Video Camera assistence please

[amdskip]

I'm replacing a 10 year old video camera with something newer. I need help choosing a camera. My dad races and we use the camera a lot for the racing. Some of this racing is in the dark so something good with dark is a plus.

VHS-C
8mm
Digital

What the benefits/cons of these formats. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[TNTrulez]

Digital is the standard.

 

[amdskip]

As in the most common?

 

[LethalWolfe]

Originally posted by: amdskip
As in the most common?

I don't have stats but it wouldn't surprise me. MiniDV (digital) is the way to go. It has the hightest image quality of any consumer format, and you can easily xfer video over Firewire to/from yer computer so you can make highlight reels and such of the races in a snap.


Lethal

 

[Muadib]

How much $$$$$ ya got?

 

[amdskip]

Originally posted by: Muadib
How much $$$$$ ya got?

$400 max I'm guessing

 

[bmacd]

Originally posted by: amdskip

Originally posted by: Muadib
How much $$$$$ ya got?

$400 max I'm guessing

you can get a good Hi-8 cam for that money...not sure about digital.

-=bmacd=-

 

[amdskip]

So whats the major differences between these formats?

 

[NutBucket]

You might be able to get a Canon ZR-40 or 45 for $400.

 

[KenGr]

You can probably squeak by with a basic DV camera for $400 but try to add a bit more to get something better. Definitely go digital. The resolution is 720 x 480 and most resolve close to 500 lines. The best Hi-8s won't do this. Plus, when you edit, you are already digital so you lose no quality in the copy to computer, special effects, transitions, titles etc. Analog is truly a dinosaur at this point.

I always recommend www.bhphotovideo.com. They've done well by me for 20 years.

 

[Muadib]

This site gives a decent breakdown of the formats. I agree that you need to save more cash though, and get something digital. I think Sony still has rebates on their TRV 18 & 27 models. Sears will pricematch online stores as long as the site shows the item in stock. Factor in the rebate, and you will have a great price.