I've been researching for my first DV camcorder for quite some time. I have a small budget ($500) which is on my Best Buy card so I am also limited to my place of purchase. I found a nice deal on the GS35- an open box for $405 and includes the $50 mail in rebate. However after reading on so many sites I'm wondering whether I am shooting my own foot by not going with a 3CCD camera.

My main purpose for the camera, (outside of vacations and general silliness) is to ocassionally tape my band. I play in a popular local cover band and I'd like to tape some performances using an external mic and post video clips on our website. The GS35 has some great features (including external mic in) however it's only 1CCD. The GS65 is not sold at Best Buy (Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....) and the GS150 is a $250 upgrade.

My question is how much better will the image be with the GS150. I see that's had some mixed reviews due to a defect and some reliability issues. Is it worth the $250 upgrade? I imagine in a year or two, after I get my feet wet, I'll look toward replacing my camera with a model comparble to the GS450 or higher. If I could even afford the GS-250 I would. Unfortunately $500 +/- is about all that I can afford. So it's either the GS35 for $400 or the GS-150 for $650. What would you choose and why?

Are you planning to record your band playing gigs in night clubs? If so, you are probably going to face real lighting issues. None of the lower-end cams do well in low light. If spotlights are used you may be OK.

If you can at all swing it, I would go for the upgrade to the GS150. Camcorderinfo.com gives the GS35 a good review but moving up to the 3CCD cam will give you nicer video when outdoors and/or in good light. For indoor shots you may not see a difference between the two, I'm not sure. It looks like BB doesn't caryy the GS65, which is Panny's $600 3CCD cam, another option for you. Check out the reviews at http://www.camcorderinfo.com and http://www.pana3ccduser.com

Stay away from the Canon ZRs. I'm pretty sure these are still very poor in low light. The Eluras may be better.

The 2004/2005 Sony HC line are single 1/6" CCDs (same size as Panasonic and Canon) so I don't think they'll perform any better than the GS150.

Is there any way you can sell the Best Buy gift card to a friend or family member and then use the cash to purchase the camcorder online? If you can, you could try the GS65 or to find a 2003 Sony TRV model like the TRV22 or TRV33 on eBay. These cams had 1/4" CCDs and did pretty well in low light. But they are a few years old now and it may be hard to find one in good condtion.

If you do buy from BB check what the return policy is. If there is no restocking fee you can start with the GS35, shoot in a variety of lighting conditions and see how it does for you. Good luck.

Hi Grant,

From my limited experience, that lighting is far more important element than a camera. And diy lighting is not so dear. Just buy one or two 500w security lights and shower curtain to shine your subject and the image will be amazing.

Regards
Leigh

Grant! Why dont you go to www.camcorderinfo.com and check out the low light performance pictures of the GS35 compared to other cams including some of sony's 1/4 ccd cams and GS150 and GS400!.., You will be quite surprised to see the difference is not that great and sometimes even better!!!!

the 1ccd panasonic's do exceptionally well.. im actually purchasing my first cam (Pal version of GS19 (NV-GS25) only diff it has mic input and its silver) till i save up for a big and better, anyhoo dont be thinking if you pay double the price you'll get double the performance in consumer range.
GS35 is a great first cam with excellent picture compared to others
in and some out of its range that cost double and triple!!

I say go for the GS35 as your first, you can allways add vibrancy to color in post.