Looking to buy hand held video camera.

[shelbwyo]

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

 

[shelbwyo]

Somebody? Atleast tell me its a stupid idea, if it is.

 

[Ryan-41]

Here ya go Shelby!! This one is probably the best one for the budget you are on!! Free shipping and no tax from this place!! Hope this helps,

Ryan

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909788-REG/Canon_8155b004_VIXIA_HF_R400_Full.html

 

[Ryan-41]

This one shoots stills!!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838322-REG/Sony_HDR_CX260V_B_HDR_CX260V_High_Definition_Handycam.html

kinda pricey, but it would give you very good video and pictures!!

 

[tkuss]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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?