[Cialug] OT: camcorder

[Claus]

A month ago or so I purchased a camcorder as well.  I picked the Sony 
DCR-HC28 which runs around $250.  Keep in mind that camcorders come with 
small batteries, so I had to spend another $50 on a second battery 
(NPFH70) which has about 3 times the capacity.  I'm quite happy with 
that camera.  The only bad thing is the build in microphone. If you use 
it outside and there is a bit of wind then the wind will be very loud 
(like a hurricane) and nothing else can be heard.  I think attaching 
some blinds or foam to deflect the wind from the mic would help.

I choose MiniDV over DVDs and HD.  HD have limited recording time and 
then you are stuck until you download the video.  DVDs are cumbersome 
and what's the point if you cut the video on the computer anyway.  I 
also heard that the video quality with MiniDV tapes are better than 
DVDs.  Make sure though that you have a decent and easy to use video 
editor.  I use Nero Vision so far.  I also have Pinnacle Studio but need 
to use it with the camcorder first before giving my opinion about it. 
So calculate that cost into your purchasing decision, too.

Skip the camera bag.  For $250 just carry the camcorder in your hand 
(it's small enough) and keep it ready to use.

BTW, don't bother with still features on a camcorder.  Either take 
stills with a real camera or take videos.  You can't do both at the same 
time anyway.

Have a nice weekend,
   Claus

On 6/29/2007 12:28 PM, jaybabel at mchsi.com wrote:
> I bought a Panasonic Mini-DV model for around $500 from Best Buy to replace my aging Canon.  The new camcorder has 3 CCDs as opposed to 1 and the color is noticeably better.
> 
> Audio is not great but generally acceptable for family videos.  It seems most manufacturers are eliminating the external audio input jack on models in this price range.  Unfortunate.
> 
> After a lot of research I think Mini-DV is still preferable to DVD in terms of reliability and I'm a little leary of an HDD in a camcorder.  I have a DVD player/recorder so I can burn directly to DVD without turning on a computer which is convenient but either way, I'd stick with Mini-DV for now.
> 
> One other thing, the flash memory cards aren't usually included anymore.  I haven't found them to be particularly useful anyway.
> 
> I was happy with the Canon and I really like the Panasonic.
> 
> Jay
> 
> -------------- Original message from "Nathan C. Smith" <nathan.smith at ipmvs.com>: -------------- 
> 
> 
>>> Best Buy has several models that use hard disk or flash media. Also, I 
>>> don't mind the DV format. Any opinions on models I should consider or 
>>> avoid? 
>>>
>>>
>> I've been wondering about those really cheap models from AipTek and the 
>> like. We have a Sony Hi-8 that I do capture the video from (not very 
>> convenient) and occasionally do something with it. My gripe is always the 
>> sound. Can't hear a blessed thing without turning up the sound - usually 
>> both digitally and during playback. Sound wasn't so important when the kids 
>> were younger though. 
>>
>> A cheap digital would probably trade convenience for fidelity, but who 
>> knows? I'm keenly interested in the experiences of others as well. 
>>
>> -Nate 
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