What is a good $500 to $1500 camcorder to buy?

I am looking at replacing my Standard Definition Panasonic 3CCD PV-GS150.

I need to know what a good camera is and what features are a must have.

A few features I would like to have are low light capabilities, large storage capacity, AVCHD format capable and touch screen viewer.

If you can just answer with a little blurb about why and the camera make and model I can do the research myself, Google is a wonderful thing, I just wanted to get some community feedback to see what others have experienced.

As always, any and all help appreciated.

Have you considered a vDSLR? They have better low light functionality at the sub $2000 level than any camcorder I've run across.

I personally have the Canon T2i, but both the Canon 7D and Panasonic GH1 I think are within your $1500 price range.

I don't use my Canon HF11 as much as I used to, but I still love it for recording long form stuff (my daughter's school stuff, etc..) and as an extra camera when shooting some stock.

HG20 - One of the best on the market. Picked up a couple to use for live concerts and have held on to them ever since. About $500.00 (refurb) from Tigerdirect and Sammy's camera. Have not had a single problem with them since getting them in 2009. You can record straight to the SDHC card, or the 60gb on board HD. Low light blew me away! Was not expecting it to be so good. Here is an example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8wXbbSX6zs

DSLR-

T2i - Still getting used to it myself. You can get the camera with the Kit lens $900.00 (great lens, mostly outdoor, daylight shots, terrible in low light), the 50mm 1.8 for $100.00, and drop $250-$300 on a fast 200-300mm lens, and be set. The camera is a workhorse, the battery packs can be found for $70.00 now and keep it from over heating. 720p, 60p is amazing on this camera.

*Remember that the extras add up real fast after getting the camera. My next lens is going to hit $799.00 (what the camera body runs alone).

If I was you I'd by a Cannon 5DmkII if your going to be just creating for stock, keep your old SD Panasonic for family clips.

Maguiremedia that is the plan. Just need to start getting some idea of the makes that i should look for.

i have looked in to the ones mentioned already. i find it interesting that the reviews for one of the cameras, i think it was the HG20, one review said it had terrible low light and the other was saying it was great.

i have a question about cameras in the traditional photographer form, like the Canon T2i. are they making Camcorders in that kind of form factor now? or is it really a picture shooter with really good video capabilities? call me a little old fashioned, but i tend to think of a camcorder as something like the Canon Vixia HG20 or HG21. is there a difference between the T2i and HG20 in terms of shooting video? how much can a T2i do?

are there any other cameras anyone else has had experience with that they would recommend.

Sure,

HG20 - There is a reason I use it, it is a workhorse! Most of my work here lately has been with bands and music videos, etc. The link I posted shows exeptional quality with the unit in a very low light situation. If someone posted a bad review, more than likely they do not know the exposure settings for the camera. I bought my first one to use, then get rid of right after I was done with it. But, in editing the footage, I noticed that it had quite a bit more to offer then I was aware of. So I kept it, bought another and got rid of the other cameras I had doing the same job (HV30's).

T2i - With all the DSLRs there are drawbacks. One reason I use the HG20's still, is because I cannot set the T2i up and leave it running unattended for 3 hours. The DSLRs are like small children, designed to be by your side. The have a 12 minute limit per clip that has yet to be an issue for me. It wil also overheat if out in the sun for a while, or use it in 720P, 60P mode for a while without the battery pack extension. It is perfect for getting "B" roll, family stuff, clips for pond

Everything reall depends on what you need. I honestly do not do camera work for a living yet, but I am pretty close. I have made quite a bit from these cameras, they are easy to carry, easy to travel with (all three fit in a carry on!) and I am getting quite a bit of work from them in my spare time. The money has allowed me a lot of freedom in my life, even with todays "crapped" economy, people still want video. I like to be portable, so I go small.

You can use whatever you want, and you might find another camera you can work with easier. They all have something to offer for sure, just make sure you can push the camera for different situations to get the results you want. Do not choose anything that does not have manual controls (WB, EXP lock, Shutter, Focus, etc.) . This is what will be the most noticeable difference when others compare your work.


Michael

As Michael mentioned, the main drawback to DSLR's for video is that you are limited to 12 to 18 minutes (depending on resolution that you're recording) of video. However, if your primary purpose is for stock or film making, then that should not be an issue. Twelve minutes is plenty of time for a decent time-lapse and most of the time you're recording 20 seconds to 1 minute at most (or at least, that's how I work).

The 'advantage' of using a DSLR for video is in the quality. Far superior to any camcorder. You get shallow depth-of-field which is all the rage for "creatives" right now. You can change lenses which gives you tons of options for shooting. They have stellar low light capability. And if you shoot editorial, they are much more conspicuous than a camcorder. People tend to notice me if I have my camcorder out, but they ignore me if I have my "camera"out.

If you decide to go down the DSLR route (I did and I am producing great shots that sell well) I would recommend the T2i with a great lens as opposed to buying a higher priced DSLR like the 7d or 5d and having no extra money for lenses or accessories. Also think about your workflow, make sure your computer and editing system can work with the footage these newer cameras produce.

I have the T2i and I love it... However, if I could have afforded the 7D I would have bought it simply because I have found myself outdoor in rain and the T2i is not in any way, shape, or form, weather proof. So if you like to shoot in inclement weather, I would go for the 7D if it's in your budget. Otherwise, I'd go with the T2i and one or two additional lenses.

BTW, if you're more interested in a traditional camcorder, take a look at the Canon HFS10. A few people I know have it and have told me about its good low light functionality.

Quick question relating to my research.

60i and 60p

Which is better? If I ever want to do slow motion shots which works better?