New a new video camcorder - any suggestions?

[Tisha_PA]

We leave for WDW in 15 days and DH wants to get a new video camera before we go. The one we currently have has been giving him some problems lately - sometimes it works fine other times we get a message that there is too much condensation or something like that. We've taken it to be fixed but it keeps doing it anyway. DH would like to get a camera that has a hard drive in it that can be downloaded directly to a computer but we really don't know much about them. Do any of you have this type of recorder? What size hard drive should we get? Any brand better than the others? TIA!

 

[Surr]

I can't make any specific recommendations, as you don't give any of your perfromance requirements. I would recommend one that can record to flash media instead of hard drive only. For basic recording, there are several availble in the $200 to $300 price range. Another option is a still digital camera. I have a Canon, and have started using it for any short videos. Quality is pretty good, and I don't have to carry two cameras. If you want high def quality you will likely need a dedicated video camera though.

 

[JB2K]

Check-out your local Target store(s) ASAP -- both the Sony DVD and Hard Drive Handycams are currently being clearanced-out at prices below $200 (these things are still selling elsewhere for over $300).

 

[djm99]

I have this one. I can't believe how cheap this are now. I like this one a alot. Now, I'm going to be honest. DH and I don't edit our family videos so I can't comment on how well that feature is.


http://www.buy.com/prod/panasonic-v...oom-advanced-optical/q/loc/111/206762720.html

 

[RitaFaye94]

I purchased a JVC Everio with the internal hard drive (so you don't have to carry around a thousand memory cards) for $393 at Best Buy in December. It's very small and gets great shots, very easy to use.

I would suggest that you buy a spare battery to keep charged so you don't have any missed shots due to a dead battery - that always happened with my digital camera and the spares are pretty affordable.

Have a great trip!