`Decisions decisions .... is the HV20 right for me?

[aonindy]

Hi All,

ok, I am in the middle of angsting at the moment and hope the old hand experts can help me out! .... I need to purchase a camcorder for the following reasons:

* Standard old holiday / family stuff

* Recording web-quality training videos (ie: downloadable AVI/mpeg, and/or good quality youtube style)

* Potentiallly recording DVD distributable training videos ... at the moment I dont see the need for this to be in HD format, standard would be fine.

I understand that it is not a good idea right now to go for a HDD camera due to the problems editing videos made that way, and reading this forum (and others) indicates that this seems to be one of the benefits of the HV20 (ie: mini DV).

I know I have to factor into my budget the camera, good solid bag (protect the investment!), external mike (small rifle one plus a wireless one potentially) and of course editing software.

So, I suppose the main question is for what I want to do, with a budget of approx euro 1.7k (1..1.2k Stg), is this the right camera for me or is it overkill?
many thanks!

Allen.

[terjeber]

HV20 is perfect for you. You can also get mike etc for your budget. The HV20 is really good for DVD production, shoot in HD and downcovert, your result will far surpass what you will get with a DV camcorder to DVD. I used to own the Panasonic PV-GS400, one of the best DV camcorders in that budget range, and my HV20 gives far better DVDs.