Digital Camcorder.

Gabbarelli

Hello

Looking to buy one of these, not wanting to spend more than £200.

Don't have a clue about them, so looking for some advice on any good deals on at the moment.

Not sure what features they even offer, so all advice appreciated.

Cheers

helen21_2

Hi what are you looking for? dv? digital8?

Digital8 http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007NLHCU/qid=1134779063/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_3_1/203-6472898-6111121

Mini dv http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007NLHB6/qid=1134777833/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_3_1/203-6472898-6111121

also i see jessops instore have a samsung mini dv for £180

Gabbarelli

Thanks, I think Mini DV is best bet after reading other threads?

I basically want a camcorder that can record, and can be easily put onto DVD format, with good quality.

I guess you cannot buy camcorder that go directly onto DVD? I have a decent spec PC, to burn whatever format onto DVD's (I think!), so is MiniDV with those small cassettes simple enough to then use something like Nero to burn onto blank DVDs?

If so some of those you mention for that price range seem ideal?

I am not sure what Digital 8 means, is that similar to Mini DV, what is the difference?

windym_2

Gabbarelli wrote:

Thanks, I think Mini DV is best bet after reading other threads?

I basically want a camcorder that can record, and can be easily put onto DVD format, with good quality.

I guess you cannot buy camcorder that go directly onto DVD? I have a decent spec PC, to burn whatever format onto DVD's (I think!), so is MiniDV with those small cassettes simple enough to then use something like Nero to burn onto blank DVDs?

If so some of those you mention for that price range seem ideal?

I am not sure what Digital 8 means, is that similar to Mini DV, what is the difference?

Ok. You are now able to buy camcorders that record onto DVD. Like this Sony I have never used one but they sound easy enough.

I have a mini dv - which is the small cassettes. I use a firewire cable which attaches my camcorder to my PC via a firewire card (in the back of the pc). You then download your camcorder film to your hard drive and using the already installed (and free) Windows Movie Maker you can edit your videos. (I actually use Pinnacle Studio 9). Then when you are completely happy with the edited video you can burn it onto a DVD. To play back on your home DVD player you need to check if the player is a DVD-R or DVD+R. You will need to buy the corresponding disc. Either will play back on your PC.

I am not sure about Digital 8 or Hi-8 but think they are the same thing.

When you have found a model that you want, search via the usual bots to get the best price.

Hope that helps. :xmassign:

intel

OP Doesnt want to spend more than £200 so the Sony could be a tad pricy.

windym_2

Yes, just thought I would show her that you can get them that record onto DVD.

intel

windym wrote:

Yes, just thought I would show her that you can get them that record onto DVD.

Yeah I am with you on that as its just so easy with that idea, thats
the route I would go if I were to get a recorder.

helen21_2

I have just got the digital 8 and you can use firewire to download it to pc, same as mini dv one, Hi8 is not digital so you will need extra bits to do it with!

jjames_3

There is a problem with DVD-based recorders as I found out to my cost.

I own a Hitachi DVD-RAM camcorder, which was the first ever model released, built like a brick outhouse, and originally retailing at close to 2 grand (I got mine for £400 a couple of years back).

Took it to Japan last Christmas, dropped it on the pavement from a height of only around a foot, and it knocked the head totally out of alignment.

With a tape-based machine this wouldn't be such a problem, it would be able to record with the odd drop-out. With a disc-based machine though it doesn't recognise discs any more, just the odd couple of discs and then only one side. Damn nuisance -- and it'll cost over £100 to fix.

So I'd say the technology simply isn't robust enough -- bear in mind that this was a well-built early unit as well (actually made in Japan which is a rarity these days).

I'd personally recommend a cheap DV-based camcorder. The reason I say cheap is that card-based camcorders are maturing now and producing very good results, and these will ultimately be the future, fitting in your pocket and being resistant to a lot more abuse, and more reliable as no moving parts.

chudies

how about

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=60416&_LOC=UK