Guys, do ya'll know anything about the HD Camcorders on the market. I currently have a JVC cam that uses Mini DV tapes (Its 7 years old). It appears that the NEW ones use HD Secure Digital cards?? Like cameras? I am wanting something small in form factor so its not bothersome to carry around a zoo or Mickey land etc etc. Ya'll have any ideas or models--throw 'em at me---DirtySCREW

 

I'd take a look at Canon. FYI, many of these newer cams (not just Canon) do not have eye level viewfinders. Seems to be just the way they are going. You'll probably not miss it, despite what the reviewers say.

Don't know your budget, but here are two very good cameras. $1400 and $625.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._S11_Dual.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ual_Flash.html

 

i bought the Cannon Vixia HF 20 today @ best buy. $8-900 down to 499. Store ran out so I won't get it until next weekend but the reviews look pretty decent. IDK about the software though

 

Go with a Canon.

I have an HF10 and LOVE it. It uses AVCHD so there is no motor/tape noise in the backround.

In addition to the 16g HD it has a SD card slot as well.

Found one used (barely) for $350, looks and works like it is new!

 

I too wanted to update from a mini-dv. Last week I ordered from Amazon the Canon HF200; it will arrive next week. I purchased a 32G SDHC card off ebay for $26. I wanted the convenience of popping out a card and transferring video to an external hard drive. Amazon is currently selling the HF200 for $521; Best Buy is advertising for $749. Amazon user ratings for the HF200 is 4 out of 5 stars.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-VIXIA-Me...9343968&sr=8-1

 

I hope your SD card is rated at Class 6 or better!

Canon recommends that your SD card be at the minimum of a class 6, if not slower write speeds will make video, particularly when you record in HD look choppy and not very good.

 

These days the lines between cameras and camcorders are blurred. Be sure you check out the Canon SX20IS. Also, maybe the most popular camcorder right now is the Flip UltraHD Camcorder 120 Minutes. You might need something bigger but this is the one that just about everyone likes so keep it in mind.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll check 'em out when I have some more time. I was actually interested in Sony, Samsung, and the new JVCs. They are all about 1/3 the size of the Canon you posted. I'll do some reading up. And I also will keep that Flip HD in mind as it does have good reviews. I don't really have a "budget",,,just want a good cam for video'ing those "special" moments of the kids at the holidays and birthdays etc etc. I might as well get a HD cam so it will look really well so when I look at them years down the road I can see all of the detail through my tears! I swear the grow up so fast! Keep the recommendations coming, maybe we can all learn about em---DirtySCREW