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Which of these camcorders is best?

Option #1 = Canon ZR900
Specs : http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/canon-zr900-minidv-camcorder/4507-6500_7-32786404.html?tag=mncol;rnav

Option #2 = Canon ZR930
Specs : http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/canon-zr930/4507-6500_7-32786406.html?tag=mncol;rnav

Option #3 = Canon ZR950
Specs : http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/canon-zr950/4507-6500_7-32786405.html

Option #4 = Panasonic PV-GS320
Specs : http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/panasonic-pv-gs320/4507-6500_7-32330317.html?tag=mncol;psum

Option #5 = Sony DCR-HC52
Specs : http://reviews.cnet.com/camcorders/sony-handycam-dcr-hc52/4507-9340_7-32775767.html?tag=mncol;rnav

I'd like some sort of detailed explanation why, perhaps confidence in your answer through personal experience or knowledge. ^^ Thanks ahead of time!

Hm, did you have anything to say about the 950? Is it any better or are there drawbacks to it that would make me want the 930? Also, what exactly do you think is mandatory to be added for recording outside during snow and inside during school / gym.

Public Comments

1. Best for what?

All are good choices because they use miniDV tape. All are solid entry-level camcorders.

I like the ZR900 and 930 because they are the only ones on your list with a mic jack... neither has manual audio control, but none of the others on your list does, either.

I like the Panasonic because it uses 3CCDs for the imaging chip array. All the other camcorders use a single CCD or single CMOS. It also has an accessory shoe (none of the others do) for mounting a video light.

I like the Sony because it has the "NightShot" zero light video capture the others do not have... because the Sony has a built-in infrared emitter the others don't have.

If you are planning to record loud audio, none is a good choice because they lack manual audio control, loud audio (bands, loud crowds, motors, etc.) will result in very muddy sound being recorded.

As miniDV tape based camcorders, they all transfer video the same way - using firewire. USB will not work. USB-firewire adapter/converters will not work. Your computer needs a firewire port and you need to buy a firewire cable. Firewire, IEEE1394a, DV and i.LINK are all the same thing in this context.

If this is all I get to choose from, probably the ZR900 or ZR930... The mic jack is THAT important. And since they are the least expensive on the list, this leaves budget for a tripod, video light, camera bracket (to mount the video light - these cams don't have an accessory shoe) and a mic... like one from Audio-Technica.