OT: Help with Camcorder

[NealIsGod]

I want to get one for my son for Christmas but don't know much about them. He has a Hi-8 cam already, but says he wants one that uses DVDs. Can anyone here recommend features, models, etc.? He wants it mostly to film himself and his friends skateboarding.

[Melissa]

We have a Sony Handy Cam, takes those little mini-dvd's. Works great!

[whocares]

there's about 5 or 6 dvd capable corders out now, they're pretty much all the same, though lately in the last year or two, Sony hasn't been putting out the same quality that many expect of them. There are very little add-ons anymore, so pretty much anything will do.

[Abitaman]

Bought a Sony camcorder 8mm. Love it. Best camcorder I have ever had. I can take pictures on digital movies on to a memory stick or use the 8 mm tape option. rewind and fast forward are not really fast, but the extras on mine (special effects, and other things you can do) are great.
My sister in law has a JVC and I have used it and I am very unimpressed. Friend in Biloxi has a Sony DVD handycam which I used once. Seemed pretty good. but he seems to like mine better.
But stick with a name brand, which ever you do. My cost more, but seem to hold up better. If you want more info one one like I got I can post a link if you like-ERIC

[dcvader]

NIG, I saw this camcorder "Canon HV10 High-Definition Camcorder" at the APPLE store and played with it. It is sweet, records in HD. Perfect if you have an HD tv. Here's a link, sometimes linking to a Apple store page does not work right. If it does not, just go to store.apple.com and click Digital cameras.


http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=945A5CB0&nplm=TK798LL%2FA

[Arkansas]

Go for the Sony 405/505. I've got one and love it. It's got tons of great features and you don't have to mess around with tape. It's got widescreen (16:9) recording. And the monitor has touch controls, which is extremely handy. The mini-DVDs will play right on your DVD player or computer. This also makes it simpler to copy to hard drive or standard DVD. The DVDs are re-writable too, so you can just reformat after dumping them. You can also take 3 megapixel stills to the DVDs, or to a memory stick. Only drawback for the DVDs is that at normal resolution, they hold only about 30 mins, so if you're continously recording an event, you'll want to have a few blanks, and be ready swap them out. However, I've read that longer recording mini-DVDs are coming soon, as well as double-sided mini-DVDs.
I got a Bluetooth (wireless) mic with it which is nice to record specific audio from a distance (like your kid in the school program).
It's also got a 5.1 surround sound track that's nice to play with during editing.
The Carl Zeiss lens is very sharp, and it's got a decent zoom.

Uhm, if I were shopping all over again today, I'd look very seriously at the new camcorders with hard drives. JVC has one that holds about 30 gigs, which is a lot. Sony and other brands are beginning to hit the market with new hard drive models also.

Also, be prepared for a little sticker shock. They're not cheap. You can get a decent camcorder for $300-500. But a really nice one will run you $800+. Look for package deals too. A carrying case will run you 30 bucks extra. You'll definitely want a second battery. They never last as long as you think, and it seems that they crap out on you at all the wrong times...especially if you use the monitor screen. (It will run down your batt twice or more as fast.) I think it's a must to have a backup. Those can cost $50-100. A monopod or tripod is a must if you plan to record an entire event.

I could go on and on about my Sony. It's got night vision. The lcd screen is big and swivels every which way. It's got built in shock absorber, so the pic won't jump. It's got an 'easy' and 'advanced' recording, which means push a button & go, or, spec out every individual setting if you want to be picky. And one of the main nice things about it is that it literally fits into the palm of my hand.

Hope I haven't bored you too much...


later~

[whocares]

I totally agree with going for a newer hard drive based unit, as I'm sure you could use it like a removable storage unit. Transfer time would be MUCH quicker too.

Even though an extra battery or two is ra good idea, there are studies that show that using the LCD screen only takes about 10-20 minutes of extra battery life. That's not a lot for being able to actually see everything without squinting through an eye piece.

My old Sony Hi8 that's about 12+ years old has 16:9 recording which is odd considering there wasn't much use for it when it was new. Now it's perfect, these days.

[Arkansas]

The default batt that came with my Sony is rated at 2 hrs. On a full charge using the lcd screen for constant recording, I can get just a little over 1 hr of use. (I don't like using the eyepiece either.) So, if you want to record a full event like a ball game, or take it to the lake/camping/hiking, the batt may not make it. I've got a 7 hr Energizer (that I've never gotten 7 hrs out of!) that I use as primary and keep the oem batt as the backup. Also, I always try to run the batt completely down before recharging. I've read where that's supposed to be 'healthier' for it.

Also, using the zoom a lot seems to wear down the battery quicker too.


later~

[yak]

I want to get one for my son for Christmas but don't know much about them. He has a Hi-8 cam already, but says he wants one that uses DVDs. Can anyone here recommend features, models, etc.? He wants it mostly to film himself and his friends skateboarding.

Do some consumer reports-type research first, by checking on the internet, and get an idea of what's good and what's not; word of mouth (like you're doing now), and have an idea of what you want before you go to the store. Once you have a good idea, scan the sale circulars, because at this time of year you should find what you're looking for at a decent price. Do your research first, print it out and take it with you. If you're lucky enough to find a very knowledgeable salespersion to help you, all the better. Good luck with it.

[NealIsGod]

Thanks for the great advice everyone. I have one more favor to ask.

Can I borrow $900?

[Liam]

Thanks for the great advice everyone. I have one more favor to ask.

Can I borrow $900?

SURE...lemme contact my bank in the Caymans and I'll get that right out to ya.

[dcvader]

Thanks for the great advice everyone. I have one more favor to ask.

Can I borrow $900?

Check's in the mail