Videocamera with viewfinder

Nefarious · 27 Mar 2009 at 23:48

I'm looking for a camcorder that has a viewfinder (as the LCDs are useless in bright sunlight) and is good at the very close (I want to be able to take pictures of rock samples as I am a truly tragicly boring individual).

Preferably I'd like to have it save to flash memory.

Any suggestions?

benjo · 27 Mar 2009 at 23:49

What's wrong with a normal digital camera?

Nefarious · 28 Mar 2009 at 13:22

Define normal?

I need to be able to take high quality videos of sites and give commentary as I go and take good close up stills - I need a camcorder.

Sirrel Squirrel · 28 Mar 2009 at 13:46

http://www.trustedreviews.com/camcorders/review/2009/02/07/Panasonic-HDC-HS300/p1

Amp34 · 28 Mar 2009 at 19:28

OT but geologist? Amateur or professional?

(Soon to be ex geology student here)

Tomsk · 31 Mar 2009 at 12:29

Nefarious said:
Define normal?

I need to be able to take high quality videos of sites and give commentary as I go and take good close up stills - I need a camcorder.

I don't think a camcorder is going to be able to take good close up stills.
The latest digital camera will have macro ability for close ups and take video in HD quality. I'm not so sure of the sound quality though.

alexakasloth · 31 Mar 2009 at 17:56

Nefarious said:
Define normal?

I need to be able to take high quality videos of sites and give commentary as I go and take good close up stills - I need a camcorder.

What do you mean by sites?

Nefarious · 5 Apr 2009 at 18:14

I have an old Sony that records onto tapes and takes stunning close ups.

The sites are usually constructions sites, at the moment I'm specialising in designing the bases for wind turbines. It's a mix of geology, geo-physics and physics.

Thanks for all the feedback so far, I seem to be making some headway

alexakasloth · 6 Apr 2009 at 10:35

Ok cool, i'd go with sirrel's suggestion as panasonic have a good reputation, personally I've had no problems with their camcorders so far. The one he's suggested looks very good plus it has the advantage of the lens ring for easier focussing in your close ups.