what's the best digital camcorder in a 500 to 600dollar range

[LordGorzul]

what camcorder would you recommend, for about 5 to 600 bucks range

thanks

lg

 

[Pikachu]

Sony TRV520, Sears #05758890000 $699.88
Have Sears price match Shop4Digital.Com $628.00 Just print that page and take it to Sears. It's more than you wanted to spend, but worth every penny! If you don't like it, return it to Sears.

It's got the digital format laid down on cheap 8mm tapes. Beautiful 3-1/2" LCD, Steady Shot, Night Shot and tons more. The zoom is perfect all the way out. BUY IT!

 

[LordGorzul]

thanks
how does it compare with the jvc dvl500u one

as far as the resolution i think the JVC has a higher one, also does it have firewire connection and so on.

and by the way whats the difference between digital 8 and mini dv
and you said it goes on tapes, does it have a flash card as well or not

thanks

lg

 

[LordGorzul]

and is it better than Canon ZR20 MiniDV Camcorder

 

[Pikachu]

Sony DCR-TRV520 Digital 8 camcorder with Memory Stick

• Bigger is better when it comes to viewscreens! Sony's DCR-TRV520 has a 3-1/2" color viewscreen ? nearly twice the size of a 2-1/2"! That means that you can keep an eye on every detail you shoot, and if a video goes wrong, you'll know right away and can re-shoot.
  
  The DCR-TRV520 is packed with "worry-free" Sony features that make your videos look better (like SteadyShot image stabilizing), or make them easier to enjoy (like Super LaserLink wireless playback compatibility). You can count on the DCR-TRV520 to have the power to perform when you need it, thanks to its power-sipping design and Accupower? on-screen battery meter ? accurate to within one minute!
  
  In addition to outstanding camcorder performance and features, the DCR-TRV520 offers a digital still camera mode ? it's an all-in-one solution for those of us who always seem to have the camcorder when we want to take a picture, and vice versa. Save high-quality still images to the supplied removable Memory Stick and transfer them to a PC with the included serial connector.
  
  • Key Features:
    
    Digital 8 record/play, Hi8/8mm play only
    Digital still camera mode
    4MB Memory Stick
    460,000-pixel CCD
    3-1/2" color viewscreen
    black-and-white viewfinder
    PCM stereo digital audio (12-bit or 16-bit)
    variable-speed 25X optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 450X)
    SteadyShot
    Super NightShot with 2-stage Slow Shutter
    i.LINK digital A/V jack (IEEE 1394 compatible)
    A/V input/output, including S-video
    Super LaserLink-compatible
    auto and manual focus
    14 picture effects (6 digital)
    End Search
    LANC jack
    4-5/8"W x 4-1/4"H x 8-7/8"D
    warranty: 1 year parts, 90 days labor

 

[LordGorzul]

cool
let me ask you this, is there firewire, what kind of connection to the pc
and did you get a bigger memeory stick, as in with more memory
and finally how long does the battery last is it decent

thanks

 

[LukFilm]

Hehe, I was just going to recommend Sony TRV520 as well!!! It's a great camcorder, Digital8 format, you'll love it.

 

[Andy22]

IEEE 1394 IS Firewire. The only thing you will need for your computer is a firewire card and there are a ton to choose from. I ended up going with Studio DV which is really a great software package that comes with a firewire card.

 

[LordGorzul]

ok cool sounds good
tell me this tho should i get extra memory with it, 4mb doesnt souind like much even my digital cam has 32mb
also how long does the baterry last, should i get extra ones

\thanks

 

[XMan]

Do these camcorders save to video tape or memory?

4MB doesn't seem like a lot. Can you transfer from video tape to PC via FireWire?

 

[Andy22]

The memory stick is ONLY for capturing still pictures which most of the Sony digital video cameras models have as a feature. However the quality of the stills is lacking from what I have read. The video is saved to a Digital 8 tape and yes you can transfer the video to the PC via a firewire card.

Be prepared to have a BIG HD if you plan on doing this though as the video files are pretty massive.

 

[JohnnyKnoxville]

I have a Canon ZR-10 myself ,and the music video I just made of my trip to the Grand Canyon came out great.The resolution is almost scary for just a consumer camcorder.Whatever you do get the Mini-DV format.

 

[Katana]

You can find a review of the Sony here. It's looks to be a great camcorder and the price of the tapes is a lot cheaper than the MiniDV tapes.

btw-Abe's of Maine has some great prices on camcorders, I'm not sure if they have that Sony though

 

[Huma]

canons are great for consumer DV cams. highly recommended very often in Dv newsgroups.

 

[Pikachu]

Go price the difference between mini DV tape and 8mm, then tell me if you think it's worth it. Plus being backward compatible with 8mm and Hi-8 is another plus.

DIGITAL8 vs DV: A New Camcorder Alternative
Mickey Mac

• ? Sony consumer cameras are generally fine products
  ? Digital8 is the identical video signal as DV (comparible image quality)
  ? It is MUCH easier and MUCH less expensive to find a tape when you need one at the last minute - (remember I am talking about consumer use)
  ? There are MANY excellent features, including:
  ? Zoom Microphone - Low-light/no light capabilities
  ? FANTASTIC battery performance - IR wireless beaming of audio & video to TV or VCR
  ? EXCELLENT image stabilization
  ? Large LCD monitor and viewfinder
  ? 20X optical zoom & 360X optical/electronic zoom
  ? Excellent ergonomics
  ? Many fine accessories
  ? Same firewire connector and controls as DV
  
  In addition, these camcorders are fully backward compatible with Hi8 and 8mm analog tapes; and perhaps more importantly, I'm told that they can also handle an analog input (such as a VHS deck) so that you can digitize your VHS tapes for non-linear editing by using this camera. That's something that few DV camcorders can do.

The Lithium Ion batteries are expensive, but outstanding. The one that comes with the TRV520 will suffice for normal shooting, but you should have a backup. $90.00 can get you one that will hold up for 6 hours of actual use! They can be recharged at any time without fear of battery memory etc. too.

That TRV520 may be out of stock or discontinued at Sears. I can't speak for the replacement TRV530, but can recommend the 520 without hesitation. Do try for the Sears price match no matter which one you go for. It's a lot easier to return a camcorder at your local Sears than a mail order or camera shop. Not that you'll want to, but it's very nice to have that option.