Is buying a $4000 video camera worth it?

Both are miniDV tape based, standard definition, camcorders. But keep in mind you are comparing consumer-grade to pro-grade.

In this case, where you will see the biggest immediate difference will most likely be in the way the two camcorders behave in low-light conditions. The small lens and imaging chip on the Sony will provide grainy video capture in low light (minimum illumination 11 lux). The much larger lens and imaging chips on the JVC should provide much less graininess in the same amount of light (minimum illumination @ 0.75 lux).

Other observations:

The shoulder mount will provide a much more stable view than a handheld video capture and the interchangable lens will be MUCH more flexible than the fixed lens on any consumer camcorder. (Tripod or camera crane or GlideCam/SteadiCam device should be used, but shoulder mount run 'n' gun 'n' shoot will be a lot easier.)

The easy to get to manual controls on the JVC are *MUCH* more useful than the manual controls that force you to go through the LCD menu on the HC52...

The JVC has a mic jack (HC52 does not), an audio monitor jack (the HC52 does not), BUT, I don't think I would have gone for a JVC... Canon (GL2) or Sony (DCR-VX1000), maybe... but this JVC certainly looks a whole lot more impressive.

Did you waste your money? For $1,500, no, I don't think so. If everything works, I think you got a pretty good deal. And - if you can't notice the differences in the video from the two camcorders, I hope you kept (or can keep) the HC52. Doing a two (or more) camera shoot is WAY more fun and productive than a single camera shoot. You can do multiple angles without necessarily having to re-shoot.

I would return it but then i am not you. i have multiple reasons first its not new, secondly if i am paying that much money for the camera i would atleast require hdmi outputs but do not see that in the specs. also if you are not going to use it for home movies unless you are going to go professional with this camera there is no sense in keeping it.

technology is changing day by day if you return it and wait for a couple of months you would a better camera at the discounted price that you got this one and that would be new with all the new features.

Ya dude, problem is: its not a new camera! Like you said, manufactured in 2000! I dont own anything that old, let alone a high quality piece of electronics.

Well I'm glad you got it for such a great deal, but honestly who really needs to record 1080p HD home movies that nobody really cares about anyway. It's not like you're gonna publish and sell them. They're just home movies, they don't have to be in high definition!

Don't look back. Sounds like you got a good deal. ENJOY!!

a good camera is always worth it. but if you cant tell a difference then you probably wasted your money.

No. In the future, buy something used instead. In good condition, though.

if you really want to pay 4000$ for video cam. go ahead... Just ask you a couple of questions.. Do you really need it..? Would you use it...

you may be really tempted to get it.

but like most things, it will ware off.

No. Never. Wayyy too much.