Which camcorder should we get? I want one that can record action and take still pics. It has to be easy...?

Question

to use (I am not technically inclined!) Our price range is $400-500. I also dont' understand the different things that you can record onto...mini DVD's, DVD-R's, 8mm...please example what would be easiest for me to just be able to point and shoot footage and watch it.

Answer 1

I have a Panasonic VDR-D300 which uses the camcorder compatible DVDs (R/RW) . It is a great camcorder. Great video resolution and can take great still shots ( 3.1 Mega pixel .. which means good enough resolution). I use the DVD-RW( use it once ..copy the video to a laptop..erase contents and use again..allows this for 150 times) which come for about 4$ each.

If you are looking for video image quality and ease of use ( transfer to the laptop/PC) with limited video ( short duration video recording), then go for DVD camcorders ( Sony DCR-DVD505 or Panasonic VDR-D300). If you are not keen on still images then try the Panasonic VDR-D250 which comes at 500$ I guess.

For long duration video shots and ease of use ( transfer to the laptop/PC), not specifically high image quality, try the JVC Everio series which stores into a 30GB hard disk.

For great image quality and long duration video shoots, not specifically ease of use( transfer to the laptop/PC), try the Sony Mini DV model.

Try http://reviews.cnet.com. It gives you ratings of the different camcorders in terms of ease of use and technical capability. This site should help you decide.

Happy video shooting

Answer 2

Almost all digital cameras will now take pictures, but they are low qualitiy pictures, ok to print out but not greatfor editing. You will want to look into a digital camera for sure either a MiniDV or Mini DVD. Forget about the 8mm. There are more accessories availabe for the Mini DV and both the Mini DV and the DVD shoot better quality video than the 8mm or Hi8. I personally favor the Mini DV for its ease of use over the DVD which will only allow 30 min video recording in the best quality setting. The mini DV can record up to 80 minutes and uses small cassets to record video. Some of the cameras even have a memory card slot for pictures. If the camera you choose does not have a memory card slot, then the pictures you snap will be recorded on to the tape. The only way to easily extract them would be by running it through a video editing program (not so easy, huh..) I prefer the sony camcorders although Cannon has a great line of them too. If you are really wanting a great video and picture camera in one, then find a camcorder with at least a 3 megapixle camera and a memory card slot. Check the camera lense also. The larger the lense, the more light is allowed to pass through resulting in a clearer picture. The mini DV tape does not have an adaptor, so you will need to plug the camcorder into the tv with the cables provided in order to play back the video you recorded. You can also download the video onto your computer, edit and then burn onto a disc. The Mini DVD can go straight into your dvd player (after you close the disc), but remember, you will only have about 30 of video to see when recording in the high quality mode. To summarize: Mini DV tapes can record longer in a high quality setting. The mini DV tape has dominated the camcorder market and will not become extinct within the next few years. The mini DV tapes are cost efficient when compared to the mini DVD. And you can download the video, edit, then burn on to a full size DVD.

Honestly, all camcorders are great camcorders and good picture cameras. Good luck!

Answer 3

The best for you is a 3ccd, 2Mpixel miniDV camcorder with memory slot (the one with slow motion recording/playback capability) since this type of camcorder records more detail specially fast action like a sport. Will shoot great videos and take good stills at your price range. Just load the tape, point and shoot! All are automated so you'll be recording good videos and most of all grrreat footage for your fave action. Connects directly to tv for you to watch (even while recording).
You don't need to understand those memory media as they are just a bunch of storage.
Try to compare first the likes of sony, canon, panasonic and jvc, then decide what fits you & you like best.
enjoy!

Answer 4

Camcorders are best to go to Best Buy or Circuit City and try them out, look for features that you will use. The still picture quality will never be the same as a camera though because of the Pixels. DVD-R's are the best to get since they run on all new DVD machines.

Answer 5

you should try out the next generation of camcorders by Sony and JVC. Im not sure of the name that Sony's camera is but the one for JVC is a Everio HDD camcorder... it comes in 20 - 30 GB worth of storage which is about 24 hours of non-stop filming and more. Its a great camera, but it cost about $899. If you have the money and are looking for a great camcorder... get that one.

Answer 6

Try the Sony DCR-DVD105, and sony is widely respected for being user friendly. The minidvds are just smaller version of regular size dvd's like you rent at blockbuster. DVD-R or +R means just record to the disc once and when you finalize the disc for playing on your dvd player, that is it the disc is done and can not be recorded to anymore. DVD-RW or +RW discs can be recorded to up to 1,000 times. I have the Sony DCR-DVD405, just finalize the disc and enjoy, no cables to hook up or transfers from minidv format to computer to burn to dvd. DVD camcorders mean point and shoot, finalize and enjoy! Hope this helps.

Answer 7

My advice is to get a Sony DV .. DV is cheapper and very nice .. with high quality... U can download it with Pinnacle for instance , and burn it to DVD PAL or SECAM or whatever u need .. :) I've got Sony HC42 with 1Mpxl still cam .. Check it's review in Amazon or somewhere else .. Good luck ! :)

Answer 8

get a Sony cam