Digital Camcorder

[AlexE]

Can anyone offer any advice about buying one of these. We came into the 'techie world' last year and bought a digital camera and have been amazed with the quality of the pictures as well as being able to enhance and chop via our PC.

Now would like to progress into digital camcorder world. Any advice would be appreciated, anything I need to look out for, functions I cannot do without or any particular make to buy. Was also thinking of buying while on hols in October. Any suggestions as to what stores to use?

Looking forward to receiving lots of advice.

Thanks

AlexE

 

[T16GEM]

we have got one of these, it's a small Sony one with a flip out screen, when I get home I will ask DH about it for you and then I can post the details.

 

[AlexE]

Thanks for the response. I know I must do a lot more homework but holiday is all planned so am concentrating on the spending at the moment - (apologies to DH in advance)

Have yet to convince DH we need one - but am sure I will come up with a very good reasons. Always best if you have a recommendation to work on so that I am not working completely in the dark.

Thanks

AlexE

 

[Goofyish]

I've just bought a Sony DCR-HC18E digital camcorder.

I wanted a basic model, but something that was very small to fit into a bumbag inthe parks etc.

This model seemed to fit the bill and I'm very pleased with it. The picture quality is very good and it's very easy to use.

It has USB and Firewire, but only DV-OUT.


I got it from amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001GRIIA/026-5120709-9750856

They seemed about the cheapest I could find (£100 less than Argos!).

 

[MizzPrincezz]

Hi there we have just purchased a great digital camcorder from Panasonic a Nv-GS11 model and it is FAB!!!! It is sooooo tiny fits in the palm of your hand brilliant for taking on hols also purchased a new digital camer from Sony a Cybershot which takes absolutely fabulous pictures. Cant wait to post some pics when I do my trip report

Karon

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Originally posted by Goofyish

It has USB and Firewire, but only DV-OUT.

You can buy devices that re-program cameras DV-IN/OUT

Andrew

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Originally posted by AlexE
Was also thinking of buying while on hols in October. Any suggestions as to what stores to use?

I'm not convined that buying a camcorder in Orlando is a good idea. First you need to be aware that the USA uses a different TV system (NTSC) to the one we use in the UK (PAL). This means that you will have to buy in a shop which caters for the tourist market - whenever I've looked at these shops they are either more expensive than you can get back home, or are selling discontinued kit which might not be a good buy any more. You would also need to consider what the warranty situation would be if a camera you bought in the USA went wrong and you needed to have it fixed in the UK.

My advice would be to decide what model you wanted then use the internet to search for a low-priced mail order dealer then ask your nearest branch of Jessops to price match. I recently did this, knocking over £150 off the price of a Sony camcorder.

Regards

Rob

 

[jockey]

I agree with Rob - think it is best to buy in the UK. I bought a JVC DV Camcorder a few months ago, got the best price on the internet and Jessops price matched for me and I saved £230!!!

 

[AlexE]

Thanks for all the advice.

Looks like the NTSC/PAL is the stumbling block in this case. I spoke to Sony on the internet last evening and he confirmed that if buying in the US I would only be able to watch my video via the PC. Not much good if family want to view.

Think I will go down the route that Rob suggested and do some investigation on the internet and see if Jessops will price match.

Thanks again.

AlexE