Camcorder help

[kimbac3]

Ok I read the thread about choosing a camcorder...but I think I'm more confused! Could someone please explain in layman's term why I want a miniDV and not a regular size one? I thought taping onto a "normal" size disc would be easier, not transferring. If I but a mini dv would have to but a special dvd recorder or could I do this via computer? I have Windows movie maker on my computer so I think I can burn DVDs.
I'm so confused I also can't spend a fortune on this..I have $300 to spend...can I even find anything for that price?
I would appreciate any help you could give!
Thanks!
Kimba

 

[Nik's Mom]

I'm confused too. Plus, we checked out camcorders in the store today. The mindv camcorders seemed more compact than the dvd ones.

 

[kimbac3]

I was just searching online.. the batteries on these things only last one hour?!?!? That's crazy! You'd need to bring a bunch in with you at the parks.
I sure hope someone can clue me in.
Kimba

 

[MOmousefan]

Here are a couple of places I looked:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/
http://www.resellerratings.com/

I ended up buying a Canon Elura 90 and like everything about it but the low-light results.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Ok I read the thread about choosing a camcorder...but I think I'm more confused! Could someone please explain in layman's term why I want a miniDV and not a regular size one? I thought taping onto a "normal" size disc would be easier, not transferring. If I but a mini dv would have to but a special dvd recorder or could I do this via computer? I have Windows movie maker on my computer so I think I can burn DVDs.
I'm so confused I also can't spend a fortune on this..I have $300 to spend...can I even find anything for that price?
I would appreciate any help you could give!
Thanks!
Kimba

1. there is no 'regular-sized' VHS anymore. If you want full-sized DV, you gotta spend more than $4k for the camcorder.
2. 'taping' to 'normal' DVD is easier, no doubt about that... only you can't erase the part you don't want, about 20 minute limit at the highest quality (which is still worse than miniDV).

Hope it helps.

 

[kimbac3]

1. there is no 'regular-sized' VHS anymore. If you want full-sized DV, you gotta spend more than $4k for the camcorder.
2. 'taping' to 'normal' DVD is easier, no doubt about that... only you can't erase the part you don't want, about 20 minute limit at the highest quality (which is still worse than miniDV).

Hope it helps.

Ok so Then I want the miniDV. Those Discs record about 60mins correct? Are there any long life batteries out there? I was looking at a CanonZR500. Do you know anything about that one?
Thanks!!!!
Kimba

 

[RivaLJ]

I was also looking at a MiniDv (SonyHC36) which came with a 1 hour battery.
There are batteries that go @8hours. Some are from the camera manufacturer and some not. They are obviously a bit larger.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

miniDV doesn't use disc. It uses tape.

ZR500 is as good as it gets for that price range. The only subjective thing I don't like about this unit is the way it fits in my hand. Again this is highly subjective.

AS far as battery goes, I tested the camera with zoom in/out, turning it on/off etc and I get about 70 minutes of life. In real-life application, it's enough for a full tape at WDW. You can always get extra batteries. No need to buy original Canon, but get from a reputable seller such as Sterlingtek. The company I work for have been buying extra batteries from this company for years. I personally own a couple of batteries from them (both for my Sony D8 camcorder and my 30D, two batteries each)

 

[kimbac3]

miniDV doesn't use disc. It uses tape.

ZR500 is as good as it gets for that price range. The only subjective thing I don't like about this unit is the way it fits in my hand. Again this is highly subjective.

