Kind of WDW related....pls tell me about camcorders

[pjynx]

I know this isn't completely Disney related, but it kind of is since I would use this on our trip ;o)

I don't have a camcorder yet. I'm thinking about getting one. I want a very small one. I'm clueless though about the new technology. How do you play them back? Do the camcorders have a media card that you put into your computer and make a DVD from? If I don't have the capability to burn a DVD on my PC, can I bring it to stores and have them do it? I see some camcorders are labeled with "mini-dvd". Is that a tiny DVD and fits inside a hole in a "converter" DVD that is regular size and I play it that way?

Can anyone give me a low-down on camcorders (how to play back, what important features to look for, etc). I know I could learn a lot just from asking at the store, but so often the salespeople either don't know much or they just push the more expensive models. Not that I want to stick to a model just because it's cheap....I'm willing to pay more if it truly is a better option. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

Let me say from the beginning,I'm no expert. We just bought a JVC mini-dv, and so far I love it. It's easy to use, it's small, it takes great video, and I can just hook it up to my computer toburn onto dvd(I have a burner on my computer). It also has a great zoom ( my daughter does alot of dance performances and I like to be able to zoom in on her instead of taping a group). The only thing the card is for is taking still pictures. Mine came with USB cable to hook it to the computer. I though of getting a dvd camcorder first but b/c I can burn easily on my computer I decided to save a little money and go with a mini dv. If you can't easily burn then I would get a dvd camcorder, but like I said I'm no expert!!!!

[Coach Rick]

I consider myself an electronics junky. ;) That said it really depends on how much you intend to spend. As the previous poster edluded to the DVD camcorders are the easiest to use. You simply point, shoot, take the disk out and put it in your home DVD player and enjoy. Problem is the disks only hold about 20 minutes video, so from that standpoint you would need to carry around blank disks with you. The picture quality is good, and the cost is just over $500 for the low end one.

Personally I like top quality color, and to capture that you need to have what they call a 3CCD camera. They are no bigger than an other camcorder. In fact my Panasonic is 15 ounces, and fits in a waiste pouch. The color and resolution is outstanding, but you will be paying in the neighborhood of $800 for something with 3CCD's. BTW, that refers to the way the camera picks up the image. Most camcorders utilize one "charged coupler", and therefore have that one is "tuned" to midranges, where with three doing the job each one is specifically in charge of Red Gree or Blue. I'd be happy to help with any other questions.

[all4fun]

I just bought a mini-dv camcorder. It's a Sony DCR-HC32. Like the pp, I am also no expert. I have been looking at camcorders for months and could not figure out which features were more important to me as there doesn't seem to be any one camera that has it all (and doesn't cost well over $500) Anyway, this camera has a Carl Zeiss lens, 20x Optical zoom, It's also 0 lux, so will film in complete darkness. It's down side is it only has a cold shoe & no light, so I had to buy a seperate light but with the super-night shot feature hopefully I won't really need it much anyway. I looked at the mini-DVD camcorders, but the technology just isn't quite there yet and they are a bit more expensive than the mini-dv's. You can get more info about that on www.cnet.com (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6500_7-5140339-1.html?tag=promo2). I used this site a lot in deciding what kind of camera I wanted to get. Check out their Camcorder buying guide (http://reviews.cnet.com/Camcorders/4520-7607_7-1023271-1.html?tag=dir.cbg) .

hth,
Cheryl

[DisneyPete]

I also have, and am big fan of, a mini-DV camera. they tend to be small, lightweight, inexpensive and the tapes hold about an hour of video. My JVC also doubles a digital camera.

Depending on budget, JVC also sells a camcorder that records directly to a 4GB memory chip. This is a great idea but currently costs about $1200. JVC-Everio-Camcorder-GZ-MC200 (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/JVC-Everio-Camcorder-GZ-MC200US-/sem/rpsm/oid/116329/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do)

Features I looked for were optical zoom (much better than digital zoom), USB connector, and battery life. But once I started holding them I realized the most important feature was the controls. Because these cameras are so small the buttons can be very difficult to use or in awkward positions. Everyone is different so make sure you hold it and can reach the buttons.

And have fun.

:earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsgirl:

[fantavet]

I would stick with the mini-dv camcorders, notice I did not say mini-dvd. DV (digital video) can capture high quality video and if you do bring it to a shop to have it recorded to DVD it will be easier to work with. High 8 tapes camcorders are cheaper and do a good job of video capture also. Having worked with both the 3 ccd cameras (mini-dv) like Coach Rick said definitely capture more vibrant colors.

Check your yellow pages for video editing, these are normally small companies that can take your film and add titles, editing, music, etc... I do the same as a small side business but I just want to answer your question. It is best to stay local anyway. Or they can do a straight transfer to DVD (cheapest way out, they hit the "record" button and walk away, no editing).

[NBFUN]

We just got our Sony DCR-HC21 this week for our April trip. It is really small and light, and so far it works great. The picture and sound are great, and the touchscreen is great. We paid $375, and so far worth every penny. I did about a months worth of research on the miniDv's and for budget this one is what came out the best for us. There are a lot of great ones out there though, it all depends on what your looking for. You can spend as little as $250 or as much as $1,500, it just depends on what your looking for.

Good luck with your purchase.

[Epcot Mom]

I was going to post a question about this today. Leave it to these boards to already have a thread going on the first page!

We purchased both the Sony dcr-hc32 and the Canon zr300. We couldn't decide and found someplace that would let us try both. We quickly ruled out the Sony as the wide-screen function is really not wider, just the 4:3 with bars on the top and bottom (DH just did the while home theatre thing in the basement two years ago and requires "true" widescreen.) Anyway, that leaves the Canon, which we like except for indoors inside. It seems like that has been a problem with all these mini-dvs less than $1000.

Anyone have one they like inside at night? We were able to get the Canon to work fine, but had to make adjustments and would rather not have to each time we go inside. Also, we're trying to figure out how to simulate Epcot at night to test. We love to tape the kiddos dancing to the Epcot closing music and don't want it to be full of those funky digital trailers...

Thanks!

[my3kids]

My son recently won a camcorder. It is a Canon and we love it. It is tiny...no larger than a digital camera. In addition to making movies it also takes photos just like a regular camera.