SueScott Loc: Hammondsville, Ohio

I'm starting to look for an affordable digital video camera (in the $250 range) which will mainly be used by my 11yo grandson to film our church choir for use on the church FB page. I saw a couple of Cannon cameras yesterday at Best Buy that looked interesting, but I'm concerned about sound quality. So, I'm coming to you folks for advice since reviews by real users count for much more than just reading product specifications. BTW - back in the day I used to lug around a huge VCR video recorder on my shoulder for all kinds of events and am really impressed by how small these new digital recorders are. Thanks in advance!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

For that price range, have you considered a Smartphone?

chaman

My thoughts exactly.

SueScott Loc: Hammondsville, Ohio

Where we live we can't get the bars necessary for a cell phone. When we first built our house we were unable to get a land line for the first few months and had to rely on a cell phone - the only way to make a call was either to walk outside or literally hang out a window! No, what I'm looking for is a dedicated video recorder.

Joe Blow

Cell phones can record for d/l later. In your price range, that would be a good substitute. Believe it of not, cell phones have gotten pretty good in the past few years.

If you want a dedicated video camera then you will also need a tripod and probably a remote mic. That would be looking well in excess of $600.

chaman

Cell phone video function does not need to have a good reception.....you dont need no "bars" to record a video. They can even record at 4k resolution these days.

SueScott Loc: Hammondsville, Ohio

Ouch! Maybe I'll just have Liam use his folks' cell phone.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

Take a look at B&H. They have a FULL-RANGE of prices. RJM

Skiextreme2 Loc: Northwest MA

If you're not looking for a pro model, try looking at the Sony camcorders that range from $199 up. They're HDMI and can take 9MP stills. Here's a link for B&H - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ns=p_PRICE_2%7c0&ci=1871&fct=fct_brand_name%7csony&srtclk=sort&N=4294548093

RolandDieter

Look for a better quality used or open box camcorder. Reputable stores with good return policies are B+H, Adorama (both New York), KEH (Atlanta), National Camera Exchange (Minneapolis) and in your neck of the woods you have Midwest Camera Exchange (Columbus).

SueScott Loc: Hammondsville, Ohio

The refurbished or used option may be the way to go to get decent quality at an affordable price. This will be mainly for posting videos to our church FB page - my grandson will be using it for shooting the choir as both of his parents, my husband, and I are unavailable as we are all singing and I want to get him used to something a bit more "camera-ish" than his point & shoot or a cell phone.

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

A couple of months ago, I began looking for an inexpensive digital camcorder to take on a trip to Europe. I wanted:
1) quality images in relatively low-light venues (churches; castles; etc);
2) small size; and,
3) ease and convenience of operation
4) relative cost

I looked at (and, purchased) eight (8) cameras from Amazon. . .And, I returned eight! [Amazon has a great return policy! <smile>] The cameras I checked out ranged in price from $49 to $249. . .And, were each rated at "4 stars" or better by Amazon purchasers (I read at least 30-40 reviews before I "purchased" each camera. . .thus, I read at least several hundred reviews!)

My findings:
1) Virtually EVERY "small" camera REQUIRED 1-1/2 "hands" (or, TWO hands) to operate and maintain stability
2) Virtually EVERY camera had a "slick" or "smooth plastic finish" thus compromising "stability" while I was operating it
3) Several had buttons or controls that were either "covered up" or "concealed" by OTHER necessary controls or buttons. . .thus, requiring a 2nd hand to operate
4) Sound was generally "adequate" though NOT "concert quality" when recording music or "distant" voices
5) Size varied from "too small" to adequate in the palm of one hand
6) Accessories (cords, etc) were adequate with several having HDMI; and, others "mini-USB" or regular USB. .
7) Battery life was adequate; and, all had convenient provision for battery re-charging (2 cameras had two batteries)

Finally, what camera am I taking on my trip? An "old" Panasonic Palmcorder that uses a VHS-C cassette. . It has never failed me in England; Spain; South Africa; the USA; and, taking home movies of the kids. . .And, you won't believe the great sound of a JS Bach Toccata & Fugue that I came across while filming in a small parish church in the Yorkshire Dales (A very nice guy was practicing for a wedding while I was filming; and, asked if I had any "requests!" <smile>)

My advice: Go to Best Buy (or, similar) and let the kid fool around with several cameras. . .And, buy the least expensive. . .because within your price range, they're all the same. . .<smile>

RolandDieter

I find that two hands makes sense: you want to maximize stabilization. Does anyone hold their DSLR with only one hand? Also, in the store, see how the controls feel to you. More inexpensive camcorders use a rocker switch on top for zooming (not a negative in my opinion) Is it located conveniently for your hand, comfortable and can you hold the camera steady while moving this rocker. Also, you will improve the audio if you also buy a microphone, even a cheap one, that fits on top of the camcorder. Some camcorder brands have a proprietary shoe that limits your choices; other brands have a generic shoe. Enjoy the trip ... it's a great one.

SueScott Loc: Hammondsville, Ohio

Using two hands is a non-issue with me and the Canons I handled at Best Buy seemed rather easy to use. However, Daughter suggested that Liam simply use their Smartphone to do the necessary recordings so we'll see how that works out - I have no problem with saving $250!