Advice on Camcorders?

dmc27 · 05-13-2008, 11:33 AM

I'm looking into buying a camcorder and need some input on the many, many options. I just need something simple for family outings and, of course, the occasional 8 meet.

I've never heard anyone complain about Canon, and the Canon camera I have is great so I started there. The budget is tight, so I'm looking at the options in the $200-400 range.

I want to be able to transfer vids to my PC, but never used mini DV. Is it a simple method for downloading to PC? There are camcorder options that use memory card, too. Which is better, or does it even matter?

Zoom ratio is 35x - 48x on most. My guess is that's fine for what I need, but any thoughts/experiences will be appreciated.

Thanks!

dmc

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Ross_Dawg · 05-13-2008, 11:59 AM

I recently bought this cam and have had no complaints thus far... the only problem is that you have to buy the SD card seperatly, which could run you up another hundo depending on how big the one you want is (8GB).

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1201307507675

Also it is super easy to download to PC/Mac, i have a slot in my computer for an SD card so I just plug it right in, but there is also a cord you just hook up to the cam + PC

Jedi54 · 05-13-2008, 12:30 PM

dmc is now gonna make 'home videos'?!

you ANIMAL, you!

dmc27 · 05-13-2008, 12:31 PM

Cool. That was one of the models I was looking at. Thanks Ross_Dawg.

dmc27 · 05-13-2008, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jedi54

dmc is now gonna make 'home videos'?!

you ANIMAL, you!

I'm already shopping for a night vision lens. be afwaid, be very afwaid.

dmc27 · 05-14-2008, 12:40 PM

bump

Anymore?

I assume it's a case of "just buy one - there's not much difference."?? lol.

OnRails · 05-14-2008, 12:46 PM

I bought a Sony like this one :

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1196470790863

Uses the Mini-Dv tapes. Hooks up to the computer with a firewire cable so you would need a firewire port on your PC or Mac.

I use Windows XP and it works great with it. I bought it mainly for track day events which is why I went with a cheaper one that used tapes. I have no complaints so far other than it has no hookup for an external mic.