Looking for new mini-DV Cam, whats 3CCD mean?

[nickyj182]

I'm looking to buy a new camcorder just for making some super low budget student films. I want a nice one, not Hi Def nice but decent. Is a 3CCD that much better than a regular CCD? Whats it mean and whats the difference? Any good deals you can send me to right now?

 

[Lacero]

Is a 3CCD that much better than a regular CCD?

Yeah. 3CCDs produce better images in low-light with less noise and truer colors. In daylight, 3CCD camcorders produce more natural looking skin tones. Link


Any Sony 3CCD camcorder will do the trick. A Sony PD170 or VX2100 fits the bill.

If you are looking at 24P capability, the Panasonic DVX100b is the primo choice.

Here's to the Crazy Ones ​

 

[bousozoku]

Panasonic have several 3CCD models although I'm not sure there is much difference between the video capabilities, so even the cheapest one is pretty good. The more expensive models have much better still capabilities, plus faster video shutter speeds.

 

[nickyj182]

Are the $600 low end Panasonic 3CCD cams wal mart online has a bad choice?

 

[Applespider]

There's a good french site - Magazine Video (don't have URL here) which has test videos from a number of cameras including some of the 3 CCD ones.

One thing on the 3CCD cameras to bear in mind, on the cheaper ones at least, is whether 3 small CCD sensors are better than one larger CCD sensor. Are 3 1/6" ones better than 1 1/3" one? Yes, you will get better colours in ideal shooting conditions, outside in sunshine but if you're shooting in low-light will it perform as well?

 

[wiseguy27]

Panasonic have several 3CCD models although I'm not sure there is much difference between the video capabilities, so even the cheapest one is pretty good. The more expensive models have much better still capabilities, plus faster video shutter speeds.

Check out the Panasonic GS150, GS250 and GS400. There is a considerable amount of difference between these models (the sensor sizes are different - the higher you pay, larger the sensors). Three CCDs is the future of camcorders.

For a budget of around $600, the GS150 is probably the best choice around.