Camcorder?????

[Chrissi Pooh]

I am looking to buy an inexpensive camcorder this weekend and wanted to know of any good deals or special things I need to look for when buying one.

My dd just turned 5 and has a recital next week and I realized that even though I can't spend alot of money on it I would still like to have the chance to tape it and look back on it in years to come.

Any help you can give me is appreciated.....Thanks.

 

[niks81]

I guess it depends what you consider inexpensive!! There are many out there to choose from!

 

[Chrissi Pooh]

Well I have been checking online at prices and I am expecting to pay $200. I guess I am just looking for a little guidance, that is alot of money for me and don't want to make the wrong choice.

 

[gallaj0]

If you're just looking for inexpensive, check out some of the "box" stores, like Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears; specifically ask if they have any returns or open box items. I usually look around until I see an open box item (demo product, or working return) with all the documentation, and get the best one you are willing to pay for.
These items will come with the same warantee as "brand new", but at much less.

I would recommend an 8mm camera; they are much less expensive than the mini digitals, (DV tapes), but the picture and sound are excellent; I always buy Sony's, I've never had a problem, anad been very happy with them.

 

[Chrissi Pooh]

Thanks gallaj0!!!

I was thinking the same thing about demos or returns and I have been checking out the 8mm Sony!!!

I feel like I am on the right track after reading your post!!! Thanks.

 

[gallaj0]

I buy all my electronics open box, unless there is some incredible sale, or something that needs replacing ASAP. I've had one bad apple, but returned it, got a drand new one and walked out, no problem.

If you see one, I highly recommend the sony 8mm digital camera; I got one a couple of months back, adn now can download all my tapes into my computer and burn them to DVD's. It also converts my old 8mm tapes to digital, so I can save them also.
The camera is a Sony TRV 350.

 

[Micca]

We are on our second Sony 8mm camera which is now about 5 years old. They aren't as small and slick as the digital camcorders, but they are much cheaper and the quality is quite good.

 

[TheJungOnes]

I am a video producer by trade, so I have to deal with all type of video formats that people bring to me. Standard 8mm will be fine for your needs… but it would be worth the upgrade if you find a HI-8 in your price range. You may want to say clear of VHS C and Super VHSC. I have had trouble with the tracking of the tapes when the cassette adaptor is used. Don’t be afraid of gently used equipment as long as you know it works (but you may need to invest in new batteries). Enjoy your camera and take lots of video!

 

[Chrissi Pooh]

Thank you all so much for the info!!! i went to Radio shack tonight and checked out their Samsung 8mm they had for $229 but i am going to look at best buy on saturday!!!

Thanks again it means so much that I can count on the Dis to give me honest opinions especially since I am on a tight budget!!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Here, Chrissi, you can maybe do a little pre-shopping.......

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...Level=4&navHistory=cat00000+cat04000+cat04014

What kind of recital is Julie in? Wow, five!!!!! And she is such a cutie; nice little girl there, Chrissi. I always enjoy seeing her....well, you too.

 

[TheJungOnes]

The Samsung brand should do the trick! Also good brands are Sony, Panasonic and Canon. They have never let me down.

(P.S. my last post should read "STAY clear of", not "say clear of"... you don't have to SAY "clear of" if you don't want to.)

 

[CamColt]

I dont have advice on the camera, but just be sure that you are allowed to video tape before buying the camera if thats the main reason you want it. I know at most dance recitals Ive heard of, they dont allow videotaping. Hope thats not the case for your little one.

 

[KristiKelly]

I bought a camcorder about a month ago @ Best Buy, it was more expensive $600, but the guy was showing me the difference in last years discontinued Sony model compare to this years and the price was alot cheaper (about $150). I would definitely ask if they have any discontinued models, returns, etc. that are not being advertised on the floor and see if you can get it for a better price. Sometimes Best Buy also offers 0% for 6-12 monthes.

 

[BarryHom]

The new camcorder models have recently come out, so last year's models are starting to be discounted. I've seen a Samsung Hi-8 camera on sale for as low as $199. I've seen a DV camera go as low as $278 for an open box. My preference in camcorders is Sony. Personally, if it doesn't have a Sony name on the camcorder, I don't want to hear about it. There's a neat lighter weight Sony Hi-8 camera that's retailing for about $299. You might find it on sale somewhere. If you're going into video editing, I would go to a DV camera. It's a lot easier to connect it to a IEEE1394 port and do digital editing.

I personally can't stand VHS-C. You only get 30 minutes out of each videotape and the quality isn't too great either.

 

[niks81]

Originally posted by WebmasterBarry
The new camcorder models have recently come out, so last year's models are starting to be discounted. I've seen a Samsung Hi-8 camera on sale for as low as $199. I've seen a DV camera go as low as $278 for an open box. My preference in camcorders is Sony. Personally, if it doesn't have a Sony name on the camcorder, I don't want to hear about it. There's a neat lighter weight Sony Hi-8 camera that's retailing for about $299. You might find it on sale somewhere. If you're going into video editing, I would go to a DV camera. It's a lot easier to connect it to a IEEE1394 port and do digital editing.

I personally can't stand VHS-C. You only get 30 minutes out of each videotape and the quality isn't too great either.

I agree with Barry completely!!

SONY ALL THE WAY and DV if you can get it!

 

[BarryHom]

I think Sears has a DCRTRV19 or DCRTRV22 DV camcorder for around $400. I use it and it's a pretty good camcorder. It's very light too.

 

[niks81]

Yes, the 19 is very light and has great features. If you can find that for $400 it is a good deal

I would really recommend going digital, whether it is MiniDV or Digital8, versus the standard 8mm. I think the quality is very different. There is a Sony Digital 8 DCR-TRV260 selling for around $350.

 

[Chrissi Pooh]

Thanks again....I am overwhelmed by all the advice and help you have all given me.

Dan- yes Julie is finally five and running me ragged. Thanks, we enjoy seeing you too!!!

CamColt- It is a Gymnastics recital so I don't think there will be a problem, they usually encourage taking pictures and such!! Thanks for the advice though I will double check!!

Barry- I can't even copy and paste a picture so I am not so worried about video editing right now!!

niks81- I would love to go digital but the prices are hundreds more than I have to spend and I really don't want to wait and miss out on this recital.

Thanks again everyone, this info really helps me!! It's off to Best Buy first thing in the morning!!!!