Looking For A Camcorder Under $500

(wakeworld) · (wakeworld) **Join Date: Jan 1997** 11-25-2007, 8:14 AM

I'm just looking for something with which I can shoot wakeboarding and other random stuff. Most of the footage will end up on the web and I'm not making a DVD, so I don't need HD or anything like that. I'd like it to have a lot of optical zoom in case I need to video from the shoreline, but other than that I'm not sure what to look for. Any ideas???

(wakeworld) · (wakeworld) **Join Date: Jan 1997** 11-27-2007, 4:37 PM

Nothing? After all these years, is the WakeWorld Discussion Board finally going to let me down? Come on, you guys helped me fix my water heater. A camcorder should be easy! :-)

(dakid) · (dakid) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 11-27-2007, 4:45 PM

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Camcorders/MiniDV-Camcorders/model.PV-GS320_11002_7000000000000005702

(dakid) · (dakid) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 11-27-2007, 4:53 PM

$100 cheaper here

cnet ratings/reviews here

(dakid) · (dakid) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 11-27-2007, 4:59 PM

in case you're a canon guy...

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=174&modeli d=14726

$50 cheaper here

cnet ratings/reviews here

(dakid) · (dakid) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 11-27-2007, 5:04 PM

then there's sony.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langI d=-1&productId=11039188

$30 cheaper here

cnet ratings/reviews here

(ewok) · (ewok) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 11-27-2007, 7:01 PM

check out the Sanyo Xacti E1. I just ordered one and haven't played with it yet but I have read many great reviews and its waterproof.

(dakid) · (dakid) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 11-27-2007, 7:12 PM

depending on the format the sanyo records to the memory card, it may be hard to edit.

(rowdy) · (rowdy) **Join Date: Mar 2006** 11-27-2007, 8:18 PM

I think Panasonic Joe recommended is the way to go. I have a gs180 that I originally bought for the sole intention of a capture device, however, it has seen more use as a camera than a capture device. You can't go wrong with the added optical image stabilizer in the gs320. I have used the gs180 next to the DVX100, and it definitely holds its own. I even made a top handle for it using a bent piece of metal, hockey tape and a tripod mount screw.