camcorder formats--which one

[Rock'n Robin]

DH and I went to look at camcorders tonight and I'm confused. I thought a hard drive camcorder would be great--lots of room, etc. The salesguy acted like it was a huge hassle--have to hook it up to a computer, put it on the computer, then make the DVD. Well I am not into editing and making videos, so I mentally thought this format was not for me. I then looked seriously at mini DVs--much cheaper and I hear good things about them. He recommended a Panasonic over the Sonys because it had 3 CC (I think) and not 1 CC. They have a Sony model that ends in 36, but the next model up is not available in the CC stores (# ends in 46). It would have to be shipped.
Then as DH is looking at something else, I notice the JVC hard drive camcorders, called everio (sp?), have a device you can buy for another $199 that burns the DVDs right from the camcorder--no computer involvved. Why didn't the salesguy mention that?
So which format should I focus on, what hassle is really involved with the hard drive models, and is the sony 36 good enough? (we would like to get it at CC and charge it for points on our CC card).
BTW we have a 6 year old Sony Digital 8 that is pretty good, just seems to be big these days--and according to the same guy, digital 8 cameras will be very hard to find a year from now.
Robin M.

 

[andromedaslove]

This is just my opinion. I have a miniDV Camcorder that I absolutely adore, but I ALWAYS put the video into my computer so that I can burn it on to DVD. I paid extra for the cord that would allow me to do that. Putting the movies onto your computer really doesn't take all that much effort, and you can do so much more with them. As soon as my miniDV conks out I am planning on spending the money for the camcorder with the Hard Drive just to make it a little easier.

Dana

 

[tmt martins]

Most harddrive and DVD don't record in the higher better format that the MiniDV tapes do.

So thats another factor.

I have a Sony MiniDv andit is wonderful. I can just plug it itnto my Computer hit 1 button and it will rip it and burn it right to DVD .I also then do some edits and add some music and burn another from that.This way I have a completed as well as a DVD backup of the raw footage.

Look at what format they record in. Mpeg 3, Mpeg 4 and do some recearch on that.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

there's a sticky on this thread that will answer ALL of your questions.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Thanks so far--I did see the sticky and I know I want a miniDV if I don't go with the hard drive model--but didn't see much about hard drives on the sticky.
Any more input is appreciated.
Robin M.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

forgot to clarify. I didn't put much about HDD camcorder because at the current state, the HDD camcorders are, although in theory should be the same PQ as DVD (due to the use of the same MPEG2 compression), worse than DVD camcorder.

So for the time being, if you want utmost quality, miniDV is the only way to go. Utmost simplicity, DVD camcorder. Utmost in-camera flexibility (editing, creating menu etc) HDD camcorder.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

OK, according to the reviews the Panasonic mini DV that ends in 300 gets much better reviews than the Sony 36 or 46 in almost every area. Any comments on that? I've had salesguys at 2 different places recommend it over the sonys.
Robin M.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

in terms of colour accuracy, they are BETTER than Sony. However, for low-light conditions, IMEO (in my eyes opinion) the Sony is a better performer. So in the end, as an all-rounder, Sony is still the winner.

(it makes me cringe everytime I use the word Sony and winner in a same sentence. I absolutely hate Sony products, but when they are good, what can I say)

Cheers,
K

 

[Rock'n Robin]

OK, one more question. Which miniDV, Sony or Panasonic, for an average camcorder user who tapes recitals, plays (rehearsals or shows), kids' concerts, vacations, holidays? The reviews I'm reading on the Sonys are leading me to believe they aren't good enough even for those events! I would probably have to get the Sony 36 now, as I think it's too late to ship the 46 (we want to get it from circuit city and they don't have the 46 in stores). Is even the Sony an improvement over the digital 8 I have now?
Robin M.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Like I mentioned above

So in the end, as an all-rounder, Sony is still the winner