digital camcorders

[Tiggeroo]

Does anybody know anything about these. I have sons who want to get into video making and editing. The primary reason is to take surfing videos. Since this camera will be their first and be spending most of the time on the water's edge I don't want to spend alot. Can anybody recommend a good inexpensive one. What features am I looking for. When I'm in the stores I see dvc's starting at 199. and going into the thousands. Is there any reason I can't buy one of the cheap ones. My plan is to start low-end and upgrade in a year if they are careful and still interested.
Also, where are good deals on these. Can I find one used?

 

[WeirdEyes]

Go to http://www.epinions.com and do a search on Mini DV Cameras. You'll get a ton of them listed with various reviews, specs, and prices. I have the Canon MC ZR50, but it was around $550. I researched these cameras last year around this time, but haven't since I got mine. Good luck!

 

[jfulcer]

There is no reason if you are going to use the camcorder to take home videos, record concerts and trips to WDW that you need to spend thousands of dollars.

I recently bought a JVC GRD70U - which is in the lower middle of the line of digital camcorders. I think that it cost us around $400 after discoutns/etc. It even has the ability to take stills (I dont since we already have another digital still camera). I am very pleased with the image quality and function of the camera. We took it to WDW in October and got some awesome video of the parks and the kids.

There are other threads out here that talk about digital camcorders - wait till later tonight and you can find some of them with the search (or others may post links).

Good luck with your searchings!

 

[Tiggeroo]

Thanks Jeff. This is what I was thinking. I don't want to spend alot of money on a camera that will be used on the beach. I've seen the slightly older JVC for around 275. and this is what I was thinking of. I tried to use the search and it wouldn't work.