Ok guys place your final vote... which camcorder is better of these 2...

after hours and hours of in depth research its a tough call to decide which of these 2 camcorders is best for me to get... I was hoping the experts could help me out. If it helps were trying to use adobe after effects to rotoscope a lightsaber duel, thats our biggest project at the moment. so here they are: which of the 2 do you think is best?

Canon ZR500: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-ZR500-Camcorder-Review.htm

OR

Panasonic PV-GS19: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-PV-GS19-Camcorder-Review.htm

It looks like the ZR500 has slightly better color, while the GS19 has sharper image. the ZR also has a mic port, while the GS19 doesnt... the GS19 also looks like it has more features than the ZR500.

Its a tough call what do you guys think?

 

I'd go with the Panasonic since it's got much more in the way of manual control, and that's important. You should also pick up a minidisc recorder or something, along with a mic, to do your audio, since the on-camera mic probably isn't going to cut it.

 

the panasonic doesnt have a mic port : /

and whats a minidisc recorder just out of curiosity?

 

It's something that records onto minidiscs, which are pretty darn good for doing out-in-the-field audio, so you don't even have to worry about your camera's audio. You'll probably need to get a slate to sync things up in post, though, but that's not a big deal.

 

I have the panasonic myself. For the price range it is a decent little camera. Also from the reviews the low light is better and that will be a plus for you as well.

 

Panasonic...

 

you guys really think so? the panasonic PV-GS19 is better than the canon ZR500? I was leaning more toward the 500 does anyone want to support the canon ZR500 in the polls?

 

More manual control = better. Almost always. ESPECIALLY if you're doing effects work.

 

I see, any other thoughts or has the decision been made?

 

before i got my gl2, i had the pv-gs19 and its pretty good for its price. canon doesnt really have good cheap cameras. id deff. go with the pv-gs19 , but its your call

 

I have an older model (PV-GS70 i think) of the panasonic and its not bad.
I dunno why, but I have a dislike for Canon's non-prosumer camcorders.

Good Purchasing!

 

ok one more try, what about THIS one: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-Elura-100-Camcorder-Review.htm compared to the PV-GS19? http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-PV-GS19-Camcorder-Review.htm

the panasonic still better you think?