Need video camera advice please!

[MsLeFever]

Hello! I'm new to this board and come looking for help. I want to buy a budget digital video camera for my 13 year old son for Christmas. Something that isn't too complicated but that will allow him to start to play with movie-making (something he is increasingly interested in.)

Don't laugh - I want to spend about 200 bucks. (I know - can't get much) but that's what I have and so that's what he'll get.

Any ideas? thanks so very much!

 

[photo_chick]

If he wants to actually edit the clips together I'd also suggest some editing software. Go with something like Adobe Premiere Elements (use his k-12 student status for a discount). In my opinion it's as important as the camera when it comes to video work. As far as a camera, honestly something like the small Flip video camera is as good a place to start as any on your budget.

 

[baseballmickey]

I agree with photo chick that at that price range you are looking at a Flip cam or something of that sort. You may want to consider something like the Kodak Playsport Looks like it would stand up to the beating a 13yo would subject it to.

Depending on whether you are Mac or PC, there are different basic video editing options that are free or very minimal cost. I would suggest playing with the windows or mac software and then, if the interest is still there, you can upgrade to something with extra bells and whistles.

 

[MsLeFever]

thank you so much all! The Kodak playsport looks great and is even a cyber week special on Amazon. I have a student who is a Media Arts major and is going to help him learn whatever editing software we get so that's a plus too.