New here! Need help with purchase!

[Sgtcorpse]

Hello everyone, I am looking to purchase a video camera, for vacation purposes, more specifiacally a convention. I don't really want to go over 600$ but I want an HD video camera. Something that will give me a nice crisp video on my HDTV. Am I going to have to spend over 600$ for a good HD video camera? Thanks in advance!

[Photo-John]

I'm not super experienced with digital video. But I've been doing a lot of shooting and editing lately - mostly with point-and-shoot still cameras and the new video-enabled digital SLRs. Anyway, from what I've picked up, I don't think video quality will be an issue. Capturing good quality video isn't what you pay for. You pay more for features like better sound, more zoom, etc. So I don't think you'll be disappointed with the image quality of a $600 camera. However, I have shot a lot of video at tradeshows and sound can be a real problem. Depending on what your final output will be, you might want a camera that can handle an external mic - I know I do!

Hopefully someone who knows a little more than me will jump in with a more informed answer. But I saw your post and thought I'd offer the little bit of knowledge I have

[Sgtcorpse]

Hey, thanks for all the info, I'm sure that I could deal with a not so good sound quality as long as the picture is good =) but quality sound would be a plus! (I would like quality sound in a video camera as well, for anyone out there prepared to recommend cameras)

[Sgtcorpse]

Any help is appreciated...

[Frog]

I don't think this forum gets a lot of use but these bumps might get it up there.
I know zilch about video. You may just have to do some google searches but hope someone replies here for you.

[Skyman]

Sorry I haven't had a chance to reply to this one, but I have been sick. For those that don't know, the main difference between sd and hd digital video cameras is that hd cameras use more pixels. As most photographers know the difference in the number of pixels is only half the story. The quality of the lens, ccd/s and the compression on the video all go into how your video will look. For most people a good standard definition camera will look better than a cheap high definition camera even on a hd tv, but as I said the trick is getting the lens, ccd and compression right. The mini DV vs DVD thread has great info about the different compression used in video. Personally I would be looking for something with 3ccds from a known brand. The panasonic models with the leica lens are a good starting point.

[Sgtcorpse]

Thanks sky, this is all very helpful information, if it would be possible could you recommend any cameras for around $600 +or-?