Advice on cam-recorders

[LGC]

Anyone have any advice on a digital cam-recorder?

I'm just looking to have something good for capturing moments, before the twins start crawling, etc. I don't need anything high end, but something sufficient if playing short clips on large screen format. Right now, my regular camera is a Nikon D3000 DSLR. My brother is suggesting updating my body to maybe a D3100 or D3200 with hd video capabilities. I'm trying to decide if that would be worth it. I'm looking at portability, image stabilization features, and microphone quality. I'd appreciate any advice or experiences. Thanks!

[cigarbreak]

I have a D5100 and its great for both purposes pics and vids; though I have seen some impressive work with newer go-pros...

but for your needs i'd upgrade the body...you can even get a refurbished body directly form Nikon and save a bit of coin and id trust it strictly cause the Nikon guys are the ones vetting that it has been fixed.

[jdo2110]

So... I'm not a camera guy by any means, but my wife and I wanted a camera/video recorder for our now 3 week old. You mentioned the Nikon d3200. We bought it's Canon competitor: T3i. We love it. We have hi def video and the camera works great. We also got a great packaged deal on it at buydig.com.

Not sure if that helps, but if you at least check out that website, it could send you in the right direction

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Grahamsant]

Buy a Samsung Galaxy S5! You think I'm kidding right? I'm not! I've been after a camcorder for a long time and did some research. Needed a new phone anyway and then this comes up! The video quality is absolutely outstanding! It can record 60fps Full HD and can even record 30fps 4K!!!

If you have a look around there are a couple of sites doing direct comparisons and in pretty much every example (including DSLR's with video functionality) the S5 outperforms the cameras. The only one downside is there is no optical zoom.

[Skyfall]

Advice?

My advice is don't get caught when you install it in your bedroom.....

[Smalls]

We use camcorders and DSLR cameras regularly at work. We have mostly used sony and canon camcorders. The video quality is about the same. The main difference is what features they have.

We have been using a gyro-stabilized sony that is nice, but it is a bit slower because of the stabilization. We are currently switching over to nikon DSLR bodies for both still and video imaging. However, we are also keeping a handful of sony camcorders.

Canon, nikon, etc. will give you good results. You just have to try them in the store to see which you prefer. For example, I have never liked canon's control layouts.

Since you already have a nikon I would stick with what you know and upgrade the body. The most important thing, in my opinion, will be what lens you decided to use. Fast lenses are always better, but they are generally larger and much more expensive. The kit lenses are getting consistently better.

[El Presidente]

We have been using the Sony HDR-PJ790 with excellent results. It is easy for even tech idiots like me.

http://www.videomaker.com/article/15885-sony-hdr-pj790v-review

[Paul3]

Buy a Samsung Galaxy S5! You think I'm kidding right? I'm not! I've been after a camcorder for a long time and did some research. Needed a new phone anyway and then this comes up! The video quality is absolutely outstanding! It can record 60fps Full HD and can even record 30fps 4K!!!.

I second this. My dad finally gave into the smart phone revolution and by chance purchased the galaxy S5. Incredible pictures and video. I was very impressed with the quality. Certainly equal to some dedicated cameras/video cams.