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Aerial Photography and Video > What's the best camcorder for $350-400 for a beginner heli camcorder setup?

FSFirst
Heliman
Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan

I tried by old Panasonic VHS-C camcorder on my R50 but it's heavier than I like. I've been looking at a new lighter weight camcorder for around $350-400, any suggestions? Also what format is better digital 8 or mini DV?

Thanks!

06-30-2004 Over year old.

ImRich
Veteran
Location: Derry, NH USA

Better depends on what's important to you.

I think for heli flying, light weight is more important, then followed by a good lens (I always like a good lens on photo/video equipment), but remember that you do not need a tight zoom for helicam use.

I like DV, if you are starting out, why not go digital? If you have a lot of analog stuff now, you may have different opinions.

---
Rich

06-30-2004 Over year old.

HOMEPAGE

flyboy
Elite Veteran
Location: California

Anything Sony will do you well. There are several small light Sony models that fall within the budget that you have mentioned.

06-30-2004 Over year old.

aambrose
Elite Veteran
Location: Pana, IL

My 2 cents worth. I'm not even a helicam pilot. For that matter, I dont even have an RC helicopter, but I'm trying to absorb as much information as I can rather than just "jumping into" the hobby. BTW, this forum is great!

I thin MiniDV is by far the best option for video. I have a Sony TRV-11 which I've had for 4 years and it produces great video and sound. Sony no longer makes the TRV-11 but they have new models similar to it. Mine weighs about 26-28 ounces without the neckstrap.

I also own Sony's Cybershot DSC-F717 digital camera (5 mp) and it produces great still photos! A camera is only as good as its lense.

I tend to agree with flyboy....anything Sony will do you well.

Tony

06-30-2004 Over year old.

JKos
Elite Veteran
Location: City of California in the state of Maryland

Here some discussion on the same topic: http://runryder.com/helicopter/t112490p1/

Seems the Sony DCR-HC20 falls in your budget at $379 and gets great reviews. It weighs 13 oz although they do not specify if that is with or w/o a battery.

>I have a Sony TRV-11 ... weighs about 26-28 ounces ...

You're living in the stone age there aambrose.

- John

06-30-2004 Over year old.

fitenfyr
rrProfessor
Location: Port Orchard, Washington

JVC

I bought a JVC DV-500. I love it. I have been a big SONY fan for years, but after my last attempt at getting my SONY repaired I have switched.
I have found they are not as tough as they used to be and at 60-80.00 and hour for repair it just isn't worth fixing most of the time.
I was told by several repair shops that they see JVC gear the least. Not because it isn't out there, but I guess it is some of the best built.
I paid about 500.00 out the door for mine with extra tapes and tax at SEARS.

Jason Stiffey
Fly Fast....Live Slow...

06-30-2004 Over year old.

HOMEPAGE

JKos
Elite Veteran
Location: City of California in the state of Maryland

Just did some price searching for the JVC GR-DV500. Seems it has been replaced by the DV800 which goes for more like $600. I'm sure there are some DV500s left out there. Looks like a nice unit.

Some refurbed DV500s available for $377.

Hmm, even the DV800 is listed as discontinued on the JVC web site. It appears that the whole line up is gone.

- John

06-30-2004 Over year old.

fitenfyr
rrProfessor
Location: Port Orchard, Washington

Hmmm...

Must be why I got mine so cheap at the begining of the year.

377 is a good buy even if they are factory re-furbs.

Jason Stiffey
Fly Fast....Live Slow...

06-30-2004 Over year old.

HOMEPAGE

aambrose
Elite Veteran
Location: Pana, IL

Quote
You're living in the stone age there aambrose.

Hey Hey Hey! Take it easy on me! I'm new!

The TRV-11 has served us well (non aerial use). If I ever get around to putting something on a helicopter, then maybe I'll upgrade. Never had a reason to upgrade because it works great. I was just giving FSFirst a reference as to how much our MiniDV weighs.

Tony

06-30-2004 Over year old.

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Aerial Photography and Video > What's the best camcorder for $350-400 for a beginner heli camcorder setup?

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