Recommend a camera or camcorder for a complete novice.

[jlnten17]

I currently have a jvc everio that is a complete dinosaur and probably close to 10 years old. I want to upgrade to something I can take to the parks to capture video of the kids. I looked at camcorders and the newer ones are still not something I would consider small enough to put in a small purse. I like the idea of something like a cannon S120 or G7X but what software will I have to buy to burn the footage to dvd? I don’t plan to do much or any editing I just want to save a copy to the SD card and another to DVD. My current JVC has an external DVD burner that plugs right into the camcorder and is super easy to use. Is there anything similar that works with these mirror less cameras? TIA! And Merry Christmas!

 

[KVH]

About 10 years ago or so, standalone DVDs burners were somewhat popular. But they never really caught on mainstream. Not even sure if you can buy anything like that anymore at the hobbyist level. There was one that was even a single button operation, - insert the card and blank, hit the button and out came a DVD. See this link. Back in the day, they were $150. Most everything now is going to want a PC in between - shoot the movie, move the card to the PC, open a burner prog, edit and write. If you have firewire and can get hold of Win Movie Maker, the s/w can directly control several cameras right from the PC. Otherwise, I would suggest Adobe Premier Elements for basic DVD creation.

 

[YesDear]

First let me say the camcorder is dead as video tool. You can do more with your phone than almost every camcorder. The only thing I use my camcorder for today is to connect to my computer to convert the old tapes to digital. The first question to ask is how much do you want to spend. If you have a fairly current Iphone or Android, your phone is really a viable option. Secondly decide what you want to spend. I am currently looking at the GX7 or Sony RX110V. THe Sony is almost twice the cost of the GX7. For around the same cost you can get a basic Canon DSLR like a SLi. They are really good video machines as well.
If you have a local camera store, go and get a lesson. Best Buy is better today than in the past at advice but you want to pick up the cameras and see what feels good in our hand. See if the controls make sense. Look at YOUTUBE for comparisons, but be careful, everyone has an opinion.

I hope this helps!

 

[manning]

You don't need a dedicated camcorder.

Cameras can do both still and video (most 4K)