Need advise on new video camera.....

[Disney-PartyOf5]

Hi,

We have visited WDW a few times with our 3 children and have some lovely memories from the video that we taken but our camera has now died and we would like to invest in a new one before our upcoming trip in August. My DH is looking for something small, lightweight and easy to use..... (the kids are of an age where they like to have a go) Does anyone have any recommendations?

Much appreciated.

 

[mreid1974]

Im subbing to this because I too have the same question.

 

[humalexis]

I'm gonna tag along on this one too! Trying to figure out whether to get a camcorder since ours is really old! or get a better digital camera since the one we have is kinda cheap!

Come on electronic gurus! Help us clueless people out here.

 

[cooldadtexas]

I have a Flip video camera. It is really small and has worked well on my Disney vacations.

 

[carlbarry]

There are many good, low cost camcorders available now. The Flip is very popular. But one thing I would strongly suggest: get one that will give you an excellent--not just "good"--picture. You will be viewing these treasured moments on a big screen, high definition TV. Poor quality will be very obvious, and very disappointing now. But when your children are watching them in 30 years on VERY high definition, VERY big screens, they will look horrible. A good quality picture is an investment in future enjoyment.

 

[Mom2aJessieGirl]

I end up using a combo of my iPhone 4 and my Flip Camera. I love the convenience of them both! My daughter even carries an older iPhone that she uses as an iPod...she loves to use the camera/video functions on there!

 

[Tosie]

I bought a Kodak Playsport last summer from Amazon and I love it! The best part is it's waterproof so I got great video of Typhoon Lagoon - the wave pool, swimming with the sharks, and some of the rides. Oh and the Poly pool!

It takes nice still shots too - but it was the waterproof option that sold me!

 

[chellewashere]

Me too...I just got the playsport for my birthday present and so far I love it. Havent tried it out in the water yet cause its FREEZING outside but that is the reason I got it was for the waterproof.
I was going to get the sony bloggie...very good resolution and takes excellent still pics. Not that expensive either so that would be what I would suggest if just for regular camcorder but waterproof I recommend the playsport.

 

[fordpony92]

This site has a ton of good information on camcorders with objective reviews from basic to high end.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

I always consult it before I make a purchase. Don't be too put off by the pricing listed on the site it is mfr. sugg. ret. when the product was released and most of the camcorders listed can be had alot cheaper if you shop around. Good Luck!!

 

[Revan]

I'm going to go against the grain a bit and suggest you upgrade your digital camera to one that will also shoot HD video. Most new point & shoot cameras will also do high def video, for example, the Sony DSC-T99 is a super small camera (fit in your front pocket), 4x zoom, does 720p and 1080p video and is under $200. Get it with a 16gb memory card (cards are really cheap, you could pick one up for around $70). Now you have both photos and video in the same small package.

 

[Simba22]

If you are bringing a laptop, I recommend The Flip! You record and then just plug it into the laptop at the end of the day and it will automatically save your videos to the computer and remove them from the camera so you have room for a new day of video! It was AWESOME on our past trip. Fits right in your pocket, about as heavy as a cell phone, and comes with a wrist strap.

 

[BMC423]

I have a Flip video camera. It is really small and has worked well on my Disney vacations.

i was thinking about getting one but I was told it only hold 2 hours of video at a time is this true?

 

[chartle]

i was thinking about getting one but I was told it only hold 2 hours of video at a time is this true?

I think most if not all most of the flips don't use a card but internal memory and there is nowhere to download the video to like a DVD.

If you do get a flip or any camera make sure it has removable memory and/or battery.

I have a slightly larger sanyo that uses a pistol grip and a flip out screen and it also has a real optical zoom.

 

[seashoreCM]

If you get a Flip (some other models may be similarly handicapped) then you need to bring your laptop on vacation with you to upload, er, download, er, empty it onto.