Want a mid-range camcorder but which?

wadewade

I don't know a lot about camcorders (most of my experience has been with still cameras) so I wonder if you could point me to a good review site.

I want one with an optical zoom lens so most of the cheapest models are unsuitable. I also want to show my results on our Panasonic High Definition TV so presumably require a HD camera. Has anyone personal experience of a "not too expensive" good camera that would suit my needs, please?

timbim_2

With a panasonic TV, you'll probably benefit from AVCHD, which is the new, and frankly superb, codec/system for recording HD footage onto solid state.

A budget is pretty much required for this sort of question, there's so much scope. I tend to go way over the top, but I think AVCHD has filtered down into consumer range kit. It certainly looks fantastic on panasonic's semi-pro range.

wadewade

Thanks, chaps, for your useful advice. I hadn't realised it was quite as complicated. I'll do some more research as you've suggested. I was hoping to get away with £300 - £350 but I didn't really have much idea.

timbim_2

Another consideration is the editing software you want to use. Do you already have any? If not, you'll need to get some. I'd suggest something like adobe premiere elements, which natively supports AVCHD. Bear in mind, though, that HD editing does require a decent computer, and plenty of fast hard disk space.

wadewade

Yes, in a moment of inspiration I took up Dell's special offer when I upgraded my computer late last summer and bought their adobe package which included premiere elements 7 . All I have to do now is understand how to use it, there is no Dummies guide out for the latest version which is apparently quite different to the earlier versions. The online manual is enormous!

mchale

google: trusted reviews

wadewade

I see Panasonic have just launched some new models. The SD60 looks like a replacement for the SD10 but I can't find a price indication for it. If it is about the same as the SD10 I might wait, if it's a lot more I think I'll go for the SD10 which already looks very good. Does anyone know how much the SD60 is likely to cost, please?