The aforementioned identical thread: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=2955139;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread I'm trying to make the same decision, having done 1000 jumps with aging PC3 & PC5. I was disapointed to see Sony's MiniDV have dropped some good features; -external microphone jack -manual focus ring -LANC plug I also think the docking station would be a pain, I like to exchange footage after a jump & on my old PCs could dub without taking the camera off the helmet. Sony's HD cameras can record MiniDV & 4:3 if you like that stuff, and give you more of the semi-pro features, at half the price of what a PC3 was worth eight years ago. - the pain for me is I would have to modify my helmet ot top mount, & change frightens me :P The only advantage I can see for the HC96, is that you can dub composite video from your old VHSs through it. Is this worth the extra price? ...I do have a lot of old VHS. Both the HC48 & 96 use a docking station, so I would be tempted to suggest as a budget 1st camera, to go with the HC38. - What is it with Skydivers & Sony though? Pandemonium on Youtube
