Camcorder recommendation

[DisneyFanatik]

We need to get a new camcorder. We got our last one for DS(14)'s 5th birthday party! I don't even know exactly how the digital ones work now. I think that you take your video and then you have to download the pics to your computer and then burn them on to DVD's? But what if you don't have a DVD burner on your computer? How about the ones that film directly on to a DVD or a mini DVD. Are they better? I am really technically challenged when it comes to these things! Any advice as to what type or even a specific brand/model would be greatly appreciated. TIA!

 

[shelly3girls]

For the best advice check out the Photography board. I went through the same thing back in December. I was looking for something easy to use requiring the least technical skill possible. I decided upon recommendations from the Photography board on the DVD format b/c I could use them right in my regular DVD player. This was a huge plus for me given that I do not edit and hate taking the time to transfer tapes. We decided on a Panasonic b/c they have a very high quality picture. We looked at the High-Def Sony that recorded onto DVD but the price was very high and it shortened the recording time of the DVD. The Canon was also highly recommended but I decided on the Panasonic after reading reviews on cnet.com. So far I love my camcorder!

I ordered my camcorder from BHphotovideo.com. Many websites had it for a great price but B&H is in NY so I didn't have to pay sales tax and they included a free starter kit with carrying case and extra battery. This made a good price an actual great deal.

 

[DisneyFanatik]

For the best advice check out the Photography board. I went through the same thing back in December. I was looking for something easy to use requiring the least technical skill possible. I decided upon recommendations from the Photography board on the DVD format b/c I could use them right in my regular DVD player. This was a huge plus for me given that I do not edit and hate taking the time to transfer tapes. We decided on a Panasonic b/c they have a very high quality picture. We looked at the High-Def Sony that recorded onto DVD but the price was very high and it shortened the recording time of the DVD. The Canon was also highly recommended but I decided on the Panasonic after reading reviews on cnet.com. So far I love my camcorder!

I ordered my camcorder from BHphotovideo.com. Many websites had it for a great price but B&H is in NY so I didn't have to pay sales tax and they included a free starter kit with carrying case and extra battery. This made a good price an actual great deal.

Thanks for the advice. Can you tell me the model of your Panasonic? Also, does it record on full size dvd's or the 3" ones?

 

[shelly3girls]

The DVD camcorders record on the 3" DVDs. I purchased the Panasonic VDR-D300. There are less expensive models starting at the least expensive VDR-D100 (which my sister has and loves) and the mid-range VDR-D200 and VDR-D250. I do not know the big differences between all of them. Maybe someone on the Photography board can give you more details.