[mtbpaint1]

I've been into photography for a while now but want to start the whole film thing. I sold a bunch of stuff so I have about $600 to spend, on something with good quality and reliable. I've been told to look at the Panasonic PV series but some people (one or two on this site) have said that they just randomly broke on them. Can anyone suggest a minidv I should get? I'd be shooting a lot of bmx and a fair amount of downhill which is why I think reliabilty would be such an issue (things like to break on me). Also are the package deals on ebay such as these
http://cgi.ebay.com/PANASONIC-PV-GS180-MINI-DV-CAMCORDER-ULTIMATE-PACKAGE_W0QQitemZ120000456729QQihZ002QQcategoryZ20332QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
legit? Thanks!!

 

[PatBranch]

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157800&highlight=video+camera

That looks like a good deal. If you find a little more money, get ( http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=96240&catGroupId=25003&modelNo=PV-GS300&surfModel=PV-GS300&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702 ), the next one up.

With that one, you get a leica lens and optical image stabilization.

 

[DH biker]

Don't just glance over this next link like it is nothing. Go to the site and read the reviews of cameras in your price range. This is very important when it comes to buying a video camera.

www.camcorderinfo.com

I am currently using a Canon Optura 50 and it is great!

 

[PatBranch]

I just got one of those. I haven't used it much yet though.

 

[merrrrjig]

The packages on ebay are the best way to get ripped off. 1/2 the stuff is super cheap (quality) and you will never use them. go with a reliable dealer like www.bhphotovideo.com