Digital Camcorders

[dezfan]

Well, after not owning a camcorder since the days whey they looked like I was working for the local NBC affiliate, I'm wanting to purchase a Digital Camcorder.


But the options are over whelming.

My wife wanted to purchase one that recorded directly to a DVD, but from what I have read, their record time and battery life are lacking.

I thought about a MiniDV recorder, but I'm not sure about how to transfer the images to a DVD that we could send our family's out West?

This is the unit that I was looking at.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0664022

Also the Hard Drive camera looks to have some good attributes as well. I think if we go that route, this is the model that is in our range.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0640322

So, let me hear your opinion and advice.

We are looking to spend around $500.00-$700.00 on a new camcorder.

Thanks!

 

[Thorsteenster]

after using an old analog tape camcorder at the GA scale comp, im looking at getting this one, its got a 40x optical zoom and some kind of night shot setting, should be cool for night runs.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/>IN...e=dcc_DICamcorders_HardDiskHandycamCamcorders

 

[Jeckler]

I've heard it's harder to edit video on a DVD cam. HDD or DV for me.

 

[Mechanicalbob]

I use the Sony DCR SR 100 Digital camera. I would recomed going with a Sony digital Camera I am very happy with mine. It has 21 hours of video time and I can take 12000 still pictures as well. The DCR SR 100 is about $1200 new with a some extra stuff here is a link to more information on this one http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000E1B29I?v=glance. The other one I was looking at before was the DCR SR 40 it come in at about $500 here is a link to it http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GT47I6/ref=dp_cp_ob_title_2/103-2499788-9721443

Any questions Just ask

Steve

 

[rcr3fan29]

I've had the JVC hard drive one since xmas '05. We love it and haven't had any problems with it. Easy transfer to pc with supplied software. I give it a "thumbsup" .

 

[smokinubyrc]

yeah i have a sony dvd handycam

taking vids is no problem converting them from.vob to mpeg or other video type files suck !

 

[Cloak]

I have my Sony DCR-SR80 and love it. Once you get the right software and don't load their crap up, you have no problems converting between formats and editing. I looked for a good long while. The only drawback is you don't have a viewfinder on this. You have to use the fold out screen.

60GB drive clocks in at 14 hours of high quality widescreen video.

 

[FrankyRizzo]

I've had the JVC hard drive one since xmas '05. We love it and haven't had any problems with it. Easy transfer to pc with supplied software. I give it a "thumbsup" .

I just got the 20 Gig drive version of that camera. Bought the display model for $375. Smoking deal normally $525. Came with a memory card, tripod, case etc. The ease of use blows me away. Transfering video to your PC is as easy as transfering pics from a digi cam. The instant playback is awesome as well. I am astouded by the quality of video and the stability feature.

"thumbsup""thumbsup" from me.

 

[skellyo]

I bought the Sony DCR-SR40 just before Christmas. It's stupid simple to use and very easy to DL videos to your PC for DVD burning or conversion to post on the web (conversion requires other software besides what is provided).

Heck, I'll even provide a sample clip from it (after MPEG-2 to WMV conversion and resolution cut in half during conversion):

http://www.skellyo.com/Keira/Keira_Dancing_011907.WMV

FWIW, that's my future crawler in the video. She's a bit too young to be crawling just yet (only 7 weeks old in that vid).

 

[dezfan]

Well, I think I found my camera!"thumbsup"

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-b2rccxpdGhm/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=121300&tab=review&i=257GZMG77#Tab

 

[FrankyRizzo]

You won't be disappointed.

I need to read my manual but my low light recordings are a bit dark. Maybe some mode I need to be in for it.

 

[dezfan]

That's what most of the reveiws said as well.

I guess I can live w/ it.:lol:

 

[Thorsteenster]

nice, i like crutchfield. theyr based in VA, ive been to one of theyr stores, good stuff and been around a long time.

 

[FrankyRizzo]

It has a build in light but it doesn't really do squat unless you want to do the Paris Hilton nighttime close up. If you know what I mean. :wink:

 

[Thorsteenster]

somthing like the close up in your avatar or closer?

 

[FrankyRizzo]

You almost have to be within a foot or two to get any kind of light on the subject.

 

[dezfan]

I don't plan on going any late night "filming" w/ it!:twisted:

I'm to ugly to be all over the net!:lol:

 

[FrankyRizzo]

Nice thing is you don't have to show your face.



As long as Capt. Winky looks fresh who cares.

 

[dezfan]

Nice thing is you don't have to show your face.



As long as Capt. Winky looks fresh who cares.

I could but a cape and a mask on Captain Winky for anonymity!:twisted:

 

[FrankyRizzo]

That would be halarious!!!


Where is BD when we need him. I derailed this thread without even trying.