quality as the larger sony we had until recently.

 

[now_loves_mares]

Thanks, Will have a look at the Flip though even though the zoom isn't great.

I'd like to gather a few camcorder names to get them and compare before asking hubby to let me buy one

What the Flip definitely has in it's favour is ease of use and portability. It's light, will slip into a back pocket, starts quickly, and is so easy to use. That includes uploading vid, and even the editing software isn't too bad, considering I am such a ludite with these things.

But definitely compare as it won't do everything you want it to.

 

[Scoundrel]

I have a panasonic HX-DC1 its awesome really small very quick to start its full HD and has 12x zoom. Also has a 14 mega pixel photo mode with flash.
Honestly can't rate it enough has an SD HC card to upload pc or you can use the lead which needs a usb port. You can connect it directly to the tv aslong as you have a usb port too.
Very simple to use too it autoadjusts so no faffing with menus. Literally press record and go.
Its not that dear either about £125 ish if I recall
x