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New camcorder for Dad - would like some advice
Si's Gal
07-04-2012
At a family party last weekend, my dad, who still possesses and uses a video camcorder, was very taken with my uncle's digital camcorder and has decided (finally!) that the time has come to upgrade.

The magical camcorder in question was the Panasonic SD800 which, although very reasonably priced as far as I understand it, is really out of my dad's price range, particularly as it would only come out on high days and holidays

However, he's now seen the Panasonic SD80 this weekend for about half the price at which we could get the SD800.

I know nothing about digital video cameras except that the videos produced by my uncle's SD800 were really quite stunning, and my dad is even less tech savvy than me. Having read the technical specifications, I think I would buy the SD80, but can anybody see any glaring 'cons'?

He and mum really just need something that they can pick up and shoot with, which will give them brilliant videos that they can watch back through the telly.

Thank you in advance
tasker
07-04-2012
http://camcorder-test.slashcam.com/c...vergleich.html

Have a look at this spec sheet, can't find the 80 on Pana's existing model range so i am guessing it has been replaced but the spec still looks good.

The 80 has better optical zoom, the 800 takes better stills.
The 80 has more memory card options, the 800 has more HD picture options they look very close in spec so i don't think you are losing too much going for the 80.

My SD9 is an old model now but has 5.1 sound whereas to get 5.1 from the latest Panasonic range would be silly money, sometimes the older machines have more to offer without losing anything from the new ones.
As you say it is for your father so maybe simpler is better as in less choices to set it up just point and shoot, go for the 80.
Si's Gal
07-04-2012
Thank you - I can now tell him that I have consulted a Technical Expert and tell him that he made the right choice - in a shock move, he went and bought the 80 off his own bat this afternoon!!!

And not only that, he bought a mobile phone with no consultation, either! Who is this person, and what has he done with my father?!

Perhaps he's not as helpless as he makes out....but it's reassuring to know that he shouldn't need any extra assistance with his choice

Thanks again
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