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Looking to buy hand held video camera.

shelbwyo

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Jun 29, 2010
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Sheridan, Wyo
Wanting a hand held camera to video my buddies and let them video me. I will be clear, I want to spend less than 500 bucks, im a poor college kid (not really, but I don't need anything super fancy). I would like hd as well. I just want something that is going to take decent video and be durable. Im guessing the internal memory cameras are the way to go. Should I look for used or stick with new? Do you need a eye finder for those bright days? Also how do you guys pack your cameras so they don't get wet and damaged. How is battery life? I know I leave myself with few options but I bet there is a decent camera out there.

Any of these good? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemp...rp=15&usc=abcat0400000&sc=abCameraCamcorderSP
 
T

tkuss

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Dec 12, 2007
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Fort Collins, CO
also, look into sony's small handheld camcorders, they are increidbly small and take great video. Also can't go wrong with Canon, great quality. I would maybe go to a store bestbuy/any camera store, find a small canon that shoots 1080p, and then search online for the best price.


FYI, I had a bigger cannon (vixia hf s200), shot incredible video, sold it as im getting out of video.

Friend had a cheaper smaller sony, still shot incredible video...

get an aftermarket larger battery for whatever you buy off amazon, battery will probably be 3 times larger than the stock one, and cost 1/4 the price...
 

christopher

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Wanting a hand held camera to video my buddies and let them video me.
Just want to be sure, your goal is for a STATIONARY camera.
One that you will only use when you are stopped and holding it with your hands or on a Tri-pod.

Right?
 

shelbwyo

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Yes sir! Hoping to store it in a handlebar bag to be able to stop and video someone else or hand it over to someone else so they can video me.
 

PowderCrew

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Dec 24, 2007
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Yes sir! Hoping to store it in a handlebar bag to be able to stop and video someone else or hand it over to someone else so they can video me.

Wouldnt use a handlebar bag. I used that idea once and cracked a lens on a digital camera. Even WITH THICK foam liners. I pack cameras (both photo and video) all day every time. I either wrap it in heavy cloth (like a hoody) and put it in my backpack, or I have a tunnel mount bag it goes in. (same theory, wrap it in a BIG/THICK hoody/beanie or something similiar and make sure there is no slop in your bag. I have extra gloves, a tool kit, etc that takes up the extra space so the camera rides nice and tight. Have been doing it this way for 4 seasons now with no issues.
 

shelbwyo

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Thanks for the reply! I was thinking of using a dry sack or zip loc bag to keep it dry and put it in my backpack. I think im going to be getting a sony handycam for Christmas. They had them 150 dollars off at best buy on black Friday. Should I invest in an additional battery to bring?
 
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