DVD Handycam

[reggiemcp]

Not sure where to post this, so here I go!

I already own a camcorder, but it is bulky and uses tapes. I am thinking of purchasing a DVD camcorder. Did some research and they look to be light and easy to use. I like the idea that I can just pop the disk into my dvd player. Can anyone tell me anything about them? What brands are good, if I get just a basic model will that cover my needs, using them at parks, etc. Thanks for any help. Of course, I want to do this before my trip in 17 days so time is of the essence.

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

I would like this info too, please.

 

[tjevans]

I am by no means an expert, but I am also in the market for a camcorder and I have ruled out the DVD camcorders for a few reasons. First, the record time is simply too short. I want at least an hour on the medium on which I record. The mini-DVD's used in these camcorders can only fit about 30 min. of video on each one. Second, not every DVD player can play those DVD's you record. You need to make sure your DVD player is compatible with DVD-R/RW or DVD+R/RW, depending on what format the camcorder uses. Then, some simply won't accept mini-DVD's. Third, the media seems too expensive to me when (at least for the -R and +R) it is just one use.

These are just my opinions based on the little bit of research I've done. Feel free to disagree.

BTW, you may want to check www.camcorderinfo.com .

 

[mamacatnv]

We just purchased the Sony DVD203 for our upcoming trip same reasons originally posted, we have a Sony 8mm with tape, that is heavy and bulky, battery not as good as it used to be and converting from tape to a watchable media is a pain.

After extensive research we decided to go to the DVD. I was concerned about the record time, plus the tape/digital recorders are cheaper, etc....

We have had the new camera now for about a month and I must say I love it, our home DVD player allows us to just drop them in but for the in-laws we just burn a dvd and send it to them. The camera warns you that your record time is running low and those little discs are so small that you can carry a ton of them with you. We have some rewritable and some not. My hubby keeps an eye on the sales and picks up the discs when they are on sale. Another thing we learned when looking was that since we have good cameras for stills, then a DVD handycam with anything over a 1 megapixel is a waste of money. This recorder is light weight, fits in my little "wallet bag" with ease and the picture is very steady. The "easy" button alone was worth it - 1 button for fully automatic features - I am not a gadget person and this button was the selling point for me.

If you are on the fence DVD or tape I would go for the DVD - IMHO.

 

[Minnie824]

We recently got the Sony DVD403 camcorder....the main difference between that and the 203 model (I think, and other than the price) is that it records in surround sound. We haven't used it much yet, but we did for DDs birthday and it was SO cool! Can't wait to have surround sound of stuff in Disney. However if the surround sound feature isn't too important, then I have another vote for the Sony DVD203 model. They're great cameras.

 

[dpuck1998]

I'm not a big fan of the DVD-media camcorders. You pay more for the same or less quality picture. The same is true for the cameras that use CDs. If your not able to use a computer to move your tapes to DVD it might be your only option. But if you have a computer with video editing capability then the mini-DV tapes are the best size/price option. I have Canon that is about the same size as my first digital camera and was under 500. You can get mini-DV cameras for sub 200 on sale. Just like digital camera you will get an opinions for and against anything available, so just go to a camera store and put them in your hand to see what you like best.

 

[idoteech]

I have a Sony Handycam. I love it. It's small and portable.

Downside: Only 30 min. recording time. Horrible for still pics. Expensive.

Upside: Pop the mini-DVD in your DVD player. Lightweight. Portable.

Just my opinion.

 

[MarylandPizzaman]

I bought the new sony dvd camcorder and at first I loved it. Then after I had taped my daughters volleyball game I went to transfer it to a regular dvd rom and with one push of a button wiped out the whole disc....
I even bought a data recovery disc to try to restore the data but faailed to do so.
I am not a professional but I have been using a camcorder for many years and have been named the official family photogragher and video man.
My opinion is if it is taht easy to lose data I don't want to take the chance of losing something very important that cannot be replaced.