Will be purchasing a camcorder soon, what video camera would be best?

Question

We will soon be having children (2) and price is really not a deterrent, so long as the value of the features for the price are worth it.

I know there are different types of cameras on the market (HD vs CCD, or digital vs. tape), but what would y'all recommend for a camera that has an easy transfer (memory stick or tape?), is not bulky, will last for awhile (use for the next few years (5 or so)), have consistent features (zoom , quality video), have good light quality? Or what features should I be interested in?

As I have a great digital camera- having a still option within the video would not be an important option.

Answer 1

I have had bad experiences with Canon camcorders.
I have never had a problem with Sony camcorders.
Sony's MiniDV camcorders are very good. You will want their HC42 or 46 at the least. 92 or 96 if you can afford it. You don't need many features if you have a decent computer for editing. Just concern yourself with resolution and optical zoom. Steady-shot is a must if you shoot without a tripod.
I like MiniDV tapes because I can get very active with my camcorder where it gets jostled around a lot (paintball games and such). If you are going to be gentle with your camcorder, you may wish to pick one up that records directly onto a DVD.
Camcorders that record onto a hard drive are too new for me to comment on.
In a nutshell these are the basic things to look for:
1. Recording format(MiniDV,DVD,HDD)
2. Resolution
3. Optical zoom
4. Image stabilization

I hope that helps.

Answer 2

The following are things to consider:
Brand: I have had great experiences with Sony and Canon, whatever it is make sure its a brand you have heard of.
Media: MiniDV is the industry standard for quality, better than DVD. The tapes are very small so size isn't a problem. Also, MiniDV tapes don't break down as fast as DVDs, and unlike DVDs, there isn't a replacement on the market, so they will be around for a while.
Other features: Look for a 3CCD camera. This is one that has a seperate sensor for each color so the quality is much better. Look for one that has high optical zoom. Manufacturers will give really high zoom numbers for digital zoom, but digital zoom hurts the quality. Optical zoom is what you want. As far as connecting to computer or TV, any of the new camcorders have USB, firewire, and composite video connections so transfering should be a breeze.

Answer 3

My advice to you is to go to camcorderinfo.com. You can check out reviews and maybe get some more indepth information that may not occur to you right away. I am considering buying the new High Definition Harddrive based Sony camcorder coming out in about October. The high quality is in minidv tape, but i am considering the future and I have owned a Hi8 camcorder before, and I would like to get away from tape. Unfortunately not all software plays nice with recorded DVD if you plan to edit later. Not all DVD discs are made equal so be careful. Ignore digital zoom. Pay attention to exactly what you want and check out the camcorder that has the most of what you want. If you can, go to the local store and get some hands on feel for some. Most manufacturers want you as their loyal customer so if you buy into a certain brand you are probably stuck with whatever accessories they give you. Camcorderinfo.com has given their awards to Sony and Panasonic lately.

Answer 4

Go for camcorder with HardDiskDrive(hdd). it has loads of cool features and capable of just about anything that other media types have. Your biggest advantage will be recording videos even more than a day - straight without stopping!(no other media type can do that)
all specs and features you possibly want from a camcorder - it's really compact, easy to use, 3ccd lens, good optical zoom, takes nice photos, and without the hassle of buying & loading all those tapes/dvd discs. what's more it can also burn directly onto a dvd disc.
For starters, a 20gig will do. But preferrably get a 30gig and you wont regret it!
enjoy the shopping!

Answer 5

I have the JVC GR-D270U

Here's a reduced quality video that I did...
http://media.putfile.com/Bird-Eats-Bird

The optical zoom is amazing. Then there is the digital zoom, which is redundant for me. I can do that in a video editor.

It is easy to use, and has great quality. probably now there are newer version, which I would suggest.

The camcorder features a multitude of settings and extra features. It has manual and automatic focus, lighting, white balance, etc.

Built-in lighting. Kind of nice, with bright LEDs.

STEREO built-in microphone.

No A/V inputs or external mic inputs.

Incredible MACRO focusing. I can see my finger prints.

Over all, for the price, you get a great camera that records better than DVD quality for a cheap price.

Answer 6

I would definitely get one that uses a DVD to record on. They hold alot more video, and are easy to throw into the DVD player to watch instead of dealing with any of the transfer. I would go onto a website like walmart or best buy and you can put different types side by side and compare different features, etc.

Sony or Panasonic would probably be your best bet. We had a Panasonic and it lasted for a very long time. In fact the only reason we had to purchase a new one is because one of the kids broke off the side window.

Answer 7

I spent a fortune and bought the best SONY miniDVD camera a few years ago. I love it because I can take the DVD right after the camera after filming and insert it right into my DVD player and watch! I can also copy the DVD's onto a full size blank DVD to share with family.

If there is a camera now that can record onto full size DVD's, I would buy that since the mini DVD's only can hold 30 minutes of recording.

Best wishes on your new arrivals!

Answer 8

since it sounds like your probably not going to edit what you shoot or at least want to be able to watch it very easily, id say go with a dvd cam. although minidvs have better quality theyre not exactly great if you want to watch them on your tv right after shooting, unless you connect the camera to the tv every time you watch a tape. zoom, look for optical, and for quality, 3ccds are great. if youre looking for good light quality, look for a lower lux level. lower the number, better the quality in low light. also be interested in, at the very least, manual white balance and focus. manual shutter and aperture (or iris) are good but for your purposes not necessary. go to www.camcorderinfo.com for info. hope this helps!

Answer 9

I have the JVC Everio. You don't need ANY tapes at all! It has a hard drive built right in! It is super compact! To put it on a DVD is quick and simple. With a DV Camera you have to watch the whole movie to be able to upload it to your pc but with the Everio you just hook it up and there it is and you're ready to edit and put it on a DVD!

Answer 10

If your willing to spend the money, try the DCR-DVD405 handycam dvd camcorder. Outstanding quality and very user feindly. when done recording just finalize the disc and pop it in your dvd player and enjoy. Hope this helps!