Mini DV Camcorder

[trials_uni]

Ive decided to buy a video camera and I was cruising around the web and i found This one and i wanted to kno what you guys thought.

I dont kno who knos what about video cameras(except Brian) but any pros or cons that you might kno would be excellent.

Im looking to spend between the $400-$500 CAD range if you guys have any other suggestions.

Thanks
-Phil

[irvinegr]

well from i think that after you buy the camera you have so spend atleast an other 100$... (i do/nt own one just going by what people told me).... you need to buy a firewire card, firewire cable, and Mini DV tapes.... so if u spend get that one u had a link for, i am guessing it would cost $550 with taxes and everything........ again i am pritty sure this is true but not 100%.. anyone else know about this??

[patmoore]

That particular one seems to be lacking some basic stuff - storage card for still shots (not a problem if you have a digital still camera too), transfer cables, software, etc.

I have a JVC model that I bought five years ago for $1000. A comparable one today is probably half that. If you can afford it, look for one with optical zoom, a freature I wish I had.

Good luck.

[irvinegr]

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0057454&catid=


this one look way better. same price.

[trials_uni]

That one is on sale now...i dotnt have money now...im looking for one that i can buy for the same price or cheaper in a month ro so.

[johnfoss]

I was going to warn you about buying a camera with no optical zoom, but your link says 30X optical. No problem. The thing to avoid (or just not use) is digital zoom.

It's amazing what you can get for $399 in a video camera these days. I helped buy one for my wife's company in 1999 and it was about $1800. It probably had a few more features, and it worked great, but the drop in prices has been amazing. For a camera for myself, I would be concerned about optical quality (lens sharpness), low-light capability, focusing capability and color-correctness. Don't expect any of those to be top-notch in your price range, but look out for cameras that are especially weak in any of those areas.

Also I would recommend a wide angle lens attachment if you plan to use it for filming unicycing. Watch some of Jess Riegel's videos (www.unicyclejester.com) for examples. We got one with our Sony in '99, and I used it a lot when we went to China in 2000. You will need a firewire cable if you don't have one (be sure to get the right # of pins on each end), and of course a box of blank tapes. Are all video cameras still firewire, or are some moving to USB 2.0? The one you linked to is firewire (IEEE 1394), so your computer will also need firewire capability. If you don't have it, a PCI firewire card will cost another few bucks.

[trials_uni]

Ok thanks John

[smcmorrow]

Sony cameras are good. The Handycam is what I have, it was about $300 american on sale.

[BoojiBoy]

Yeah as far as lens quality and low-light performance, sony is one of the best. They're a little proprietory, like the analog a/v cables to plug it in to your tv might have a crazy non-standard connection to the camera. So even though they're good, I prefer Canon. The Elura series is great, I have an Optura. Sony and Canon are the ones to go with if you're looking for quality. If you're looking for value, just a cheap, easy to use, but still has decent picture, Panasonic makes some good ones. Firewire to transfer video to your computer is always sold seperately.

Hope that helps.

[evil-nick]

Remember, unless it's an Apple product, it's IE1394 "Firewire" is an Apple trademark

[MuniAddict]

Well, after a LOT of checking around, I've decided on a new Mini dv camcorder. I wanted a 3 ccd camera, and there's really only ONE out there for under $400, which is a very good price.

I also wanted something small, that comes with a remote, has decent still-shot capabilty, and firewire, which is great because you can control the camera functions via your editing program, which in my case is MM. Here's a review:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_PV...-32330317.html

[johnfoss]

Wow, still amazing what you can get for the price. Now 3 ccd's are under $500! Next you'll want HD...

[Brian MacKenzie]

Originally Posted by MuniAddict

Well, after a LOT of checking around, I've decided on a new Mini dv camcorder. ... Here's a review:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_PV...-32330317.html

i think that is a newer version of what i filmed TWNR with, you will happy with the colour quality i'm sure.

whatever it's flaws are, you certainly can't complain about them at that price

[MuniAddict]

This seems to be the best of all worlds for price, features, size and ease of use. It will even convert old analog video from your VCR into digital format avi!

It takes decent stills, has a remote, a light for night shooting, wide screen lcd, 25X optical zoom, and all in a very small size case for well under $300.

This was the top of the line ZR series for 2006, and is rated better than the higher priced ZR830-850. This is what I'm getting! Here's some info: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...der-Review.htm