AS far as battery goes, I tested the camera with zoom in/out, turning it on/off etc and I get about 70 minutes of life. In real-life application, it's enough for a full tape at WDW. You can always get extra batteries. No need to buy original Canon, but get from a reputable seller such as Sterlingtek. The company I work for have been buying extra batteries from this company for years. I personally own a couple of batteries from them (both for my Sony D8 camcorder and my 30D, two batteries each)

Thank You so much!!! Is there some sort of adapter you can buy to put those little tapes in? (So you can watch them in a regular VHS player) Also, am I correct in assuming that I can use a patch cord from camera to tv to watch as well?
Thanks for all the advice. I am going to go to my local Best Buy to actually handle it before I buy it.
Thanks Again,
Kimba

 

[ndelaware]

The MiniDV tapes will not wrok in a normal VHS tape player, so there is no adapter. You can use the A/V cables to connect the MiniDV to the TV and watch your movie that way. Alot of the MiniDV camcorders come with a remote control for use while watching the tape on TV.

 

[kimbac3]

The MiniDV tapes will not wrok in a normal VHS tape player, so there is no adapter. You can use the A/V cables to connect the MiniDV to the TV and watch your movie that way. Alot of the MiniDV camcorders come with a remote control for use while watching the tape on TV.

Great! Thanks!!
Kimba

 

[Kelly Grannell]

yup! miniDV is in digital format. VHS (shudder) is analog.

No joke or sarcasm here... but people still use VHS? a standalone DVD recorder is only $100.

 

[Anewman]

yup! miniDV is in digital format. VHS (shudder) is analog.

No joke or sarcasm here... but people still use VHS? a standalone DVD recorder is only $100.

And for about $60 you can get a DVD burner(for PC) and a firewire card(if needed).

 

[Kelly Grannell]

don't forget software and TV tuner if someone wants to get an actual replacement for their VHS.

Dunno in the US. The price for DVD burner, IEEE1394 card, TV tuner and cheap software cost more than US$150 + 14% taxes. Whereas a standalone DVD recorder (LiteOn, which obivously also a player and have progressive scan output) is only US$100 inlcuding taxes.

Of course, you'll have more flexibility if you use the PC solution (in terms of editing).

 

[Anewman]

If I but a mini dv would have to but a special dvd recorder or could I do this via computer? I have Windows movie maker on my computer so I think I can burn DVDs.
I'm so confused I also can't spend a fortune on this..I have $300 to spend...can I even find anything for that price?

I do not know if your PC already has a DVD burner or firewire card or both.

OUTPOST DOTCOM(prices as of 07/09/06), prices can get lower with weekly FRYS B&M ads or by shopping around. It is just my store of choice, and my wife hates going there.
NEC 16x DVD Burner = $32
Generic firewire card = $20

CA tax averages about 8.25%, plus or minus a quarter percent depending on County.

Burner comes with Burning software, you can use MS movie Maker to edit just make sure you get the latests updates.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

THAT'S IT!!! I'm moving to the USA! I've had enough with everything being too expensive and being severely overtaxed.

 

[Disney8704]

When it comes to recording onto mini dvd all dvd players should be able to play mini dvds. There are some dvds out there today that are the same size as the mini dvd discs. They are about the size of a gamecube disc. As for battery life, I dont know where ppl are getting they only last an hr. Maybe they are talking about the batteries that come with the camera. You can purchase upgraded batteries that can last for hrs. I am gonna be getting the new Canon DC40. Its the only video camera that I know of that has a firworks mode for it and it will be perfect for Illuminations and wishes. If anyone is gonna get one, Im telling you this now. LOOK ONLINE. You will find places that sell this brand new camera for $500 instead of the $899. Canon DC40 is the new top of the line mini dvd camera.

Ok I read the thread about choosing a camcorder...but I think I'm more confused! Could someone please explain in layman's term why I want a miniDV and not a regular size one? I thought taping onto a "normal" size disc would be easier, not transferring. If I but a mini dv would have to but a special dvd recorder or could I do this via computer? I have Windows movie maker on my computer so I think I can burn DVDs.
I'm so confused I also can't spend a fortune on this..I have $300 to spend...can I even find anything for that price?
I would appreciate any help you could give!
Thanks!
Kimba

 

[Kelly Grannell]

