Camcorder for Storm Chasing

[Dustin Wilcox]

I just upgraded my photography equipment before the season got underway by purchasing the rebel XTi, however the time has come for me to now upgrade my video camera as well.* I'm torn between a professional 3CCD like the Sony VX2000 which I can probably pick up used for $1400 but they are not HD other option are a new Prosumer HD camcorder like the Canon HV20 or the Sony HC7 which run about $1200 and are HD but not as good in low light.* As it lies right now I am leaning towards the Canon HV20 but it wont hit shelves until April 15th and I want to handle it before purchasing.* Whatever my choice I will be shooting far improved video by the end of the month as I should be shooting in High Definition, I'm super psyched to put a tornado in High Def on the 60" screen!!!!*

[Josh Richardson]

Sounds good Dustin, I think the Canon your referring to was the one I asked about previously at Stormcenter but it hadnt come out yet.* At any rate, with so many other things going on right now who knows if I will get the chance to pick up a new vid cam as well.*

Dude that's awesome, but one question do you find camcorders to be more valuable than a digital camera.

[Josh Richardson]

It depends on what you like, the optimal situation would be to have both.* Right now i have both but need to upgrade my video camera.

[Dustin Wilcox]

Personally I think a video camera is better, but thats just the kind of chaser I am; some like to stay aways from the storm and get the decent structure shots, so they prefer cameras, meanwhile some chasers myslef included like the action shots large hail, tornadoes up close and personal ect.. thus I favor a video camera.* I now have both though, as I just purchased a High Definition camcorder tonight and I bought a REBEL XTi a month ago, plus my new camcorder also takes 6 megapixel still pictures too, so I no longer can blame not getting the shot on my camera equipment :(

[Josh Richardson]

Personally I think a video camera is better, but thats just the kind of chaser I am; some like to stay aways from the storm and get the decent structure shots, so they prefer cameras, meanwhile some chasers myslef included like the action shots large hail, tornadoes up close and personal ect.. thus I favor a video camera.* I now have both though, as I just purchased a High Definition camcorder tonight and I bought a REBEL XTi a month ago, plus my new camcorder also takes 6 megapixel still pictures too, so I no longer can blame not getting the shot on my camera equipment :([/b]

Thats really the same way I am as well, I believe we had this same discussion at Stormcenter??* Anyway, I had a vid camera before I had the other as thats what I will always prefer.* I like the action....