jong camcorder question - best format?

[njfreeskier]

looking into buying a camcorder to do some filming this year. looking for something small, compact, and durable (obviously). trying to figure out which is the best/optimal/most practical format to film on. digital video, dvd, or hard drive. which type should i get, and do you guys have any recommendations on a good camcorder in the sub $500 range. thanks.

[cl1953]

Mini DV, only choice.

[njfreeskier]

Mini DV, only choice.

why only choice, what's the advantage over filming on dvd or hard drive. and do you have any suggestions as to which mini dv camcorder to get

[timvwcom]

, just lost a long nearly complete post...

2nd try; I just purchased a camcorder for my son for Xmas. He makes videos/DVD on the side during his summer's home from college so wanted something nicer, but still within my budget. So we both just completed a lot of online research on these.

Ended up with the Canon HV20. Is not a new released unit, but very highly regarded by all the techies. I found a pretty good deal without having to buy from unknown online merchants. Was on sale from $999 to $799 at Circuit City, then found a coupon code online that was for 10% off when you buy/pay online, but pick up in person at a bricks and mortar store. So ended up at $719 + tax. This may NOT be the best for you, but thought I'd pass it on since it ended up being MY winner. (Is a hi def unit with mini DV and a mini SD card slot)

"I" would say the following
-Say no to DVD or mini-DVD formats
-Hard disk drive (HDD) units seem nice and are likely the (edit: near) future, but a couple limiting features. On the Hi Def (HD) units, they mostly use a lossy compression format AVC HD to record more to the hard drive. This causes a big loss in signal size at the first step, something like 1/2 or 1/3 the signal data is the recorded version. Meaning for Prosumer stuff, the final product is not as nice when it is so highly compressed at that first step. Also, what if you go on vacation, take a shit ton of video and the hard drive craps out... or the hard drive on your laptop fills up after off loading but you have more to film?
-MiniDV is used in two formats now. Standard Def (SD) and Hi Def (HD)... it is older reliable technology BUT also has limiting features. The mechanisms in the camcorders are complicated and can get screwed up with some modest abuse. I lost 2 camcorders with kids using them this way. Also, it is a linear format... meaning that if you want to go to something in the middle of taping, and are starting from the beginning, you need to fast forward past the earlier taped stuff.
-Memory/Flash card only units can get pricey to buy enough media... I think I heard like $200 to record 2 hours recently? (Edit: This is the long term future.)
-Look for higher OPTICAL ZOOM numbers, ignore the digital zoom numbers. The digital zoom gets all pixelated at 800% and is obviously useless... even a UFO or Sasquatch shot at that resolution will only make Entertainment Tonight or Fox News. (/political commentary)

I'd point you to http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ for what seems like decent reviews. To the obvious online shopping sites like http://www.bizrate.com/ or http://www.resellerratings.com/ for an idea of price ranges (add zip code then sort by low to high price then check merchant rating)

Also, I'd say if you are not in a hurry and love a huge deal... spend some time with the deal sites like http://www.slickdeals.net/ http://www.fatwallet.com/c/18/ and http://bensbargains.net/ You may have to watch for days or weeks to find some killer deals, then move fast... but I think I saved maybe $400 this Xmas with deals from these sites (including that 10% CC coupon thing).

Lastly, if you are looking to record family memories or do very light digital editing stuff. Just find a mid $200's camera with firewire port in the mini-DV format and if you really get into it, you can upgrade to the Hi Def stuff in a year or two when prices for that has crashed. Just my $.02!!!

Good luck...

[njfreeskier]

thanks for the advice. yeah i'm not too big into filming, i just want something good and cheap that i can take on my ski trips to do some filming, hook it up to the macbook, and edit and play around with. i don't think i can afford or need hd at this point.

any advantage to a dvd camcorder vs mini dv or vice-versa.

[Evmo]

mini hijack...

Just got a viosport adventure II for xmas, anyone have any suggestions for cheap cameras/recording units to use with it? My budget is low as are my standards, but would love to just be able to get out and start recording.

Anyone recomend used models perhaps ebay or sumpin?

Thanks,

E