Video Camera Recommendations

I need a new video camera! The transport system on my mini-DV camcorder is trashed, and they wanted almost $300 to repair. I figure I can get a new one for just a bit more.

Here are some specs I'd like to maintain: Firewire connectivity, USB possibly. Mini DV tapes if possible to avoid losing access to the many tapes I have already, although if there was an alternate method of access to the tapes, I would consider a different type of storage media. I would like stereo sound if possible, with some sort of method to mute the sound input if possible. 20-30x optical zoom. I don't care about digital zoom because that's not something I ever use, as it degrades image quality. Physical size of the camera unit is not a critical issue. A remote control would be nice. I would like to avoid JVC, because the camera I have is a JVC, and this is the 2nd time I've had head problems.

Just to keep it on-topic, I plan to use it at Cedar Point! I used the JVC to get the Magnum footage I used in my video last winter.

Next trip to CP, July 19, 20, 21. Is Maggie behaving? Last time I rode up the hill, I had to walk back down. I'd like to complete the ride when I start it. I'm funny that way!

All I can say is start looking at sony. If I get time later I will see if I can find some specific models for ya.

I have a Cannon GL2 and have been very pleased with it, granted I don't think that's exactly what you'r looking for.... But I would definitely take a look at the Cannons.

If I had the money, I'd go all out and get a HD video camera. Those things are awesome.

I have a olympus 800 digital camera,its 8 megs ,and its awesome,takes movies and everything ,and with USB capability

I have a Panasonic, and I love it. I have had it for about 5 years so the model number won't be much help, I'm sure it's out of production. It is mini DV, firewire, takes great movies and also does stills. Panasonic is definatly worth looking at.

What's your budget?

I have a sony cybershot. It has a decent shutter speed,audio,and records movies. Takes great concert shots! Think it was in the $300 range. Good dual purpose camera.
*** Edited 6/21/2006 2:06:15 PM UTC by fastfish1***

He's asking for a video camera AKA camcorder that uses Mini DV tapes, not a digital still camera that's capable of recording 30 seconds of crappy video.

I'd say go with Sony, and if it fits into your budget, get the HD :)

Here you go.

;)

I'd like keep it in the $500-600 range if possible. This is for casual digital video, family fun stuff, and some misc digital stills. I'm not in the pro video business, so I don't need super high-end equipment. If I want high-quality stills, I'll crack out the trusty Nikon F with the Nikkor optics. It absolutely has to talk to my computer network, however.

I would go to consumers reports web site and see what they recomend,and best value :-)

I wish there was a site for video cameras that was as good as dpreview.com.

djDaemon said:
Here you go.

dude, u can hax dat! it kan do stuf dat it want suposd 2 do! u can dload the vidz urself witout cvs dong it 4 u!

Any Sony or Canon camcorder is going to be fairly adequate in that price range. If you want to give HD a try, Sony just released an HDV camera (uses standard DV tapes to record 1080i HD) for about $1,200.

Consumer Reports sucks, unless you enjoy biased and uninformed opinions, in which case its awesome.

That's awesome to see it down that low already. When it was first released, I saw it on display at best buy for a cool $1999.99.

$1200 seems a little more reasonable, as I spent about a grand on my TRV-18 a couple of years ago and it's not even HD. God, how I can't wait to film things in HD. Especially the band that I do a lot of promo stuff for.

I can only imagine what HD camcorder prices will look like in about 16 months. It will really be something to be able to get a decent HD camcorder for under a grand. Of course, this is simply speculation on my part.

djDaemon said:
Consumer Reports sucks, unless you enjoy biased and uninformed opinions, in which case its awesome.

Exactly.

The only warning I have about HDV is that you're compressing a whole lot more data into the bandwidth of standard definition DV tape. That doesn't come for free. You will get some level of compression artifacts in certain situations involving fast motion.