What is a good affordable HD camera?

[JaredWaites]

I was actually looking for something more for home video's and something I can buy an enclosure for and get some HD video. I'll be editing with FCP if that matters.

So based on what I want to do diving and home movies, what do you think is the best HD camera that's still affordable and not over 1,000.00 (not including enclosure).

TIA

 

[lemon]

A sony HC9 would fit the bill. Not sure what the SR12 is retailing for these days, but that might also be a good option.

 

[robint]

I was actually looking for something more for home video's and something I can buy an enclosure for and get some HD video. I'll be editing with FCP if that matters.

So based on what I want to do diving and home movies, what do you think is the best HD camera that's still affordable and not over 1,000.00 (not including enclosure).

TIA

Canon and Sony are both making good quality HD camcorders right now for under $1000. And you can get housings for both of them for reasonable prices. I would look at Canon HF10, HF11, HG20, HG21, HF100, HF20 and Sony HC9 and , SR12, SR11. Sony has discontinued several cameras recently so you may have to look on ebay or some other online retailers to find the SR11 or SR12. You housing is going to cost as much or more than the camcorder so keep that in mind (look at Equinox and Ikelite for least expensive). Plus HD makes big, big files so you need to make sure your computer can handle them, along with your editing software.

robin

 

[cofn]

If you are looking on ebay you can find a lot of the new XR500V's for just under a 1000us.

I just purchased one from ebay and I am more then pleased, brand new, not refurbished.

 

[Equinox Housings]

Let me know if you need any help on the housing side of things once you decide on a camera, I think the previous posts have done a good job of informing you on quality cameras that fit into your budget.