Almost decided on a new camcorder

[Noobtastic]

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DCR...&qid=1197535467&sr=1-1


Questions:

1) I'm pretty certain this is compatible with Windows movie maker and apple editing programs, but I want to make sure. My previous Sony handicam refused to cooperate with WMM, and would only accept the s**ty included editing software.

2) Do minidv tapes only last 30 minutes?

3) What is the difference between firewire and USB - how does it affect performance?

4) I need recommendations for a tripod/stand. Nothing super fancy, just something that works and won't collapse and break my camera. $25 max.

5) If this camera really really really sucks, what do you guys recommend. ($350-450 budget).


6) Comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!! I've been researching for awhile so honest reassurance is nice!!!

 

[mruffin75]

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DCR...&qid=1197535467&sr=1-1


Questions:

1) I'm pretty certain this is compatible with Windows movie maker and apple editing programs, but I want to make sure. My previous Sony handicam refused to cooperate with WMM, and would only accept the s**ty included editing software.

I'd suggest using something else other than Windows Movie Maker.. if you're going to spend nearly $500 on a camera...see if you can squeeze in another $60 or so for Premiere Elements or something similar..

2) Do minidv tapes only last 30 minutes?

They're usually 60 minute.

3) What is the difference between firewire and USB - how does it affect performance?

Firewire is usually used by all mid-range and high-end cameras for transferring video..it's pretty much the accepted method for transferring video. I've seen some low-end camera's that use USB to transfer video..but I wouldn't recommend it...spend the extra $10-15 for a firewire card for your PC..

4) I need recommendations for a tripod/stand. Nothing super fancy, just something that works and won't collapse and break my camera. $25 max.

I'd suggest looking around somewhere like Amazon and reading the reviews.. such as this one.

5) If this camera really really really sucks, what do you guys recommend. ($350-450 budget).

I'd say it's not bad for that price range...you're not going to get something brilliant.. but to stay within your budget it's okay.

I'd just recommend some better editing software than Windows Movie Maker..

 

[Noobtastic]

I'd suggest using something else other than Windows Movie Maker.. if you're going to spend nearly $500 on a camera...see if you can squeeze in another $60 or so for Premiere Elements or something similar..

I intend on doing that LATER on but for now I need to know if this camera is compatible with WMM for sure.

I'd suggest looking around somewhere like Amazon and reading the reviews.. such as this one.
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I looked on amazon and found some nice ones but I'm not sure if they are compatible. Are all camcorders universal in relation to tripods?

I'd say it's not bad for that price range...you're not going to get something brilliant.. but to stay within your budget it's okay.

Not bad? I think $400 is a lot of money for a camcorder. XD I was looking at this Panasonic GS300 or GS320 and I heard the Sony was better.


THANKS FOR ANY RESPONSES!

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
1) I'm pretty certain this is compatible with Windows movie maker and apple editing programs, but I want to make sure. My previous Sony handicam refused to cooperate with WMM, and would only accept the s**ty included editing software.

Chances are that your old camera was VHS-C or 8mm. iLink is Firewire. WMM works with that and about nothing else.

2) Do minidv tapes only last 30 minutes?

60-63 minutes unless you switch it to LP mode. Don't recommend it. There are more expensive tapes that go longer, but stick with the 60s. More expesive cameras have a mode that the tape will be 40minutes long. Your's is not one of those.

3) What is the difference between firewire and USB - how does it affect performance?

USB sucks for streaming video and will not work with WMM. Firewire, firewire, firewire.

4) I need recommendations for a tripod/stand. Nothing super fancy, just something that works and won't collapse and break my camera. $25 max.

Cheap tripods are cheap tripods. When you get the budget, ask someone with one of those heavy expensive ones if you can see what it is like. You will not believe the difference. If you are not shooting live action all the time, you may not care.

5) If this camera really really really sucks, what do you guys recommend. ($350-450 budget).

Thank you for not asking for a less than $200 camera. The low-end Panasonic 3CCD camera is about the best low-end. This site has a ranking, but comparing 2007 to earlier is apples to oranges (like the Pannie 320 is lower than the Sony 96). http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ratings.php

I am only up on prosumer and HDV cameras, so where you are looking, I am not much help.

Yep, Adobe Premiere Elements, Vegas Movie, and Pinnacle Studio will give you more buck bang (Ulead too). WMM in Vista has added DVD production, but still is a little light on the features.

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: gsellis

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
1) I'm pretty certain this is compatible with Windows movie maker and apple editing programs, but I want to make sure. My previous Sony handicam refused to cooperate with WMM, and would only accept the s**ty included editing software.

Chances are that your old camera was VHS-C or 8mm. iLink is Firewire. WMM works with that and about nothing else.

Actually, it was ~$1,000 Sony DVD handicam.


I'm having difficulties finding a compatible firewire cable on amazon. Could you perhaps link me one?!

 

[mruffin75]

You'll need to see what kind of Firewire connector is on your PC. (do you even have a firewire connector on your PC?)

This one should do:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F...&qid=1197986371&sr=8-1

Not the cheapest...but really any brand/non-brand should be fine...

And $400 is nothing for a camcorder...barely above the cheapest...even the $3,000 HDV cameras are still considered "consumer".


As for tripods...there's a scew mount in the bottom of the camcorder which the attachment for the tripod screws into. Virtually any tripod in your price range would fit.