Need Help Deciding Which HD Camcorder to Buy!

[monstercoues]

I am wanting to upgrade my video camera to a High Definition one. I didn't realize how many there were out on the market. My mini DV Panasonic is about 7 years old and I have been pretty happy with it so far. I have been looking at the Sony HDR-CX110 and the Panasonic HDC-SD60. The Sony has a 25X optical zoom and the Panasonic has the same plus a 35X intelligent zoom. Does anyone have either of these camcorders or does anyone recommend one over the other? I have looked through both and both have good image stabilization. I usually video wildlife and hunts through my spotting scope, unless I am close enough to not have to use it. These are the top 2 with the most optical zoom available. Cannon only has a 12X optical zoom. I would also like to keep it under $500.

[coues7]

I'd check out This One

[jnobleinaz]

I bought the sony hdr xr150 this year and love it. Very very easy to use and for digiscoping makes it really easy.

[monstercoues]

Thanks for the replies. The only question I have about the hdr xr150 is that under the specifications it states that that camcorder does not have tripod capabilities. Is that true? Does your camcorder not have a 1/4" hole on the bottom like the other 2?

[lucky2hunt]

The only question I have about the hdr xr150 is that under the specifications it states that that camcorder does not have tripod capabilities. Is that true? Does your camcorder not have a 1/4" hole on the bottom like the other 2?

Can it mount on a tripod?

[kennyt]

I have the HDR-XR150. It does mount to a tripod. So far it has worked out well. I just got a new editing program i wanted to do alittle more than the one it came with could do.

[GRONG]

I just got the Canon VIXIA HF200 and am in love with the thing! It's optical zoom is only 15X but sweet moses does it take fantastic HD footage. It's nice cause it's recorded all on an SD card. It's a little smaller than a pop can in size which makes it awesome to put in a side pocket of my backpack. I know this is an old thread I just thought I'd add my 2 cents about this camera.

[monstercoues]

Josh,

 

Thanks for the info and it's not too late. I haven't had the time or money to pursue a new camera yet. I will certainly be looking at that one. The only bad thing is the optical zoom. It might just work, since I do most of my long range stuff through a spotting scope.

 

Thanks!

[RAM]

I bought the sony hdr xr150 this year and love it. Very very easy to use and for digiscoping makes it really easy.

 

Hey guys, I have really been thinking about getting this camcorder. My questions are?

 

How well does the zoom work and how clear is the picture at the max distance?

 

How well does the audio work?

 

I will be using this camera for coues and elk.

 

Thanks for any input

 

-Ryan

[kennyt]

Here are a couple videos Ive taken with the sony. Tell me what you think. Josh how do they compare with your cam?

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1440/Antelope

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1441/az-bear

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1423/Nice-4x4

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1246/Bull-Elk

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1442/Az-Bull

[AntlerObsession]

Here are a couple videos Ive taken with the sony. Tell me what you think. Josh how do they compare with your cam?

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1440/Antelope

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1441/az-bear

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1423/Nice-4x4

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1246/Bull-Elk

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1442/Az-Bull

 

Kenny,

What approximate distance are those photos taken at? They look really good and I would love to be able to shoot animals that clearly. I'm just concerned about how close I have to get to make the video worth watching were I to buy that same camera.

[kennyt]

Here are a couple videos Ive taken with the sony. Tell me what you think. Josh how do they compare with your cam?

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1440/Antelope

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1441/az-bear

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1423/Nice-4x4

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1246/Bull-Elk

 

http://www.monsterhuntclips.com/video/1442/Az-Bull

 

Kenny,

What approximate distance are those photos taken at? They look really good and I would love to be able to shoot animals that clearly. I'm just concerned about how close I have to get to make the video worth watching were I to buy that same camera.

 

I got the camera from Best Buy. You can find some good deals on them now that they are last years model. I think the videos were all taken under 250yds.