Recommendations needed for new camcorder...

[Super_Dave_D]

I have a lower version of the Sony HD camera and love it!!!! No tapes or DVD's to lug around. No way you can fill it up in one day- unless you shoot all in high def but even that is 10 hours!! Comes with a docking station to charge and transfers the video. If you get the new Sony "Stand Alone" DL DVD burner - you dont need a PC. Just push the burn button and it puts it on DVD. The only downside is the file is MPEG2 which makes editing a little more tricky but the camera comes with some basic editing software. The image stabilization is nice too. The only down side is the 10x zoom, forget the digital zoom. Nice camera - GET IT!

[RickM]

Here's a list of digital memory camcorders with fairly recent reviews. http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/reviews_subcat-128.html

Personally I have had very pleasing results with Sony's 3 CCD camcorders. However, while they (most 3CCD cams) produce gorgeous results with ample lighting, they fall short in low light conditions.

One feature that I'll likely not subscribe to is the Memory stick. I'm pretty much committed to the SD format.

[nostatic]

night vision? Are you doing special ops?

Given your strong desire for certain features, I'm hesitant to recommend anything in particular. What do you want to spend, what do you want to shoot, and what are your absolute "must haves"?

This site is decent: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

I am probably going to buy a Canon HV20 as I'm switching over to HD cameras for everything. I have a Canon XH-A1 for work and it is quite good...even when I shoot SD.

I do not care for the ones that shoot on a card yet (AVCHD), and still prefer tape...unless you're talking a Panasonic's P2 system. But those are still very expensive.

For SD cameras, my Panasonic 3CCD has been damn near flawless, and I've used it in available light to get b-roll alongside the XH-A1 and it holds its own. In general I like the look of 3CCD cameras better, but some of them do have low light issues (especially in HD). I've never been impressed with JVC offerings, and in general, I stay away from Sony these days. It is more philosophical than technical though. They have some well reviewed HD cameras on the consumer end.

[911boost]

We are in the same boat as you Wayne, except my SOny Camcorder was a wedding present to us in 1998, so its a bit older than yours. I have done some research, and the hard drive ones seem to be the way to go.

I just went ahead and bought the stand alone Sony DVD burner, and we recently transferred all of our Hi-8 tapes to DVD. It works pretty dang slick. You just plug the camera in, press a button, and it burns it to a DVD, no computer issues, nothing. You can also just plug in the little memory sticks and burn pictures / movies from our digital camera as well.

I'm interested in seeing if you get a new Sony, and if you like it.

Bill

[johncarlos2003]

HDD (hard disk cameras) are very limited with editing software currently. Things will get better but not yet.

Tapes are the way to go still- even for serious dig. vidoemakers-

plus- if you are shooting with hdd and need more space you have to dump earlier material- way easier to pop in another tape and not miss any action- imagine taping a race or your kids soccer game and having to quickly decide what and where you gonna dump footage- not cool . . .

the canon hv20 is the camera these days- the sony hc7 as well- sony offers the night vision only so . . .

the canon hv20 is rediculously good- 799 at frys-

and, if you shoot with a 35mm lens adapter (you can buy for a grand plus or make one for a couple hundred! then the footage can look truly film-like and totally awesome- totally awesome . . .!!!!

good luck.

[widgeon13]

Has anyone tried these flip video cameras, record 30 minutes or 1 hour of digital and hook directly to the computer?? Cheap and simple as well.

[Sapporo Guy]

I got a cheapo Sony that was on discount at the local shop. I wasn't really looking at features but more of a price range and the HD ability.

I'm a mac user and was disappointed at the shop that I would be almost 100% SOL with the software but lo^and~behold I could drag and drop the movies straight to my hard drive without any external software.

As for editing not sure yet, but I imagine that iMovie or at the worst Final Cut should be able to handle the problem when it arises!

Good luck, and yes, I would love to have a video camera setup for the front of my car
Get to record all those idiots that cut me off !!!