Camcorders - I'm lost

[beatle]

My girlfriend wants to buy a camcorder, but I'm at a loss trying to guide her. Price is a big issue, but I'd be willing to wait if there is something worth the money. She picked up a Samsung Hi8 @ Sam's for $121. No LCD on it, which is a turnoff for me. I'm not sure of the model offhand. I'm planning on pulling the video off the camcorder and editing it on my computer. I already have an Asus TV tuner w/good mpeg2 capture. I'm trying to keep the price under $300 - under $200 would be great. I'm not opposed to buying a used unit if they hold up well. Is DV worth it? Does it copy straight over firewire? Are there other features that are "must haves?" Should I be asking this on another forum/site?

 

[deadseasquirrel]

DV is definitely worth it. And, yes, you should make sure it has a firewire connection if you're interested in pulling it over to your PC. And make sure you're running NTFS, cuz these files are gonna be big'ens.

Must haves for me were an image stabilizer. When you zoom-in a great distance without using the tripod, it looks like you let Katharine Hepburn film it (ooooh, is it still too soon?) if you don't have good image stabilization. Nightvision is good too. I also like a light that you can switch on or off. If you've ever tried to film children (not trying to give your g/f any hints!), they just plain freeze and focus on that light. Good audio pickup is a must as well. Lightwieght.

It really is one of those purchases that you need to play with before you buy. I recommend going up to your favorite retailer and playing around with some so you can see how they are. You don't wanna buy one you're not happy with because returns usually involve a nice, high restocking fee. Buying used can be scary because camcorders are known for having intermittent problems. Buy online only if you can get it at a VERY good price, with an extended warranty, and not havta jump thru hoops to return it.

I've got a jvc. It's good, but I'm sure there are better, and there are many things I am not happy with (it is, however, much better than the vhs-c I had before). But it is also out of her price range.

deadseasquirrel

 

[beatle]

Thanks for the info. I take it pulling the files from a DV cam doesn't require anything other than a firewire port? I'd still be able to pull video through the svideo port on a regular cam. Is quality the big deal with DV or is it just the convenience?

 

[deadseasquirrel]

Both. Although having an A/V connection on the camcorder makes it nice and easy to plug right into my Denon Receiver to watch the vids on the TV (whereas I had to get my adapter tape to put in the vhs-c into a vcr before). But mainly, it's the quality. I play the old tapes (3-4 yrs old) from the vhs-c and it is night-and-day compared to the mini DV.

And, yeah, all you need is a firewire port and some software.

 

[Sheriff]

Although I use another DV Camera, Just verifying what deadseasquirrel stated and their are some Manf. that use quality Lens (some Sharps uses Canons) and Low Lux is important for Darkshots. Forget about finding a1 that has quality stills esp in the low price range and holding it comfortably is a must although I usually use a Tripod.