I am looking to buy a camcorder and plan to use it some for musical events (local master class, my own playing and teaching). I don't want to spend a fortune. I'd like to stay under $1000, maybe even $750 or lower.

Does anyone here have experience with these? I've considered several models, but it is very hard to determine what I need from a specs list. Here are some that I've looked at:

Sony HDR-CX550V
Panasonic HDC-TM700
Canon HF M31 or HF S21
JVC GZ-HM1

Do you need a zoom feature?

If not, you may want to consider the Flip mino. It powers up so quickly. I've been completely happy with mine. And so user friendly, easy to upload videos etc.

Hi Karisofia. I purchased a Zoom Q3 for under $200
on Amazon. Here's a video I shot with it.



Of course, it's not going to give you the quality of a
$1000 camera, but it ain't bad.

I would think that you would definitely want a zoom (the feature not the product) if you are going to be doing student recitals, performances, etc. Most of what you have listed definitely leans towards the higher end of the respective manufacturers ranges and it's hard to say whether or not you need to be that high end without knowing what you really want to do. For instance, I record a lot of performances, some end up as youtube videos, some I end up burning to dvd's that eventually get sold, so I need something that has pretty decent quality, a good zoom, a reasonable microphone (and/or external mic input), good low light performance (since most performances are indoors and often with minimal lighting). If you're main use is to record yourself for some youtube videos and occasionally giving a video to a student to take home, then you can definitely live with a far less expensive camera than most of what you have listed (e.g. Sony CX150/350).

I also have a Flip Mino (non HD), but it collects dust now ever since I got my iphone 4, but getting the hd version might be useful if it's something you have permanently setup, ready to record.

Which brings me to the last thing, be sure to budget for a decent tripod. Most of the uses you mention will benefit greatly from a tripod. I'd recommend getting one that goes up at least 5' (6 is better though not as common) which is the minimum to get above an audiences head.

Hi Eweiss,

Nice video. Out of curiosity, how did you rig up the camera? Did you buy a camera boom stand or did you attach it to a mic boom stand?

JPE

I attached it to a mic stand. I simply bought a small tripod and duct taped it to the stand. Then I just screw the camera on and voila ... I can shoot at any angle!

Ha that's great. Similar to mine-duct tape and bungee cords solve everything!:)

Duct tape can fix anything.

Here is a great (inexpensive) solution for attaching a video camera to a mic stand, upright and boom.
Much better than my previous arrangement.
http://www.amazon.com/Stage-CM01-Digital-Recorder-Adapter/dp/B001GWCC4I

Ahh thanks Rob--very cool and simple. I just ordered one:)

JPE

I've seen HQ camcorders here of quality makes for about $250 CDN in a few places. But do make sure you have a clause for pictures and video in your studio policy, especially for young children, though I've had even parents of teen students have issues with video recording. (usually because the student had little awareness they were playing badly, and I wanted to show to the student and parents they were playing badly, by comparing it to a good version usually by a student of similar age.)

I think that actually describes what I would like--if I can afford it. A friend recommended some prosumer models that hit the $2k level. I'm not sure I can justify that. What do you use? Any recommendations on an external mic?