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Digital camcorder suggestions?

G

ginfest

Golden Member
I'd like to buy my wife a digital camcorder for Christmas and am looking for suggestions. I see different formats are available (mini dvd, etc), what's best?
Hopefully under $500.00 and want to know what features to look for and why those features are needed, etc.
I plan on getting a Firewire card to transfer the movies to PC for editing and eventually burning to DVD.
Tips on the whole setup welcome.
TIA,
Mike G
 
The most popular digital format is miniDV (not DVD!) which uses very small form factor tapes. Digital8 is also digital, but it uses the older style larger tapes. Both use firewire to transfer to a computer. The lowest end miniDV cameras are around $500, but you can get a really good one for less than $1000. Digital8 cost somewhat less. Your best bet is to do a search for camera reviews on google.
 
Definitely go with Mini DV, especially if you want to do desktop video editing down the road. You're better off buying the best camera you can afford. Plan on spending about $850. Seriously, if you get something less, you'll get poorer video and fewer options. I bought a cheap video camera starting out and had to sell it in a year to get the features I really wanted in the first place.

Sony Camcorders are great. Cannon, JVC and Panasonic also have some good models. Main things to consider are lens quality (Sony and Cannon are best), then, size of pixels, low light lux rating, etc. Many new camcorders have 1/6" CCD and lower grade lens. That's what you get for $500. You'll get a more defined and better pic with a cam with a 1/4" CCD. One nice feature Sony's and some other new cams have is an "Info-Lithium" battery. It's like a battery fuel gauge that allows you to see exactly how much battery life you have left while shooting and recharging. That's a great feature. After you buy your camcorder, do yourself a favor and buy a circular polarizing filter for vastly improved outdoor shooting. Best place to ask questions is www.DV.com. Great place to get an outstanding online deal (with a very reputable store) is www.b&hphotovideo.com. Check out both of these places and you'll learn a lot more about camcorders and get a great deal. Good luck.

Greenwald
 
I got the sharp vlnz100u for $400. I think it is a very good camera. Sure it's the not latest and greatest but I didn't really have $800-1000 to blow. If you have $1000 get a sony with a carl zeiss lens, those are the best right now imho. The indoor on my dv is a bit grainy, but I kind of like it, gives some character. It is MORE than enough for filming family outings and special moments. I bought a firewire card and cable from compgeeks for $18 which was a very good deal. For editing I use pinnacle studio 8 which can be had on kazaa or at fry's for like $20 after rebates. I might use the $500 i saved on an expensive camera to get a new 32" flat screen tv 🙂 Once again I will reiterate that depending on your personal needs a $400 dv camera can be more than adequate for you. The more features a camera has the harder it is for our wives to operate. My camera has a huge LCD and like 3 buttons on it, that's it!!! My wife can use it with ease even though she is not technologically savvy.
 
Thanks all for the replies.
Decided on the Canon ZR-50, it's list price $899.00 on the Canon site but is avail at $5xx.00 at places like BH on the web.
I originally was going to go Sony after reading about all the features like Image Stabilization and low-light shooting, color viewfinder etc, but the Canon has these and I like the fact that it has a "hot-shoe" for adding light and also can connect a boom-mike to it.
My $500.00 price went out the window as I added an extra battery and charger, UV lens filter, case, etc.
Mike G
 
I had a Canon ZR30MC and loved it, but it went belly up on me after about 14 months (eating tapes, etc...), make sure you get an extended warranty no matter what brand you buy. Onecall.com should have a good price on the ZR50 and has very reasonable extended warranties and cheap overnight shipping, their web site seems to be down right now though.... I bought my Sony DCR-120BT from them, they seem to be pretty reputable and were a Sony Authorized dealer, even called me the day after delivery to make sure everything was working ok.

Also, you can fit that camera in a fanny pack - I picked up a nice one at Wilson's Leather - makes it very convenient to carry. Have fun with your new toy.
 
Mini-DV tapes are 60 minutes. Can be had fairly cheap at Costco, I think around $4-$5 each. Can be had cheaper online.
 
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