Suggest a handycam within 35K

[Renegade]

Someone I know is on the lookout for a handycam within 35K which is memory cards based. The camera will mostly be used on a wild life trip.

So far the shortlisted camera is HDR-CX150E : Flash / Memory Stick : Handycam® Video Camera : Sony India

1. Are there any better options?
   
2. Which are the Panasonic equivalent cameras that can be considered?
   

Please help in shortlisting.

 

[adder]

I don't think many here research handycams.

Its soon to be replaced by the CX160 .
There is also not much difference b/w a CZ Badge and a G lens Badge atleast for handycams.Sony high end consumer cameras like CX700 still has a G lens and its a far better camera.
Since he is looking for wild life trip might as well go for a cam with a higher zoom like CX130.

 

[singenaadam]

With digicams & even mobiles shooting HD videos, pure handycams' utility has become questionable.

Panasonic is much more rugged compared with Sony. As @adder suggested, ask your friend to buy the max zoom handy cam he can afford, as optical zoom becomes most important in shooting wildlife esp., birds (they are just too small!).

 

[mihirX]

Don't know if its too late but anyway I'll write whatever little I know:

Check out this site: Best Camcorders - CamcorderInfo.com

I was to get (from USA) Canon HFS100 (or HFS10) or Panasonic TM700 but ultimately settled with 550D coz of my usage preferences. Always check youtube/vimeo etc. videos of the cam you are about to get.

 

[Renegade]

He finally settled for a CX130 for the reasons similar to what adder posted.