When it comes to recording onto mini dvd all dvd players should be able to play mini dvds. There are some dvds out there today that are the same size as the mini dvd discs. They are about the size of a gamecube disc. As for battery life, I dont know where ppl are getting they only last an hr. Maybe they are talking about the batteries that come with the camera. You can purchase upgraded batteries that can last for hrs. I am gonna be getting the new Canon DC40. Its the only video camera that I know of that has a firworks mode for it and it will be perfect for Illuminations and wishes. If anyone is gonna get one, Im telling you this now. LOOK ONLINE. You will find places that sell this brand new camera for $500 instead of the $899. Canon DC40 is the new top of the line mini dvd camera.

Top of the line or not, the fact remains:

1. mini DVD (3" DVD) is still a DVD, with a bitrate of 10 Mbps max and a recording time of 20-ish minutes at that maximum bitrate.
2. miniDV is just a smaller version of DV, a studio standard, with a bitrate of constant 25 Mbps with a recording time of 60 minutes.
3. what's the point of having a battery that last longer than 60 minutes anyway when the disc can only record 20+ minutes? Barely enough for parades at WDW.
4. mini DVD (3" DVD) is VERY susceptible to vibration. Try recording using DVD camcorder in rought terain, or on BTMRR. Guaranteed your DVD-R will be rendered useless due to the skipping of the laser head and errors following track.
5. fireworks mode = slower response of Auto Exposure. Any camcorder can do that. Set Auto Exposure, then once the exposure have been calculated, switch it to manual mode. Same difference.

 

[Disney8704]

Yes most only record 30 mins but there are mini dvds that do record 60 mins worth. I dont know who all sells them but I know Panasonic does at best buy. Besides the DC40 can do LP and can record up to 60 mins on a 30 min disc, and 120 mins on a double sided disc. I got this from the main canon website:

The DC40 digital camcorder gives you all the convenience and functionality of DVD technology, which includes a wide array of options for shooting and sharing your video. Only 3" (8cm) in diameter, the DC40's DVD -R/-RW discs are compatible with most DVD players and can store up to 30 minutes of video in standard mode and 60 minutes of video in long play mode. That's 120 minutes on a double-sided disc!

As for recording like on a rough surface, this also came from the website:
The DC40's built-in high-quality image stabilizer allows you to shoot rock-steady video -- whether you're shooting sporting events, fun & games at a child's birthday party, or capturing a shot at a long focal length. It even works while panning and zooming. Thanks to Canon's expertise, the DC40's image stabilization system corrects camcorder shake instantly, thereby eliminating one of the telltale signs of amateur video.

Top of the line or not, the fact remains:

1. mini DVD (3" DVD) is still a DVD, with a bitrate of 10 Mbps max and a recording time of 20-ish minutes at that maximum bitrate.
2. miniDV is just a smaller version of DV, a studio standard, with a bitrate of constant 25 Mbps with a recording time of 60 minutes.
3. what's the point of having a battery that last longer than 60 minutes anyway when the disc can only record 20+ minutes? Barely enough for parades at WDW.
4. mini DVD (3" DVD) is VERY susceptible to vibration. Try recording using DVD camcorder in rought terain, or on BTMRR. Guaranteed your DVD-R will be rendered useless due to the skipping of the laser head and errors following track.
5. fireworks mode = slower response of Auto Exposure. Any camcorder can do that. Set Auto Exposure, then once the exposure have been calculated, switch it to manual mode. Same difference.

 

[Anewman]

When it comes to recording onto mini dvd all dvd players should be able to play mini dvds.

Yes but some(mostly older units) will not play all types of recordable media.


Mini DVD camcorders do have their place and for some they can be an excellent choice. Some persons just do not have the time, patience or skill to do all the transfering/editing/burning/etc... to end up with their footage on DVD. In the END if MiniDV footage is going to be burnt ontoDVD, the quality will equal that of straight to DVD(mini). Even if a disk only takes 30mins of footage, how hard is it to put in an other blank?