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  • Camcorder Recommendations?

    We're planning on how to use some of our tax refund and are looking at replacing our dinosaur camcorder (10 years old but at least it's color ). Any suggestions out there. I'm looking at whether it's worth it to buy into the bottom end of 3CCD camcorders and curious as to what storage media is the best? HDD? DVD?
    "So little pains do the vulgar take in the investigation of truth, accepting readily the first story that comes to hand." Thucydides 1.20.3

  • #2
    I have to admit, I'm a bit old fashioned in this regard, but I prefer MiniDV tapes for standard video. HDD & DVD are convenient, but they do not provide the same quality video image as does tape. To get the proper recording speeds, HDD & DVD camcorders must compress the image, leading to artifacts in the video (primarily jagged edges.)

    If you can afford it, I'd go with one of the new HD camcorders. Then you have a good reason to buy a HD TV if you do not have one already!

    "Honey, the kids will look great on the new HD TV!"

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    • #3
      go with dvd ones, hdd hold more, than dvd, but you have to burn dvd anyway, if you want to keep the movie.
      quality vise, they are just as good as tapes if not better, and if you get 3ccd, need not worry about it.
      make sure you get one with antishake, and 1lux min, for low light shots.
      "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" B. Franklin

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      • #4
        I agree on DVD camcorders too you mention DVD, HDD - the industry is still waiting (probably to see which format the Porn Industry choose) before going with any of the new formats. At least with DVD discs you can play them on either of the new players when you do get one. have you looked at HDV recorders?

        quick info rundown here

        More about formats here mind you - the second link goes further than just HDD and DVD.
        Last edited by execrable; 05 Mar 07,, 17:40.

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        • #5
          Keep in mind that some makes work well with some computers while others are more difficult to connect. Make sure the two are compatible if you want to do a lot of computer editing. Some camcorders also take some decent pictures in addition to video. No amount of formatt will ever make up for a poor lens.
          Removing a single turd from the cesspool doesn't make any difference.

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          • #6
            Sir,
            First fix your budget. Otherwise you will end up spending twice the amount for less than satisfactory price.

            If you are not looking for professional (or semi-prof), you will get very good camcorders for $500 range.

            If you have a good computer with DVD burner, forget about DVD cam corder, you will have to edit them any way. HDD or Mini DV are good.

            Pay attention to low light tech. Sony uses infra red tech, so pictures are green. Canon and Panasonic are good.

            Read the reviews on cnet.com.

            The digital cameras on Camcorders are useless. Any optical zoom more than 12X are also useless.

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            • #7
              Originally posted by Shek View Post
              We're planning on how to use some of our tax refund and are looking at replacing our dinosaur camcorder (10 years old but at least it's color ). Any suggestions out there. I'm looking at whether it's worth it to buy into the bottom end of 3CCD camcorders and curious as to what storage media is the best? HDD? DVD?
              There are different camcorders available at this site, (SmartRatings - Reviews & Ratings for Camcorders), and all the reviews, user and expert, are aggregated for each product. Maybe, you will find what you're looking for there. Hope this helps.

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