New Camcorder Wanted

[Carbo]

My old Sony Hi8 camcorder up and died on me, after about eight years of reliable service, (model CCD-TRV65). It can probably be repaired, but at a cost of at least $200, according to Sony. I don't think it's worth it. Which leaves me in the lurch for a new toy.....not a bad thing, by the way.
Having been out of the market all these years, what's new and terrific these days? I'm in the dark about the latest and greatest technology. What's in, what's out, etc.?

 

[mugs]

Sony's Digital8 cameras bridge the gap between DV and 8MM. They use 8MM tapes but record in DV. You can also use them to transfrer your old 8MM videos to your computer with firewire. I don't think the quality of a Digital8 recording is as good as straight DV though.

I have a Canon Elura 90, which I like a lot. My only complaint is that the night shoot mode is not nearly as good as Sony's. I wouldn't use it for recording at night at all, whereas Sony cameras are great for night recording.

Dell has 25% off Canon cameras right now with a coupon code you can get from the link in my sig.

Also, pick up a second battery. I think most DV cameras come with a battery that'll only last about an hour. I got a second 2 hour aftermarket battery for less than the cost of a Canon 1 hour battery (they're actually rated in mAH, but those are good estimates of the runtime)

And for DV tapes, Costco has the best prices I've found. I picked up an 8 pack for $22. Normally $4-5 apiece in other stores.

 

[gsellis]

Mugs has good advice. New hotness is the CMOS cameras like the Canon Optura 60 and the new Sony HDV cameras. All are miniDV format.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: gsellis
Mugs has good advice. New hotness is the CMOS cameras like the Canon Optura 60 and the new Sony HDV cameras. All are miniDV format.

So these record without a tape? Sorry I am ignorant when it comes to camcorders but plan on getting my wife one for Christmas so I am pretty much in the same boat as Carbo. I got to think that record times for tapeless ones (if there is such a thing) have to be pretty short.

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: Linflas

Originally posted by: gsellis
Mugs has good advice. New hotness is the CMOS cameras like the Canon Optura 60 and the new Sony HDV cameras. All are miniDV format.

So these record without a tape? Sorry I am ignorant when it comes to camcorders but plan on getting my wife one for Christmas so I am pretty much in the same boat as Carbo. I got to think that record times for tapeless ones (if there is such a thing) have to be pretty short.

No, MiniDV is the tape format. The "tapeless" ones are those that use DVD or P2 memory cards. DVD is ok, but if you want to edit it, you will lose quality later. P2 memory cards are used in a new Panasonic HD camera that will be about $10k with the cards and an 8GB card is about 20 minutes of HD video.

Depends on what you want to spend. The Optura is about $700. The Sony is about $2k. The Optura 60 is a good form-factor and not too big. There are smaller units, which might be what you want. I am not the go-to guy for consumer cameras

 

[RossMAN]

Dell.com has (or had) 25% off Canon camcorders

$899 - 25% off = $674.25

 

[gsellis]

RossMan, if you were quoting a 60, B&H Photo Video has it for less...

Canon Optura 60 Mini DV Camcorder, 2 Mega Pixel CCD, 14 x Optical / 280 x Digital Zoom, Color Viewfinder, 2.5" LCD Monitor that you requested is $649.95

They are about the best e-tailer around too.