Need opinion on JVC Everio HM200 Camcorder

[madbullram]

Guys,
Need some quiuck opinion on this camcorder. Camcorder info site has voted it as the best mid-size camera for 2009.

JVC Everio GZ-HM200 Camcorder Review - JVC Flash Memory

My budget was 400 to 450$. I saw one on ebay for 320$ including shipping and that give me arounf 80$ for my DacMagic upgrade ().

Whats the opinion about this camera? I liked the features and also its abaility to do HD though only 60i

P.S: We might be expecting a small addition to our family soon (not yet confimed though) so this would be dedicated on capturing those moments!

 

[teky]

Ram,

HD Camcorders generally tend to bit poor for low lighting conditions, However Chennai has adequate lighting . During low light the current SD one perform better than HD one's. Also I'm unable to find the Lens type on that Website yet - I would recommend Canon HF-100 (Old Model - So may be you should be able to find cheaper). If you've enough money then look for the HF20 as well.

 

[madbullram]

Thanks Teky, the lens i understand is a Konica Minolta HD Lens. The HF200 is minimum price tab of 600$ even in ebay so its out of my budget.

I know SD cams are good, infact there are some awesome deals on Mini DV based 3 CCD cams, but I want to move to HD.

Also, picked a http://www.amazon.com/Sima-SL-20LX-Ultra-Bright-Silver/dp/B000WKW69Q/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top for 10$ at a bargain sale.

 

[teky]

Thanks Teky, the lens i understand is a Konica Minolta HD Lens. The HF200 is minimum price tab of 600$ even in ebay so its out of my budget.

I know SD cams are good, infact there are some awesome deals on Mini DV based 3 CCD cams, but I want to move to HD.

Also, picked a Amazon.com: Sima SL-20LX Ultra Bright Video Light (Silver): Camera & Photo for 10$ at a bargain sale.

Yes, I would better increase my budget and get a better Camcorder as we don't change these like our AV pretty quickly. Check if Panasonic SD10 is available cheaps - It's predecessor SD-9 was pretty good excepting the usual low lighting problem.

Does that light fit on the shoe of the Camera itself or protrudes out separately as in picture?

 

[madbullram]

Teky: the Sd10 has bad review:
Panasonic HDC-SD10 camcorder - 10 Aug 2009 - Computeractive

JVC Everio seems to have a balanced review with none reporting it bad, it has consistently got 4/5 or 9/10.

The light has a small arm that gets attached to the camera

 

[unleash_me]

Some newest ones are reviewed here.

 

[addagalla]

Hi Ram,

Did you buy anything? I have a similar requirement now, so thought I could take your opinion on what's a good HD camcorder to buy in the mid range. My budget is around 500 USD.

Thanks