Smallest & lightest camcorder... is there a good choice?

[JWFerne]

I'm just your average dad who likes to film his kids, trips etc. using my camcorder. I'm currently using a Sony HDR-HC3. I think it's a wonderful machine, but there are times when I feel its a little too big. I'd love to have something I could literally throw into my coat pocket or pants pocket (yes maam, I'm glad to see you and no it's not a camcorder in my pocket) lol.

Does anyone have personal experience with any of the small (VPC-HD2, SDR-S150 etc.) type camcorders that I can use as a secondary machine to run around with. My concern is that I'll be dissapointed in the video. I will be mixing & matching video with my Sony in iMovie '08 or iMovie HD. I don't want to pull my hair out with major differences in quality. Oh and if that isn't a tall enough order, cheeper last gen device would be great too, since it wont be my main camcorder.

Thanks!!!

 

[Bob_Barker]

You should check out the Canon HV10. It's still HDV, so the quality is similar to the HC-3, but the body is smaller than your typical camcorder. I saw a legitimate online vendor had it to for under $700 this week.

I'm just your average dad who likes to film his kids, trips etc. using my camcorder. I'm currently using a Sony HDR-HC3. I think it's a wonderful machine, but there are times when I feel its a little too big. I'd love to have something I could literally throw into my coat pocket or pants pocket (yes maam, I'm glad to see you and no it's not a camcorder in my pocket) lol.

Does anyone have personal experience with any of the small (VPC-HD2, SDR-S150 etc.) type camcorders that I can use as a secondary machine to run around with. My concern is that I'll be dissapointed in the video. I will be mixing & matching video with my Sony in iMovie '08 or iMovie HD. I don't want to pull my hair out with major differences in quality. Oh and if that isn't a tall enough order, cheeper last gen device would be great too, since it wont be my main camcorder.

Thanks!!!

 

[mrgreen4242]

The HV10 is a really well reviewed camera, and it's on the top of my list for camcorders as well (just an average dad-to-be looking for a camera, too). You can get them (refurb) from an eBay powerseller who has good reviews pretty consistently for about $600 shipped. Amazon has them new for about $700 shipped, as mentioned.

 

[JWFerne]

Thanks for the recommendation guys.

Ah yes the Canon HV10. It does look like a very nice camera. From the pictures I see it doesn't look all that much smaller than my Sony though. If I didn't have the sony i'd probably look at one buying one of those camera.

I'm really trying get something super small

 

[MAW]

i have the aiptek hd go and love it's size. not really the same thing as the
Canon HV10, but you can definitely fit it in your pocket. they can be found for like $240 on amazon.

 

[gauchogolfer]

i have the aiptek hd go and love it's size. not really the same thing as the
Canon HV10, but you can definitely fit it in your pocket. they can be found for like $240 on amazon.

That thing is crazy small. How is the video quality?

 

[JWFerne]

MAW,

Thats an interesting option. It looks like it gets mixed reviews which doesn't surprise me for the price point. I might have to go look at one in the store and judge for myself. The size is great.

Question(s): I read that the battery life was pretty bad... any thoughts since you had one? Another reviewer said it quit working on him during a trip because it was bouncing around a little in a backpack. Is it rugged? I hear it has no lense cover either... thats a pretty big oversight on Aipteks part.

Thanks!

 

[MAW]

That thing is crazy small. How is the video quality?

not having much experience with other camcorders, the video quality is more than fine for me. it does however compress the video into h.264 as you're recording to an sd card. but i don't notice any quality issues when i drag and drop clips into imovie.

low light situations suck as it has a joke of a lamp on it, and the audio leaves much to be desired, but if you're looking for a "grab and go" kind of thing, i think it's great.