Mini DV Camcorder---which to buy---help!!!

[BandAid]

Well since their is a bun in the oven ,I think it time to start making home movies....I know as much about Video cameras as I do Ricers,,so please help..
Thanks Dennis

 

[Roc87]

Don't really know that much about them either, but we purchased a Samsung Mini-DV camcorder about a week ago for under $300, has a port for a Memory stick, which will hold 26 minutes of Mpeg movies (not very good quality) or around 730Jpeg photos (.5meg pixel?) Seems like a good deal, not too sure of battery life though, seems a little short, maybe lasts an hour? Has a nice bright light on it, plus IR lights for night shots, USB outlet, USB streaming, and an S-video out. Before we bought it, I thought that Mini DV, meant it was like a mini DVD, but its a tape


Oh and cograts on the "bun"!

 

[Nashty]

Check out C-net.com

They have very good reviews with feedback and they will show THE lowest prices. I've used them for all electronics purchases and have agreed with all their online statements once the item is in hand. I got a Sony Mini DV and really like it. Online, I got it for $200 cheaper than Sears had the same one for.

 

[BandAid]

Thanks Roc87 ,been a yr of Fertility teatmeants,shots

Nashty ,I will check that out,

Dennis


Merry X Mass

 

[Welby]

Originally posted by roc87
Don't really know that much about them either, but we purchased a Samsung Mini-DV camcorder about a week ago for under $300, has a port for a Memory stick, which will hold 26 minutes of Mpeg movies (not very good quality) or around 730Jpeg photos (.5meg pixel?) Seems like a good deal, not too sure of battery life though, seems a little short, maybe lasts an hour? Has a nice bright light on it, plus IR lights for night shots, USB outlet, USB streaming, and an S-video out. Before we bought it, I thought that Mini DV, meant it was like a mini DVD, but its a tape


Oh and cograts on the "bun"!

Sounds like you bought the same one I just did (forget the model #). We also have one in the oven, and I thought it was time to get one too, lol. I haven't used it enough to say anything about it, I just messed with it for a few minutes after opening it and charging it up. Got it at Circuit City for $329 with a "free" tripod and carrying bag, and a $35 gift card that'll come in the mail. Didn't seem like too bad of a deal. Sears had it for the same price, but none of the extra's....
I didn't have a clue what to look for, but just relied on how people rated them on Circuit City's site

Hope it's a good one

 

[GNandGS]

I have had a Canon ELURA40 for a couple of years and would recommend it over almost anything of similar size. I think the current model might be the 50.

I recommend you shop at a store with a good return policy. BestBuy I think is 14 days... its tough to eval properly in the store.

Things *I* looked for when shopping:
Size. If it was too big I wouldnt take it anywhere.

Compatibility (editing). Sony for example was the worst in this regard with their similar camera at the time.

Price. Not at the top of list but it had to be considered.

SD card. Needed to be able to take stills on SD's. Since the camera uses many of the vid controls/adj AND has a GOOD lens you get suprisingly good stills with a rather low MP.

Warranty. If its a weak warranty you will be scared to haul it around (If poor like me lol). I opted for the BestBuy extended.

It needed to fit well in the hand. If the controls are not in the right place for you...

Needed to record in DV. Duh. Some of the mini cams now record in a compressed format which is pretty good but I wanted to retain the control and dont mind the use of tapes.

You can probably come up with a pro/con list and I suggest you do. Read online reviews also! Maybe you want an MPG2 camera instead? Weigh your options.

Shawn

 

[Roc87]

Welby, just a follow up on the Samsung, make sure the hand strap isn't very tight/snug. The back portion of the strap came out of the camcorder on Christmas! I don't see a way to put it back in, so we'll see how Targets return policy is!

 

[Welby]

Originally posted by roc87
Welby, just a follow up on the Samsung, make sure the hand strap isn't very tight/snug. The back portion of the strap came out of the camcorder on Christmas! I don't see a way to put it back in, so we'll see how Targets return policy is!

Thanks for the heads-up ! I think mines a model # SCD-103 or something like that...

 

[wlaukaitis]

HI,

I have a JVC GR-D33U mini DV. I don't have much experience with cams but my wife has a VHS-C that this has replaced. It is amazing how small this thing is. This one does not have a mem stick to photos but it does take pic albeit on tape. There are other models like the D93U. Check it out. I got it from QVC I don't rememeber what I paid for it.

http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027121&pathId=26&page=3

Not too long ago I bought a Pinnacle AV/DV card that lets me capture the video onto PC and then onto DVD. it was onlt y $100 or so. pretty sweet!! I can also capture analog (VCR) to PC and then to DVD. Yes I was told I could buy a VCR/DVD recorder but that would be too easy!!

 

[cwelk87gn]

I got a Hi-8 for Christmas and after some research, took it back and bought a Panasonic mini dvd camcorder, it is really neat! It burns your video to a dvd as you shoot it. The only drawback aside from the initial price is the little dvd's it takes are a little pricey, but you can play them in your home dvd player.

 

[Pronto]

Watch out for C-net's "lowest prices" places. Some of those are rip off places in NYC and such. You order the cam at great price then they you have to call them to confirm the order. Some Hindu works you over to buy a bunch of accesories at a high price then if you don't take them they refuse to sell it to you. Better off with spending more at a well know store that you get a square deal with.

 

[DougsfastZ]

I love our Canon ZR90. And for $430, its a great bang for your buck camera. Canon makes great products!

Doug D