Digi Camcorder

[securespark]

Looking for ideas. Got around 450 to spend, but don't have any idea what is good to go for in terms of brand, type, format etc....

Any hints & tips? Cheers.

 

[derv1980]

what i usually do is go onto amazon.co.uk or similar sites and read the customer feedback reviews, you usually get a feeling which are good brands etc, and people tell you about problems, or misleading product discriptions

 

[ellal]

Just a few personal 'tips'...

If you want to edit on a PC, then I'd go for mini-DV format....HD and DVD versions compress the original recording, but mini-dv allows you to choose in the editing stage. And if you want to put an edited video back onto the camcorder, you need dv in/out.

forget about digital zooms and still capture being of much use. an image stabiliser is essential imo...

Look for what additional batteries are available - the supplied ones usually only last an hour or so.

If you intend to record indoors a lot, look for true 'low light' performance, not the nightshot facility, unless you like the 'blair witch' look!!

if you can afford it, go for a 3ccd model.

Widescreen recording is good with today' TV's, but make sure you look for 'true widescreen' - some camcorders just crop or stretch the image!

brands are probably a personal/experience thing - I used to use canon's, but now have a sony. Go into somewhere like jessops and as well as looking at the specs, get a 'feel' for what seems the right shape/weight for you - and then look online for a good deal!

 

[toasty]

I've got the JVC Everio G series MG37
It has a 30Gig drive good for between 8 and 30 hours recording depending on quality, and on the high setting (8 hours) I must say the quality is awesome.

Easy to use, easy to do the simple things, but also ideal for video editing on your pc as it's just a case of USB cable in and copy files over.

I paid about £500 for it maybe a 6months to 1 year ago, but I didn't shop around, I'm sure they are much cheaper now (and probably were then)

It was an impulse buy, but one I don't regret it's a really nice camera.

 

[securespark]

Nice one. I'll look at that! Cheers, mate.

 

[EddieCurrent]

Hello Secure,
Does this mean that we are going to get some video's in the elec forum soon !!!!

 

[BOB..DOLE]

I've got the JVC Everio G series MG37
It has a 30Gig drive good for between 8 and 30 hours recording depending on quality, and on the high setting (8 hours) I must say the quality is awesome.

Easy to use, easy to do the simple things, but also ideal for video editing on your pc as it's just a case of USB cable in and copy files over.

I paid about £500 for it maybe a 6months to 1 year ago, but I didn't shop around, I'm sure they are much cheaper now (and probably were then)

It was an impulse buy, but one I don't regret it's a really nice camera.

jvc i would not touch one with a barge pole

 

[securespark]

Hello Secure,
Does this mean that we are going to get some video's in the elec forum soon !!!!

Place your orders now!!

 

[MrTurner]

I've got a JVC Everio HD too, very good, only thing I think I'd have liked is a viewfinder to use. Then, when the battery is low, you can use it without the screen.

Still, I bought a spare battery to take with it and have never had the issue!