Buying new video camera....help!

[LuvindisCruiser]

Our Video Camera (which we have had for about 8 yrs) just broke and we are looking to buy a new one. Nowadays, they are so much smaller, but still affordable. But, which is the best to buy in the long run. Digital or analog. Some have mini DV cassettes some have mini disc. What features do I absolutely need? And can you transfer any of the cassettes on to DVD's. Our limit is about 350.00. We want to buy one now to get use to it, before our WDW trip !! Please help..................

 

[Amirah95]

We have a Canon and we hook it up to the computer and copy over video and digital media. We can also burn then on DVDs and CD-r to add them to our library. Our camera has both the small cassette and memory card slots. We take pictures from the digital part and record shows on the cassette. It cost us $350.00 at the time. If you want to get sophisticated I say go with a Sony, but they are expensive and in the long run you'll get more bang for your buck.

You will certainly need to do your homework on this and compare brands and options to see what suits YOUR needs.

 

[trracers]

Just bought the Sony Handycam, not sure which model, but it is new and we are "testing it out" at the beach on our trip next week! I have heard really good things about it, so wish me luck

 

[alloyd1170]

Ive always used Sony cameras and never had any problems. I would stick with digital these days. I have the DCR-PC109 model which I got soon after lugging my large one and cybershot around WDW. This one easily fits in the palm of my hand (took some getting used to as it sits a bit differently in your hand) and in a pocket. It has great night shots on it, and a 1mp still, which I really dont use (carry a separate sony camera for stills). I did buy the extended battery as the one that comes with it doesnt last long. I love it and am using it a lot more because its smaller. As for the microdigitals, I read reviews on the these and the features werent much better than with this one. The cost was a big factor (the micros were over $1000).

alison

 

[Amirah95]

We have a Sony Cybershot digital and will never switch brands. That camera has been so good to us and we haven't had any problems within the three years of owning it. We went with the Canon camcorder because it suits our needs and it works better with our computer and laptops. We rarely develop pictures and make DVDs, so we just transfer the media onto disks and we print out the ones from our color laser printer to frame and put in the house.

 

[DisneyPete]

You are correct to focus on size first. Get the smallest camera you can afford with the features you need. One other thing to look at is the buttons, some are so small, you can't use them.

When I looked this over I bought the JVC GR-DX75. It is a great size with a great price. It also doubles as a digital camera though not the best one.

I purchased it online, here is a link.

http://www2.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?ref=bizrate&sku=JVCGRDX75