digital mini camcorders

[ChristyJ]

Our camcorder is 9+ years old and although it's not HUGE, it's definitely cumbersome to carry around.

Any recommendations for mini camcorders? What do you think about the digital ones (I know NOTHING about digital camcorders)?

Thanks!!

 

[HLAuburn]

I don't know much about them myself, but I do know digital is the way to go. Then there's the choice of MiniDV and DVD. The MiniDV records onto mini cassette-type things, and the DVD records right onto mini DVDs. I understand that the MiniDV tapes are better for editing and also record longer and are less expensive. With the mini DVDs though, you can pop them right into your DVD player to view.
The MiniDVs range from $300 up, and I think the DVDs start at about $500 and go up.

Hope this helps...that's my camcorder 101, and that's about all I know!

 

[GrumpyC.Hook]

I just went through this as I bought one for my mom for our cruise in April but she won't get it until xmas. I went to every electronics store there was and i researched online using epionion to see how different camcorders rated. The average price was between 299-400 for one that had good quality but not to many bells and whistles (we are not that technologically advanced for anything other then play, record, stop and the such). I thought I had decided on a MiniDV that Sony made it averaged $399 but was going to wait to see if it went on sale. Well ended up watching a special on QVC and decided on a Panasonic that they had on special.

The things I would look at are:
Do you want to record to a mini DVD or do you not mind recording to a Tape and using a cable to watch it via the actual camcorder? I chose Mini DV it was cheaper and had more time to record on.

What is your price limit? that will also limit your choices

I would go to different stores and test them first before buying them find out what kind of zoom it has? What does it record at speed wise?

I can't wait to test my mom's out on xmas day I will let you know how it works!

 

[ChristyJ]

Thanks for the information! I really started checking them out when Sears came out with the deal on the mini Canon digital camcorder, but didn't buy it since I truely had no idea what to look for! The sad thing was, the salesperson had no clue either (and he worked in electronics!)

 

[HLAuburn]

The sad thing was, the salesperson had no clue either (and he worked in electronics!)

You must have gone to the same store I did. I'd start by going to a Circuit City or Best Buys and finding a few that are in your price range that you like, and then check out the reviews on eopinions.com. I think Canon, Panasonic, Sony, and JVC are the main brands.

Good luck!

 

[nordkin]

I own a Hitachi that records directly to a mini DVD and would never go back to the tapes. The prices for the DVDs have come way down and you can get a RW one that you can then transfer to a full size DVD and then reuse. You can also set the resolution so you get more recording time. The settings are for 30 minutes or 60 minutes and although the 30 minute quality is the best the 60 minute is not bad.

 

[WILDERNESSWOMAN]

How do you play the mini DVD's in your DVD player? I thought that you couldn't - thought that you had to play it through the camera??

 

[DisneyMomOK]

I have been looking and buydig.com has some of the best prices. I am looking at the Sony mini DVD that is 999$ at Best Buy and 721$ at buydig. I think there are others for less money, buy I liked the features of this camera. Also, the mini DVD feature is so nice, just pop in your computer to edit and play on your DVD player. (All of this is per my DS, who really wants me to buy this camera. He had a Hitachi minidvd camcorder that was stolen, so he has been spoiled.)


Sharon

 

[nordkin]

How do you play the mini DVD's in your DVD player? I thought that you couldn't - thought that you had to play it through the camera??

Almost all of the current DVD players will play them. Open the tray you put your DVD in and look to see if there is a smaller circle inside the large one the DVD sits in. If there is, then it will play.

 

[nicknamy1996]

If you want to have more info than you can handle... go to www.camcorderinfo.com!

It has ratings, reviews and a LOT more info there. But best of all it has pricegrabber info right on the pages.

I bought one from thecamermall.com and it's "out for delivery" right now from Fed Ex!!!

Paid 399 and it included an extra battery, 5 tapes, a UV filter and lens cleaning kit. Best part... No shipping AND no taxes. So it was 399 delivered. Went to bestbuy.com and put the same miniDV camcorder, 5 tapes and a battery in my cart... Over $700!!! with tax and s&h.

 

[justcruisin]

We just replaced our camcorder which used MiniDV (tapes) for a Panasonic which uses MiniDVD's. Getting the video off the tapes was such a pain, and having to plug the camera into the tv just to watch the tape made us never use the camera.

The minidvd's are a little more than the tapes, but to be able to pop it out, and play it in the computer's DVD or the TV's DVD is such a great feature.

Don't get too overhelmed by all the options (just about as many options as planning a disney vaca!).

 

[ChristyJ]

I know my DH has been looking on buydig.com-he bought my digital camera through the site and got a great price!!

Thanks for the advice-I think I still have some researching to do, but should be able to figure out which will work best for us with all of this good info!! Thanks again!!

 

[jns]

If you want to have more info than you can handle... go to www.camcorderinfo.com!

It has ratings, reviews and a LOT more info there. But best of all it has pricegrabber info right on the pages.

I bought one from thecamermall.com and it's "out for delivery" right now from Fed Ex!!!

Paid 399 and it included an extra battery, 5 tapes, a UV filter and lens cleaning kit. Best part... No shipping AND no taxes. So it was 399 delivered. Went to bestbuy.com and put the same miniDV camcorder, 5 tapes and a battery in my cart... Over $700!!! with tax and s&h.

which one did you buy