Video camera help...

[vbgagnon]

Guys I'm on a mission to find a good camcorder for $400 or less. I want all the features I can get. I'm not sure if I want dvd or minidv. I started doing some research, but the specs on these things means less than nothing to me.


Thanks for all the help guys, I'll be placing an order for the panasonic by the end of the week.

 

[Monkey Wrench]

Just got the Panasonic PV-GS32 for Christmas and couldn't be happier with it! I think it was around $350.00 or so? Awesome little camera and takes great still shots as well as digital video!

Just my opinion.

 

[sweetdiesel]

Here is one of the resources I used before picking up my camcorder.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Camcorders/2001-6500_7-0.html?tag=cnetfd.dir

I ended up getting a panasonic pv-gs120 (now replaced by the gs150) on closeout last year with 3 ccds for $350. It's not the best cam out there but for the price and features it was a good buy. It's very small, battery time is a little short but the mini dv tapes are only about an hour long anyway. For me the clincher was the 3 ccds for the price, the picture quality is awesome compared to the single ccd cameras I was used to watching. Digital stills taken with the camcorder are poor at only 1.2mb but I don't use the camcorder to take pictures. It also has a image stabilization (anti-shake) function which works ok in non zoom mode. Something to consider if you want your video to come out smooth without having to use a tripod.

Good luck!

 

[FastEddy]

I prefer DVI. The mini DVD units are just as good for video quality but are less durable. If you are to drop the unit or knock it against something The heads go out of alignment. There is also issues with dust if you are going to use it at the track or in dusty places.

What are you looking for in a video camera?

 

[vbgagnon]

I'm not looking to make professional videos, but a descent zoom, and the best picture quality I can find. I also want to be able to connect to my pc so I can edit and then burn onto a normal dvd. Other then that I guess its the normal use, I've got a 10 month old and want to film him, taping rc, and other misc stuff.

 

[FastEddy]

I believe all DVI or all digital camcorders have a USB and or Firewire connection to hook up to your PC. Windows movie maker will interface with your video camera automatically. Just double check to make sure once you find a unit you like.

The chip, (CCD) is what captures the image. Units with 3 chips will have better quality then the units with one. If your looking to do some video to go directly to your TV and you have a good TV, this may be worth looking at. If most of what you do is for the web it wont make that much of a difference.

Look for a size that feels good in your and your wifes hand. Make sure you can pres the proper button without having to look or think twice. Make sure that your fingers are only pushing one button. Its a bad thing with you push the on off rather then the record because the unit doesn't have Farvicnugin.

Battery life is an issue. Look at the ratings and compare it among the units your looking for.

Yesterday I learned a wonderful tip on buying electronics.
Staples has an extended plan you can buy. Its a no questions plan that you can exercise once during its 2 year life at any time. The program will at any time for any reason give you 100% of the original purchase price back in credit for another unit of your choosing.

What does this mean?
Pay 500.00 for a cameras today plus the contract. 100-200.00 and in two years or when better newer units are available, trade it in for 100% of the purchase price. They offer this program for all their electronics including Cameras, computers, laptops, printers, and more. IMO its worth the investment if you like to have the newest stuff. According to my friend that works there, they actually want you to use the contract. They get a full refund from the manufacturer for the returned product and make more money on selling you the contract then the original product. Its a win-win for everyone.

 

[Lessen]

.
Staples has an extended plan you can buy. Its a no questions plan that you can exercise once during its 2 year life at any time. The program will at any time for any reason give you 100% of the original purchase price back in credit for another unit of your choosing.

What does this mean?
Pay 500.00 for a cameras today plus the contract. 100-200.00 and in two years or when better newer units are available, trade it in for 100% of the purchase price. They offer this program for all their electronics including Cameras, computers, laptops, printers, and more. IMO its worth the investment if you like to have the newest stuff. According to my friend that works there, they actually want you to use the contract. They get a full refund from the manufacturer for the returned product and make more money on selling you the contract then the original product. Its a win-win for everyone.

Great tip! I'm gonna look into that myself. My wife wants a really really nice Digi cam.

 

[FastEddy]

I wish I got mt Canon Rebel there. It was 1000.00 for a 6mp unit and now the 8mp units are out for the same price I paid. For the price of the contract I could have upgraded.

 

[vbgagnon]

Definatly going to look into that ed, THANKS!!

 

[vbgagnon]

Well, Ed staples doesn't have the cam I'm looking at. I'm looking at the one SD mentioned above.

Has anybody ever dealt with panasonic's customer service? and or their warrenty?

 

[vbgagnon]

Panasonic GS150, has a few improvements to the gs120, bigger battery and more megapixles are just 2 to speak of.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_P...ID=7&messageID=1568794&cval=1568794&tag=uolst

If any of you have any kwnoledge in this area I would like your comments on this camera.

 

[vbgagnon]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll be ordering the panasonic by the end of the week.