Parents Video camera recommendations?

[3crazymonkeys]

Hi. I'm looking to purchase a video camera and wondering if anyone has one that is good for meets? We currently use our cell phones and want better quality to zoom. I already have a great dslr camera for still shots but we like to video as well. We would like to stay under $300 if possible. We will also use it to record our daughters theatre plays. So low light is a must for meets and the plays. Plus, a great zoom for meets. We want light weight as well. Anything else to look for? Brands you like or a specific camera that you have found works well? TIA!

 

[Becauseisaid]

I record all of our hosted meets as well as my DD's level when we travel for competition. I use a camera that I bought at Best Buy on clearance for less than $150. (Will have to look at it when I get home for name/model)

Honestly the 2 things that I am most appreciative for - HD recording capability and a large optical (NOT digital) zoom. I wish I had manual zoom (manually turn the focus ring) rather than a digital zoom feature, but my camera still takes brilliant video.

 

[3crazymonkeys]

I record all of our hosted meets as well as my DD's level when we travel for competition. I use a camera that I bought at Best Buy on clearance for less than $150. (Will have to look at it when I get home for name/model)

Honestly the 2 things that I am most appreciative for - HD recording capability and a large optical (NOT digital) zoom. I wish I had manual zoom (manually turn the focus ring) rather than a digital zoom feature, but my camera still takes brilliant video.

Thank you! I would love to know what camera you have. I will definitely need to check out clearance deals.

 

[EvaB]

Sony handycam. Good zoom, small and handy.

 

[Deleted member 18037]

Our DSLR has video.

 

[GymDad9.9]

I was taking video with my Nikon Coolpix L820 camera; however, I asked my daughter whether she wants me to videotape her this season and she said no. I was going to look for a new digital camcorder that had the ability to upload directly to the Internet but it looks like there is no need for that. I'm trying to take a more relaxed approach to watching my daughter compete this year so as much as I will miss not having video of my daughter (I guess some other parent can film it for me) if she feels better that I not film her I am more than happy to oblige.

 

[Deleted member 18037]

Sony handycam. Good zoom, small and handy.

This is what we have. Only bring it if I have someone else to video otherwise DSLR does double duty.

 

[3crazymonkeys]

Our DSLR has video.

Yes mine does too but I like to take pictures as well. I take the pics while my husband does video.

 

[Ali'sMom]

I have a Panasonic that I picked up for about $170. Does a great job!
After doing video, I can play it on the camcorder frame by frame and take still shots right from the video. That's my favorite part

 

[Bess]

I have a Panasonic that I picked up for about $170. Does a great job!
After doing video, I can play it on the camcorder frame by frame and take still shots right from the video. That's my favorite part

Hey! that sounds awesome do you know which model it was?

 

[Ali'sMom]

Hey! that sounds awesome do you know which model it was?

just looking online, and I think what would be comparable is Panasonic HC-V180. But I bought mine 2 years ago, so probably even lower model than that.