What video camera would you guys recommend?

[PushHands]

My friend is looking to purchase a video camera. I haven't have the slightest idea what the current market is. My last experience with a video camera was a Sony one that my dad bought 4-5 years ago. It was top of the line at the time and wasn't digital. I'm not even sure if they make digital video cameras today (which I think exists).

Her budget is $300 - $400 and we need a reputable dealer. Her graduate is on the 24th so she needs to make a decision pretty soon. Ultimately, she needs to be able to put it on some sort of media, preferably VHS, because the graducation recording will be viewed by an older person who's pretty much only familiar with VCRs.

I figured most if not all has an output the video recording directly to the TV, which then the VCR could record.

So what do you guys think?

 

[conjur]

Try here

JVC GR DVL720 looks good.

Or the Canon ZR30MC

 

[Ornery]

That's a LOW budget there. Personally, I'll be going for the Digital8 series for backward compatability with my tons of old Hi-8 tapes. Digital8 is equal to Mini DV in quality, yet uses far cheaper, more durable 8mm tapes to record on.

I'd tell your friend to cough up a few more bucks to get the larger LCD. I think it's about a $100.00 bump up, and well worth it. Not only for veiwing scenes you've shot, but it makes it a LOT easier while shooting too. An additional InfoLithium battery is a must, too.

 

[PushHands]

Got any ideas for a reputable dealer?

 

[Ornery]

Try Sears and see if they'll price match online retailers. They used to do it, but have clamped down recently. They'll at least match Best Buy, Circuit City et al. It's easy enough to return there if the camera doesn't suit you.

 

[RossMAN]

Every few weeks Best Buy mails out 10% customer appreciation coupons, those come in real handy.

 

[tkdkid]

Buy the most expensive camera you can get, film the graduation, then return it.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Fry's has a Sharp miniDV cam for $250 after a $100 rebate.
Not a bad camera, i played around with it and it was sturdy and had a rich feature set.

 

[Pilsnerpete]

1

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: Pilsnerpete
1

you workin on getting banned or something?

 

[Pilsnerpete]

Just making the info more accessible.&:beer: