Best Compact Digital Camcorder for WDW?

[Laugh O. Grams]

With our first baby due in the next 3 weeks, if you can believe it, I'm suddenly in the market for a good quality camcorder priced $600.00 to $800.00. I've looked at the different models online, but figured that the DISboards would probably be the best place to get some real-life opinions. We're headed to the parks in December and need something for good quality day/night recording, as well as something small and easy to transport. I'm leaning towards one of the Sony Handycam models, but I would appreciate any help from you all. Any ideas?

 

[disneyaggie]

Great question. I would like to know myself so I am bumping!

 

[scoutsmom99]

I'm looking at two different sony models (DCR-DVD301 and DCR-HC42 ) Here are some websites to check out(if you haven't already):

http://www.dvspot.com/

www.camcorderinfo.com

www.cnet.com

I have seen a few posts about the DCR-21, 30, 42 (and thier predecessors) here on the dis and people seem satisfied.

 

[thinkerbell]

We have the Sony Handycam DCR-HC21 and so far we love it. It is one of the cheapest Sony models but we are satisfied with it. We took it to LasVegas recently and it worked great with daytime and nighttime shots.

 

[barb45]

I'm interested too. We have an older model camcorder and don't take it too many places because it is bulky. I purchased the smallest digital camera with the most pixels that I could find and I love it because it is so easy to carry. I would like to do the same with a camcorder. Can someone explain how a DV camcorder is different than the older 8mm tape ones. What do you record on and how do you transfer the movies?

 

[scoutsmom99]

Can someone explain how a DV camcorder is different than the older 8mm tape ones. What do you record on and how do you transfer the movies?

Mini Dv is a tape that you can record on
There are also DVD camcorders that are digitial as well

Check out the these two camcorder buying guides (they explain it well):

http://reviews.cnet.com/Camcorders/4520-7607_7-1023271-1.html?tag=dir.cbg

http://www.easycamcorders.com/content/Beginners-Guide.htm

 

[barb45]

Thanks.

 

[YEKCIM]

I bought a Canon Optura 30 last fall, prior to our last visit to WDW. It comes up a little short in the low light category and the LCD is difficult to view in bright sunlight, but overall I'm happy with it. It has a 12X zoom and a 2MP still imager. After experimenting with some of the low light settings I was able to get better low light recordings, and I'll have to say that I'm *very* happy with the digital stills I get with it. I don't know which I use it for most, videography or digital photography...

~YEKCIM

 

[WDWguru]

MiniDV is a digital format and will transfer directly to your computer for editing (assuming it's less than about five years old) without the need for any conversion. The 8mm format is an analog format and will require you to take it somewhere and have it converted or to buy a device to do so that you route between the camera and the computer. That said, if you don't plan to do much editing or are going to transfer to video tapes anyway (and not DVDs or video CDs) it won't make a lot of difference.

I always create a DVD for our Disney trips on my Mac, so I use a Sony MiniDV camcorder (a DCR-PC110). It's more than three years old now, but still going strong. It's nice and compact and will take still shots to a separate memory stick, so if I've got the video camera out for something and suddenly want a good still, I can switch right over and take it with the same camera.

There is a REALLY tiny Sony camcorder I'm coveting right now at Sharper Image (http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview/sku=SY173/catid=206/pcatid=2), but my old one is still so good I just can't justify it!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Thanks Everyone! I'll check 'em all out!

 

[JABEAR]

The 8mm format is an analog format and will require you to take it somewhere and have it converted or to buy a device to do so that you route between the camera and the computer.

Actually, We bought a Sony digital camcorder a couple of years ago and it records all images digitally onto a HI 8mm and we can download video via firewire directly from the camera. I believe that Sony is one of the only camcorder companies that makes digital 8mm camcorders. You have to use the HI-8 tapes and not the standard 8mm tapes.

BTW, we have nothing but glowing reviews for the Sony brand and love all of the great features that came with it. Look into getting a longer lasting rechargable battery. We bought one that can record up to 6 or 7 hours.

 

[aengus]

actually almost all vendors make digital 8mm camcorders but I will chime in and agree with most have said here. Sony makes a great product. We are about to get a new camcorder after several years of having one of the original sony digital 8mm models. the dcr-tv820. The only reason we are getting a new one is that this model is just too big for whats available now. We will be getting another handycam for sure.

 

[pixie08]

We just bought a panasonic gs150 from circuit city.com...@bestbuy it was $700 but we got for $645 plus a $50 rebate. We did a lot of research and this one came up in the top 3. It has 3ccd technology which is like close to the best digital recording you can get and it is great It also has a leica lens!...the still photos are only 2.3 mega pixels and you have to buy a seperate card. That was not an issue for us since we already have a camera (although we heard it takes decent pics!) Good luck in your search!

 

[BeckWhy]

ONE THING!!!!

READ THIS!!!!


If you buy a video camera.. buy one that has a closing LCD screen and as lil lights on the outside as possible. Many of the rides you can record AS LONG AS there are no external lights!

BTW: if you buy a camera and it does have lights and you have a hard time covering them up... get some electrical tape. It will cover the lights up for a little bit of time you need em to.