Camcorder help

[wvjules]

I'm getting ready to buy a camcorder. But what kind should I get? Is there any reason I would need digital? I think I'm leaning towards Digital 8 or Hi8. Or maybe a MiniDV, or maybe that one is way too expensive.

Help me please!!!!

 

[Ricola]

If your budget will not allow for MiniDV, I would at least go with Digital-8. These two formats work with the "Firewire" or "iLink" digital interface to computers to allow editing of your videos, and they also both store the video in a digital format which is cleaner and has better resolution than Hi8.

Even if your current computer does not have editing capability, chances are you will have the camcorder, and especially the tapes you record, when you buy your next computer, and the one after that, so it would be nice to have the ability to edit your tapes at a later time.

Hi8 does allow longer recording times on a tape than the others; 120min vs 60min for Digital-8 and DV (at normal speed), so it is a little cheaper in the tape department.

 

[Carl]

Do not get a Hi-8. It is almost obsolete. Digital is the way to go. I'd get a minidigital unless you already have some 8mm. If you have 8mm already, you might consider the digital 8 so you can still show the old 8mm you have. A good camera is the Sony TRV-900 or whatever the new model is that replaces it. I have that model which I bought 5 years ago, and it still has the features I like.

 

[sixcats]

You can read some info here:

http://www.epinions.com/elec-Topics-All-Video-Camcorders-Buying_Guides

and here:

http://www.epinions.com/elec-Topics-All-Video-Camcorders-Background_Info

 

[debster812]

I work for an A/V Retail company, and Ricola has GREAT Advice. Check out epinions, cosumer reports, and actually go to a store and play with a couple to see what you are comfortable with.

Carl is right about Hi8 being virtually obsolete. And I only have a standard 8mm and work in the industry!!!

Good Luck picking out your new toy!

 

[Steve H.]

...just reading along, since we're also looking for a camcorder for Christmas...

 

[wvjules]

It looks like the Digital8 and MiniDV are out of my price range. I'm gonna look at the Hi-8 ones. I really don't plan on doing any video editing on my computer. Heck, I might even just go with a standard VHS or VHS-C, or S VHS. They seem a lot less complicated to view/record than the others.