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Best Digital Video Camera Under $1000

apoppin

apoppin

Lifer
I have determined that my next toy will be a Digital Video Camera (so as to directly edit my home videos on my PC). I did post in Video but would like a wider General Hardware response ("Search" turned up very little info).

Size is not crucial. Neither is analog-in as I will be starting fresh (my last motion picture camera was Super 8 😱 ).

I want the best bang for the buck and have a limited budget (not top of the line - as far under $1000 as possible).

Of course, any suggestions as to specific models - rants and raves - are appreciated. Also, any web site links that helped you make your own decision.



 
I am totally amazed that I have no replies here.

Am I in the right forum? Or else, no one has any opinions on DVCs???
 
You can pick up a Canon optura pi for around 1000. I prefer sony myself. Stay away from JVC if you plan to edit with your computer.
 


<< Stay away from JVC if you plan to edit with your computer. >>



Thanks. This is one kind of reply I am looking for - Opinionated 🙂

Why stay away from JVC? I am planning to edit with my computer. What does JVC do that makes CPU editing more difficult?

BTW, I am tenatively looking for something like the Cannon ZR10 ($500-600). Entry level but a decent picture (I understand that picture quality is the weakest part of the ZR10). Something better for not much more $$$???
 


<< Am I in the right forum? >>



no, not really. last i heard, my requests for an electronics forum went unanswered. or an astounding NO.

--

i will warn you now about abes of maine. they are fishy ONLINE retailers. i here the actual B&amp;M is a better bet.

--

the canon or sony ones have always attracted me =)
 
a note about fishy online stores.

some will ask you to call them to confirm the order. the salesmen will harass you to buy accessories for that camera. if you decline, the camera somehow becomes out of stock.
 
JVC has a history of compatability problems with firewire connections. They are supposed to be corrected very recently. Their products are also somewhat flimsy. Also, stay away from those really fishy stores. I recently bought a Sony TRV900 from JandR (authorized dealer), then price matched those brooklyn stores. Before I went with JandR, I placed orders at two stores in Brooklyn, both gave me the run around. After 2 weeks, I cancelled my orders (had to threaten them with credit card company).

My brother in law has the Elura MC. You'll find them advertised for around $900 at the Brooklyn stores. Do yourself a favor, buy at a legit place, and have Amex Blue pricematch them. Also, try the Elura out before you buy. There is a definite down side to buying a camcorder that is too small, and of the vertical format. These are light, but are real hard to hold and real hard to hold still. A sony trv-30 or so is reasonably small, and has a horizontal format. Horizontal cameras also tend to have better picture qualities as well (probably due to better optics)
 
Turboprice.com or Dbuys.com, They have Sony DCR-TRV530, or 730, or 830 that are under your price. I purchased a Digital video for $607 from Dbuys.com (Sony digital video camcorder DCR-TRV530).
 


<< no, not really. last i heard, my requests for an electronics forum went unanswered. or an astounding NO. >>



Perhaps i should try OT. 😀

Last I heard, DVCs should fall under general hardware. I don't want to be highly technical either. j/k

Anyway, thanks for your replys. I am really surprised about JVC as they have a good reputation with other electronics.

So it seems to be between Sony and Cannon. I actually prefer a slightly larger camera due to the ability to hold it more steady.
 
i acutally am in the same boat as you, new toy will be digital video camera, and i just thought of it today!

thanks for the post
 
I think DVCs are THE camcorder to get. Superior technology that will be here for awhile.

It's just that my credit card may not stand the strain. That's why i am looking for best bang for the buck.
 
I have a Sony TRV730 Digital-8 that is a great camera for the money. The only drawback is the size which you say doesn't matter to you. It uses 8mm tapes which are considerably cheaper than miniDV tapes if you plan to do a lot of recording.

I also have a JVC DVM70u miniDV camera which I like a lot. I've had no problems using it with a Pinnacle Systems StudioDV firewire card. Because it' so small I take it with me more than the Sony.

Both take suberb quality video IMHO. Both are well under $1000. Also, I bought the TRV730 from Vanns.com which is one of the better places to buy camcorders online. For Sony products you can get a better price than their website price by calling them. I believe this is because they really are an authorized Sony store, most camcorder dealers aren't.

For information I'd go to groups.google.com and do a search for the model your interested in. ie, trv730.

 
Have you looked at Panasonic? I recently I bought a Panasonic and I am very happy with it. Its very easy to use. And PC editing is a breeze.
 


<< Have you looked at Panasonic? >>


I am looking at all DVCs. Which model did you get and how much did you pay?
 
I second the Panasonic vote.

When I bought, I got a borrowed a Sony model from a friend and bought a Panasonic model. After close comparision, I stayed with the Panasonic. It was $200 cheaper, had an IR Filer (Sony did not) and I couldnt for the life of me tell the difference in vid quality.
 
try the sony cybershot line

or the maveric line

digicams are less cams than computers so most of the best srl makers haven't gotten around to making them
 
No.

Now that I am comparing features, picture quality, etc., I will start to shop for &quot;best deal&quot;. I am not in a big hurry, but if I found a really nice DVC at a good price, I probably wouldn't hesitate to buy right now.
 
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