High definition camcorders - Is a low budget high-def worth the upgrade?

Question

I do a lot of amateur video editing, familiy stuff, currently with a MiniDV digital camera. I am tempted to upgrade to High Def, but can't spend more than ~ $1200. Do you think those low budget high definition cameras are worth the upgrade? Should I spend more or should I wait?

Answer 1

I am in the same boat as you, or at least a similar one. I do amateur video editing, but mostly short videos and stuff, not really family stuff. About 3 months ago, I got a canon GL2 off of eBay for $1500. I could just have easily gotten a cheap HDV cam, but here's why I didn't. First off, I don't have an HD set. Now this isn't really that much of a problem if you're just planning to downsize to SD anyways, but it does offer some disadvantage, obviously. Also, my computer, a P4 2.66 GHz with 512 ram, probably wouldn't handle HDV too well, not to mention my monitor is a 15 inch 1024x768. Premiere Pro 2.0 recommends a minimum requirement of 3.4 ghz with 1GB ram for HDV editing. Minimum. Also, the GL2 has a better lens, and more manual picture adjustment options than a consumer HDV cam of the same price. And finally, this isn't much of a problem if you were just planning on converting to SD for high quality SD video, but if you actually want to output and watch your finished movies in HD, then it's a different story. You could either export to tape, which means you'll have to connect your camera to your TV to watch, or burn to a disc. Of course, dvds don't support HD, so you'll need a Blu-ray or Hd-dvd drive and player, which would cost hundreds, if not over a thousand dollars. So I think if you have a fast computer, go for it, and if not, get a good SD cam and invest the rest in your computer or video accessories. And remember, a couple of years from now, things will be cheaper, faster and better. Hope this helps!