Digital Video Camera advice

[DaLeroy]

Hey guys

Wondering if you Digital Camcorder guru's can give me some advice.

I'm looking for a miniDV camera, in the $700ish range (That's US dollars, $1400 AUS - Where I live). I realise the models are somewhat different in the US, but there are normally similar models. I've looked at a few, the Sony TRV-15 and the Panasonic NV-DS28/38. Any recommendations on good brands? From what I've seen, these two brands are the way to go. Is this the case? I've noticed most have 10x Optical zoom. Is this enough, or should I be looking at a higher 'zoomage' capability? I will be using it mainly for holidays etc.

Things that are important to me are: Colour Screen (all have this I think), Night shot would be nice, USB support, memory card, size isn't really important, they are all pretty small anyway. ability to take photo's. Progressive scan would be nice, I've noticed the Panasonics have it, not sure about the Sony.

Any ideas? What camcorders have you guys got? Anything you dislike about them? Any info muchly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[pulse8]

Sony and Canon are usually good brands.

They won't come with USB support, though. They will come with Firewire support.

 

[LethalWolfe]

FYI: Still photos taken w/a digital camcorder are going to be low quality (as compared to stills take from digital still camera). Also, IIRC, progressive scan on cameras in the price range you are looking at isn't very good.

10x optical zoom should be fine, and the "digital zoom" is all but useless so never let digital zoom factor into your decission making.

Check out c|net.com, they have pretty good reviews of cameras and it's a good place to start IMO.


Lethal

 

[DaLeroy]

<< Sony and Canon are usually good brands.

They won't come with USB support, though. They will come with Firewire support. >>




The USB support is for transferring photo's onto the PC.

So the Progressive scan is basically a gimmick and not much use on a low end camera?

 

[LethalWolfe]

<< So the Progressive scan is basically a gimmick and not much use on a low end camera? >>



If my memory serves me correctly yes (I read an article a few months ago so I'm lil' sketchy on the details). I'm pretty sure on low end cameras they "cheat" w/the prog scan. If you want I'll go into detail, but I warn you... that will get technical and ugly. Even on Canon's GL1 (which is 'bout a $2000 US camera) the prog scan isn't very good.


Lethal