Video cameras

[Chankama]

Hey guys. I am in the market for a new video camera. What kind of things should I look for with respect to the follwing:

1) I want good audio - any specifics?
2) Recordable media - DVDs the best?
3) Zoom level
4) Normal battery life
5) Brand
6) Codec support
7) Ease of use/dowloading to PC (if applicable)
8) Expected cost for the unit with whatever features you listed

Thx fellas

 

[Crysalis]

good audio is kind of an oxy-moron with video cameras. You get a built-in mic and thats about it... you can't get any better quality unless you use an external microphone.

Media: In school, we always used Mini-DV. My prof's swore by them.


I can't really give you any other info for a home camera... in school, we used a Cannon XL-1 (a few grand) and shotgun mics.

 

[mac_mogul]

I think Sony would be your best bet. Expensive, but versatile.

http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=197364

 

[talldude123]

camcorders have gone up in technology in the fast few years.

In 2002, they thought of recording to DVD.

In 2005, they thought of recording to HD.

IMO, i would get a HD camcorder, because you can record more than a DVD.

 

[Chankama]

Thx guys. I think as talldude said, a HDD camcorders is probably the best. I might look into an external mic idea as crysalis suggested.

Mac, $5,119.99 is too much man. hehehe . I am more thinking of less than $1000. And there "are" HDD camcorders under than range.

btw, where do you guys usually go to buy camcorders? .. My favourite computer store doesn't seem to have them for a reasonable price ..

 

[sam156]

if you shop on ebay, you can get a canon gl-2 for around $1000.

 

[talldude123]

go to a large department store such as Circuit City.

 

[uzi9mm]

Stay away from HD and DVD based camcorders. DVD/HD cams are new territory in the camcorder field, many revisions historically look down upon them.

Go with MiniDV, they are cheaper, and alot easier to transfer/edit. And a proven storage media for over 11 years. But dont mistake miniDV for old technology, it still holds the best quality for all consumer camcorders.

Now I would go with a Sony Based miniDV camcorder... And you dont need an external mic, a good amount of decent sony based miniDV camcorders come with accessory shoes, and sony offers shotgun mics for < $70..

There are so many different models to choose from. Just find one that suits your needs and come back and I will tell you what i think.








And those $1,000 GL-2's are scams.....