Need advice and opinions on Digital Video Cam to buy.

[DNA DOA]

After taking Digital Pics and small vids with no sound at PIR, AFP cruise, and Bellingham dyno day It has become painfully clear that I need to jump into the digital film recording buisness. So what I need is personal accounts on nice video cams, brands and model numbers.
Has to be a digital so I can put it to discs and share with Mustang junkies such as myself. Looking for small, compact, great film quality in dark situations (it's not going to stay light out till 9:30 P.M. forever), quality picture, under 800 bucks, and where to buy.

I have an old super 8 but I don't think that is digital. I will keep that one to play back the billion or so 8mm tapes that I have. There is something out there now or new to me that is called mini vd or something like that. Is this the new thing out? Thanks for your help guys!

Ben

P.S. Oh yeah, on some threads I see the three letters ttt. What does this mean?

 

[03SHKR]

Ha. I have the same question. I just PM'd Duner and Rogue asking about their cameras.

 

[Rootus]

It's funny... cause I'm looking too. And I've even talked to Duner about it .

Based on the reviews I've seen, I'm leaning towards the Canon SD400 (if I go with a regular digital camera). 640x480 at 30fps, or 320x200 at 60fps. It's super tiny, and takes SD cards which are available up to 1GB in size. The only downside I see is that it takes a propietary (but rechargable at least) battery pack.

For true video cameras, I'm still in the research phase. I'll be watching this thread, though, to see what others are thinking.

Funny how we all end up thinking about the same thing at the same time. I wonder why that is...

Dave

 

[duner]

ttt = to the top. Moves your thread to the top of the page.

 

[duner]

I'm going to start looking at a true digital video camera. Need it for some in-car vids from the open track days.

Patricks camera takes real good video. And it's not very big. Maybe he'll chime in with some details.

 

[Rogue Cobra]

I just bought my Panasonic A few weeks ago. Panasonic PV-GS65.

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wc...rogram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702

The reason I chose this one is, It has 3CCD recording. I was told it has better quality picture than CCD. It was in my price range. I was not sure what to buy either. It seemed to have the features I wanted. So, I made my best guess and chose this one. Oh yeah, it had to have firewire connection.

The one thing that sucks is, it does not come with digital video editing software.

I would have like to have 16:9 recording like the Canon has, but picture quality won out.

Patrick

 

[Rootus]

One thing I'm looking at is a lipstick cam. A bit more purpose-built than a handheld camcorder, but you could get some great shots with it.

 

[duner]

One thing I'm looking at is a lipstick cam. A bit more purpose-built than a handheld camcorder, but you could get some great shots with it.

I bet you could get some great shots with it. Not the kind of shots you could put here though.

 

[duner]

I would have like to have 16:9 recording like the Canon has, but picture quality won out.

I like the 16:9 feature.

 

[03SHKR]

I like the 16:9 feature.

What is 16:9 View attachment 513383

 

[Rootus]

What is 16:9 View attachment 513381

Aspect ratio. Also known as widescreen.

I like the 16:9 feature.

The base model Canon ZR100 has 16x9 and image stabilization. For $300.

What other features are worth paying extra for?

 

[1993c0bra]

Go to Kit Cameras or a professional shop and tell them what U need the camera for and kinda tell them a budget, so when they tell u which one is the best, buy it on ebay. or Find a better deal, because those camera stores are more expensive

 

[Rootus]

Go to Kit Cameras or a professional shop and tell them what U need the camera for and kinda tell them a budget, so when they tell u which one is the best, buy it on ebay. or Find a better deal, because those camera stores are more expensive

That is rude. If you are going to use the professional assistance of the camera shop, you ought to buy it from them. Otherwise do your research online and buy it online.

 

[1993c0bra]

Hows that rude, thats what they are there for. Its easier that way, u must be a camera salesman.

 

[Rootus]

Hows that rude, thats what they are there for. Its easier that way, u must be a camera salesman.

It is common sense, do I really need to connect the dots for you? Who do you think pays the salary of the professional at the camera store? That's the whole reason you pay more there -- you are paying extra to get the service. Deliberately seeking out their assistance and then turning around and buying the camera online is analogous to theft.

Dave

 

[Rootus]

Patrick, does your camera output only in WMV?

Dave

 

[1993c0bra]

 

[jordanvraptor]

My Sony DVD-101 camcorder is for sale for $450. Brand new, only had it a month, just decided I want a Canon SD 400 or 500 when I go overseas. It takes great video, even when its dark. Then you can play it on any dvd player. Discs last about an hour or recording time. It also has a widescreen format but it only is really worth it if you have a widescreen tv.

 

[codemonkey]

It is common sense, do I really need to connect the dots for you? Who do you think pays the salary of the professional at the camera store? That's the whole reason you pay more there -- you are paying extra to get the service. Deliberately seeking out their assistance and then turning around and buying the camera online is analogous to theft.

I agree. If you're going to go use up someone's time, at least make it worth it for them. If enough people do what you're doing, you wont have a pro shop to go to after a while.

 

[03SHKR]

My Sony DVD-101 camcorder is for sale for $450. Brand new, only had it a month, just decided I want a Canon SD 400 or 500 when I go overseas. It takes great video, even when its dark. Then you can play it on any dvd player. Discs last about an hour or recording time. It also has a widescreen format but it only is really worth it if you have a widescreen tv.

What's the difference between your Sony and the Canon you want?