What's up guys!! Anyway, I am looking for a digital Camcorder and wondered if any of you guys have purchased one recently, what type, why and costs.

Specifically, I am leaning towards the Panasonic PV-GS150 (http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-PV-GS150-Camcorder-Review.htm). It's a 3CCD MiniDV cam with 10X optical, 2.3MP digital still's etc. The price is about the max (seen it for a lot less than is listed on that site), I want to spend and seems a good value.

I read a good review on CamCorderInfo (http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/CamInfo-Select-2005.htm) and was rated as the best in it's price range. Actually, a lot of the Panny's were in the top digital camcorders.. So what say you?? :)

I just bought the PV-GS250 and its ok.. I dont know if i would buy it at retail price or near it though.
I paid $300 @ a police auction in the box :)

I just bought the PV-GS250 and its ok.. I dont know if i would buy it at retail price or near it though.
I paid $300 @ a police auction in the box :)
Great price on the PV-GS250! The lowest I have seen it is almost $500. And no, I wouldn't pay retail for the PV-GS150, I have seen it for around $430 after Panny's $50 mail-in rebates.

i should mention. It EATS batteries.. one doesnt last an hour even though its a 2 hour battery.

i should mention. It EATS batteries.. one doesnt last an hour even though its a 2 hour battery.
So, do you like it? How's it perform? Would you recommend I get the 150 (250 has some slight differences, little better resolution, focusing ring, etc.)?

So, do you like it? How's it perform? Would you recommend I get the 150 (250 has some slight differences, little better resolution, focusing ring, etc.)?

For what I do. its fine. I bought it thinking it would hardly ever be used. I was right. I goes in the racing car now and then but is overkill for that use.

What are you looking to do with it ?

Mostly family stuff and who knows? But I do want the ability to edit, that's why I didn't consider the DVD camcorders. I understand it's easier with the MiniDV's than the DVD cams.

mini dv kills system computer response. I have a dual processor 2.7ghz machine and it even struggles. I think with MAC it could be ok.

Personally I would buy a hd based unit next time. Mini DV is hard to use and dvd is probably just as bad.

I guess that would be the Panasonic SD series or the JVC Everio's? I looked at those, but a little price-prohibitive.. :)

I got the 5 finger discount on that stuff...PM me if you need it ;)

I have the PV-GS250 as well. I love it. There is nothing better for the price. It's worth the extra dough. As for the battery useage, it sounds like your battery maybe at fault. I can get a good 2 hours out of it, no problem. I also picked up a second battery for it just in case. It's worth the investment. Also, make sure you are transfering your clips through firewire. USB2 is great and all, but firewire is much faster and easier to pull on-the-go. Mini-DV is the best out there right now. the DVDs are a waste of money and the quality is lacking. If you are up for it, wait until the price goes down on the PV-GS400. That's the best the market has right now, other than HDcams.

Yeah, I looked at the PV-GS400 but pricey.. I guess I can wait until Xmas time to see if the price gets better. But, I read the menu system on the newer Panny's (150, 35, 65, 250, etc.) are a little better than the ones on the older PV-GS400?

Anyway, I'll keep an eye out for the 400 if it's within range, otherwise it's the 150 or 250, ah decisions, decisions,.. :) Thanks for all the input, guys..:D

Yeah, I looked at the PV-GS400 but pricey.. I guess I can wait until Xmas time to see if the price gets better. But, I read the menu system on the newer Panny's (150, 35, 65, 250, etc.) are a little better than the ones on the older PV-GS400?

Anyway, I'll keep an eye out for the 400 if it's within range, otherwise it's the 150 or 250, ah decisions, decisions,.. :) Thanks for all the inputs, guys..:D


PM sent!

PM sent as well..:cool