HV20 purchase thoughts

[jwhite]

So after endless nights reading page after page about what seems like every camera out, I have decided for sure on the hv20. I was leaning towards other avchd cams but I plan on shooting mostly action sports and from what I read avchd doesn't handle action too well. So here's my question.

Do I buy from the ebay auction with all types of accessories for around $820 shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Canon-HV20-H...QQcmdZViewItem

OR

Do I buy from 6thave for $613 and worry about accessories later?

How big of a difference is there in the lenses included in the auction, and what I'd find say at B&H?

I'm looking to make the purchase by this weekend so any input is appreciated. Thanks for the help in advance.

oh yeah, woot for my first of many posts to come.

[seunosewa]

Add $100 to your budget and buy a new one. The difference in price isn't worth the hassle of getting a camcorder that may have been damaged.

[jwhite]

am I missing something here? Both of these are (should) be new.

[newtothegame]

DONT BUY FROM EBAY!!!!! DONT KNOW WHAT YOUR GETTING..... 6 AVE HAS GOOD REP...GET ACCESSORIES LATER ........AND SEE WHATS BEST FOR YOUR CAMERA HERE ON THE FORUM



YES THE CAMERA FROM 6AVE IS NEW....GONNA BUY MINE THIS WEEKEND THROUGH PAYPAL...

[jwhite]

that's what i thought too. just making sure i wasn't crazy or something.

[jwhite]

ok, so i couldn't stand to wait any longer, and at $613 i couldn't pass it up. I just ordered it through 6th ave. so i guess we'll see how it goes. hopefully i have another success story like everyone else over the past few weeks.

i decided to buy the accessories seperate. the ebay auction accessories just looked cheap. so on my list is the canon wa lense, matteblox, mic, and probably the poor man's steadycam. let the new addiction begin. lol

[skiltrip]

I bought mine from Ebay but I generally wouldn't with something like this. I happen to have gotten a good deal from a very nice seller, so I made out. If I were to do it again, I would still get it from Amazon, B&H, or similar.
Get accessories later as you need them. As you learn more and research more you'll figure out what you really want/need and which stuff you're never going to use.

[Pali]

I would say those accessory packages are not good deals.

[skiltrip]

I would say those accessory packages are not good deals.

Pali is right. In particular with that link you posted...

If you want a budget wide angle lens, you can get a Merkury or Tokina for about $30-$40. Search on those names in the forum to get a ton of info on them.

The filter sets are really cheap, if you even decide you want/need them at all.

The MiniDV tapes it comes with could be any brand, or no-name brand. You probably wouldn't want to use these at all. And it comes with two types. You'll want to stay with one brand, one type (Panasonic PQ tapes are highly regarded on this forum). I wouldn't even use those tapes that come with it.


The carrying cases MIGHT be decent. But you never know. Definitely something you're better off getting after when you figure out what accessories you're going to want to haul around with your cam.

The tripod is most likely a cheapy. You can get a cheap Sunpak tripod from BestBuy on sale for about $19.99 (the 5800D). Either way you'll probably want a much better tripod anyway that whatever junk they are throwing in.

That mini tripod is $5 on amazon.

Just get a new camera by itself from one of the recommended retailers.

[jwhite]

that was pretty much my exact thoughts on the ebay auction. the no name tapes, and cheapo everything else is what deterred me. it was just nice to get everything together. no worries though, i bought the cam this morning from 6ave (taking a chance i know), and have lined up a canon wa lense already. so i should be set. now i just need filters, a matteblox, and probably the poor man's steadycam. thanks for the info guys, this site and the overall support available for the hv20 were big players in my decision. good support is usually hard to find, but you guys make it a breeze. thanks again.

[jwhite]

my hv20 just arrived via DHL from 6ave.com. so far so good.