Camcorder Suggestions

[TeckieB]

Hey, I've been looking into camcorders for a few months now, and my mom said she will buy me one for Christmas. I am thinking that the Digital8 format would be best for me because I can put it on Hi8 tapes and most Digital8 camcorders have outputs to computers. Are there any suggestions on why I should or should not get the Digital8, and If I shouldn't get the Digital8, what should I get?

[Yammeryammeryammer]

Hey,

I am a big fan of Digital8, and the only forseeable problem (as they are the same quality as MiniDV) is that eventually the camera companies will phase them out, and faster than the MiniDV. But this doesn't really matter, cause if you get one with a firewire port, it will make no difference what format the camera is recording in. Also they are generally 'backwards compatible' to Hi8 and 8mm tapes. But anyway, cameras to buy. I use Sony Digital8 and Canon MiniDV primarily, and for your money HandyCams have a lot of features and accessory options. You can find one for about $700.00 American.

[Actor]

Get a miniDV. If you look around you will find models that are less expensive than D8. MiniDV is going to be around a lot longer than D8 and if you get miniDV you avoid the inevitable problem of transferring D8 to miniDV later. Not that it's that hard but it's a pain.

D8 may the the same quality as miniDV as far as the video goes but I personally think that miniDV tends to be better quality mechanically, even in the low end models.

If you want a specific suggestion I recommend the Canon ZR-40, $500 at BHPhotoVideo last time I looked. BHP also sells a Samsung model for around $400 if funds are a problem.

As you go up in price the first thing you want to look for is an external mike jack, which neither of the above have. Try the Sony TRV-18 @ $630.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ October 28, 2002 04:44 PM: Message edited by: Actor ]</font>

[TeckieB]

Okay

So MiniDV is better quality, and I want to look for the external mike jack, got ya. Now, as for models, Which brand is more respectable, sony or canon? I know canon makes nice cameras but I haven't used one of their camcorders. As for sony I hear a lot of good reviews about their products.

[Actor]

Close call but I'd go with Canon.

BTW BHPhotoVideo has the Samsung SCD-67 for $380 and according to their web site it does have an external mike input. If BHP has not made a mistake on that point then at that price I'd say that camera deserves a closer look.

[Yammeryammeryammer]

Just for general info, the Canon cams generally have better (ie: more quiet) in camera noise than Sony cams. So if you plan to use your cam for other reasons other than carefully planned situations in which you have the time for the external mic, a Canon Eura or other model will give you consistantly good sound for a built in mic.

[emjen]

what about DV-in? Im going to get a minidv camera, but should i get one with Dv-in? I think its wise cuz i wont have to have many problems with transferring to vhs.

but i think ill be making vcd's anyways