Camcorders with builtin Hard-disks

I’m looking to buy a camcorder with a hard-disk rather than one that uses tapes. Firstly it would make it easier to share and edit the videos and secondly I wouldn’t have to worry about buying the tapes.

The one I’m currently looking at is the JVC GZ-MG37 which seems to be quite good. I would appreciate any experiences with that or similar cameras. Also let me know if you would recommend to go for another brand.

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I am assuming you are comfortable taking on cutting edge technology. JVC seem like the pioneer in hard-disk based camcorders. Just make sure you are comfortable with the noise of hard disk spinning inside the camcorders. Otherwise they offer an interesting alternative.

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Are they any smaller in size than conventional digital camcorders?

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^^ Yes. The model I mentioned in my initial post weighs only 400 grams and it's volume is just 511 cubic centimetres.

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I almost would have got my 50GB Hard disk JVC but the post man mispalced it on its way. The insurance is offering only 500 whereas I paid aboout 1350.
I have to stick to my old Sony P106.

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Umer,

I am in market for a camcorder too and looked at this one. It looks great except for the fact that you can't replace the hard disk or atleast not mentioned in the marketing material at the counter.

If the h-disk was replacable , I'd happily buy it.

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i would like to recommend "Sony"

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I v read bad reviews on the JVC you guys. I ll try to look it up tomorrow (the article:D ) And yeah go for Sony

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I didn't know Sony has HD cameras too. Which models do they have and how much are they? And yeah: Please let me know about those reviews as well. Because I googled and found only positive reviews about the JVC camera.

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/\ Here is the review on the JVC GZ-MG37: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/JVC-GZ-MG37-Camcorder-Review.htm

The Sony DCR SR90E is a HDD camera

small review :smiley:
http://www.ciao.co.uk/Sony_Handycam_DCR_SR90E__Review_5590288

and specs: http://www.dealtime.co.uk/xPF-Sony_Sony_DCR_SR90E_Hard_Disk_Drive_HandyCam

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Stay away from JVC.

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So Umer,

Did you get one yet? Post a review mang!

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No. I think I'll go for a MiniDVD for now.

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With MiniDVD, to watch what you have recorded u can either "close" the DVD (to play on the regular DVD player) or attach the camcorder via cables. That's a little irritating, as one has to have cables to see what was recorded. And I don't want to finalize and close the dvd if there's only 10-20 mnts of footage (full disk is 40 min). Otherwise quality is good.

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I want info on Sony DCR Camcorders.

http://www.electronic4you.at/WebShopAT/shop/ItemDetail.aspx?iNr=105025

or

http://geizhals.at/a233999.html

Can you watch your recording on normal DVD player/ DVD drive ?? without cables or other connections.

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I would say Sony, a bit expensive but nice

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I got the JVC GZ-M135 or something like that … can’t remember the exact model. It’s fantastic! :rotato:

The only thing is that the battery life is only about 2 hours. But, it can record for up to 36 hours non-stop (depending on your settings) if you plug it in …

It works for me. I may upgrade to a better battery in a few months, but right now, I don’t need it.

Lighting is good, clarity is good … and it doesn’t make as much noise as the Sony camera …

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I have a sony hard disk camera, cant complain. It may not be the best camera for budding video artists, but for my purporses it is more than enough.

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Seriously guys, I don't know if there is a choice other than SONY when it comes to video. For last 30 years, I don't recall a single video related object other than Sony in my house. Except for two occassions, I bought a heavily dicounted JVC TV, just as a second TV for my room, and the 40" LCD TV that is Samsung, only because it is same picture/color/contract quality as Sony.

For Camcorder, Digital Camera, DSLR, cell phone, laptop and PDA I always go for Sony. A little expensive, but THE best picture.

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I questions guys, anyone tried High Definition camcorders? not the pro ones. the consumers ones, from I guess only JVC, Sony and Panasonic or Canon?

any suggestions? Hard disk media in Hi def or solid state cards? but limited capacity is my concern on those 4-5GB at present. bu HDD ones have upto 100 GBs now.

JVC HD7 and new HD3 look very impressive and same goes for sony SR7