Wanna help me choose a camcorder?

[Fantasmic303]

After all the great advice I got here earlier this year when I was purchasing a new digital camera, I knew just where to go for help in choosing a camcorder. I hope you guys can steer me in the right direction! I've been using a Sony Hi-8 handicam for three years. The thing has been on A LOT of vacations with me, and it's been through a lot. I'm ready to move on to digital though, which is why I'm shopping.

I've read the sticky thread in this forum, then tried to do some shopping online. The problem is that I'm somewhat confused with all the choices, so I'm hoping you can help me narrow it down.

1. Manufacturer:

I'm not married to any one brand, but I noticed that Kelly (in the sticky thread) recommended Sony by a long shot. I'm assuming this is still true, so I've been researching Sony more closely, but a lot of the review sites have other brands (Canon and JVC among them) that are pretty highly rated. Thoughts?

2. Media:

I'm leaning towards Mini-DV because a) it was suggested in the sticky and b) if I read correctly, it'll be easier to edit my footage afterwards into chapters and stuff. Is this a smart decision?

3. Transfer/Edit:

I don't currently have a dvd burner on my computer, but I do intend to get one in order to convert my video to dvd with the edits I described (titles and chapters, etc.). A tech savvy friend of mine said this shouldn't be difficult for me at all...he wasn't lying, was he?

4. Price vs. Quality:

Checking out some of the recommended camcorders, I realized that many of them are in what I consider "expensive range". I don't feel comfortable with a piece of equipment that costs $500 or more, just because I'm a rough vacationer. I admit it. I take it on rides, I carry it on my shoulder, it gets stuffed in bags,it holds chairs at the pool. I'm scared that I'm just not responsible enough for the adult version of a camcorder yet. The question is, if I'm spending under $500, am I getting a decent camcorder? This is primarily vacation videos, no stage performances or independant films for Sundance.

If anyone has advice, I'd love to hear it. We leave for WDW in two weeks, so I'm hoping to make a choice on something this week. Thanks in advance!

 

[Charade]

3. Transfer/Edit:

I don't currently have a dvd burner on my computer, but I do intend to get one in order to convert my video to dvd with the edits I described (titles and chapters, etc.). A tech savvy friend of mine said this shouldn't be difficult for me at all...he wasn't lying, was he?

The only suggestion I can make is a DVD burner. This is the one I recommend.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152059

 

[YEKCIM]

I have a Canon Optura 30 that I bought about a year and a half ago. Low light performance is not stellar, but otherwise, I've been happy with it. The cam came with Pinnacle 9, which others on this board say is not the best; however, once I learned how to use it, it was not too difficult to work with. Keep in mind, though, that all I wanted was something to capture the footage, minor editing, and burn a DVD, which it does well. Initially, I did not have a DVD burner, but ordered a NEC from NewEgg. It was a snap to install, and has performed flawlessly. I converted all my miniDV digital footage and old 8mm analog (via the Optura's passthru) to DVD a few months back, and am quite pleased with the result. I can't comment on Sony camcorders since I have a Canon, but based on reviews and comments here and elsewhere, I would think you could hardly go wrong with Sony. When I took the plunge on the Canon, it was practically a tossup between the Optura and a Sony HC40. The Canon's 2MP still imager is what tipped my decision to the Canon. For examples of still images made by the Camcorder's 2MP imager, see here: http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/fasteddiew/DisneyWorld/

We go to WDW in a week and I'm deathly afraid that my new Fuji S5200 is not going to deliver images that are significant improvements over the ones I got with the 'corder!

~YEKCIM

~YEKCIM

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I'm still 'into' the Sony brand. Like YEKCIM mentioned, the Canon's low-light performance isn't stellar. That's the reason I'm still leaning towards the Sony although, as you know, I'm a Canon person.

JVC, Panasonic,... forget it. I don't play with camcorders as much as I used to (or as much as I want to), but from my last tests here and there, Canon and Sony still lead the pack with my leaning towards Sony due to their better low-light capability.

 

[Fantasmic303]

Thanks for your input, everyone. Kelly, I'm sending you a PM.


YEKCIM - Best of luck with your trip photography! I'm not sure how long you'll be there for, but we're checking in on the 16th...if I'm at Spectromagic that night and see someone having a panic attack because the flash on the Fuji went off, I'll assume it's you and Mrs. YEKCIM.

 

[YEKCIM]

YEKCIM - Best of luck with your trip photography! I'm not sure how long you'll be there for, but we're checking in on the 16th...if I'm at Spectromagic that night and see someone having a panic attack because the flash on the Fuji went off, I'll assume it's you and Mrs. YEKCIM.

Thanks, Kylene; we'll be there 7/9 thru 7/15, departing early on 7/16. I'll be sure and watch out for the "Flash Police". Mrs. YEKCIM is "on a tear" concerning WDW scrapbooks and we were going thru our 03 and 04 (yes, we are that far behind...) pix the other night and I noticed how many *excellent* shots she had of Spectro, using her lowly little A75, all shot *with* flash!

And, good luck to you with your camcorder research. I found www.camcorderinfo.com to be an excellent resource. Please post back and let us know which direction you decide upon.

My only source of trepidation concerning recording our 7 days for posterity is juggling the camcorder and the Finepix. After looking over some test shots made with the Fuji this morning, I'm certain that I'll get some good quality pix and hopefully some worthy of posting her on the dis. Even a blind hog finds an acorn now and then, you know. At WDW, especially at MK, I'm certain you can stand in *any* one spot, turn in any direction, and get a memorable picture.

~YEKCIM

 

[Kelly Grannell]

you've got PM

 

[andychris14]

I am in the same boat as you in deciding on which camcorder to get. My husband is leaning towards the sony also. My friend just got a sony- I believe the last number was 26 mini dv and loves it. It was $308.
My main concern is the dew. The dew indicator came up and it was done until late afternoon. We have an older panasonic. I heard that should not happen with this sony. Has anyone else that this problem with the dew in their camcorder?

 

[Kelly Grannell]

dew problem have something to do with moisture inside the camcorder. Taking a camcorder from a colder area to a warmer and humid area will create that problem with any camera. Best thing to do: garbage bag. Put your camcorder in a garbage bag for about 1 minute before you go to an area that's much warmenr and much more humid. You won't have the dew problem.

Your answer to the model 26 can be found on the camcorder sticky. Suffice to say it has one of the smallest CCD sensor out there.