I'm new here, more questions than answers

Jlacy76

I'm a professional still photographer by trade. I shoot to eat.

I know nothing about video but what I have noticed is the that dynamic range on the video is not as great as in still cameras. True or False?

This week and last, I have been testing pocket hd recorders and looking at every video I could find on Vimeo. The winner for me was the Zi8 for IQ and DR and yes I tested the Aiptek Action HD, but not the GVS.

Anyway, I'm considering returning the Zi8 for something perhaps with better IQ and also more functions. This is not for profit, I will be using this camera to video fast moving objects. Dogs running and jumping is a good example and hand held if I can get away with it.

I think I need something with Optical Image stabilizer and a fast focus, 720p/1080i/1080p will be fine. I need an optical zoom with really good optics. Is there anything out there <500.00 new or even less used? If you have something, you think I might consider, please PM me.

I have been reading on this forum today and it seems the Hf line of camcorder are the most popular around here with the hf 10/11/100 being the ones most suggested.

How about the HDR-SR10/11 or maybe another model that I have missed?

Thanks,
Joe