Video camera advice
 

And now for something completely different:

I'm going to give my wife Suzanne a video camera for her birthday. The main use will be to tape our new son, who will be born in 5 weeks.

Now, while he will undoubtedly be the cutest kid the world has ever seen, and completely worthy of his own video camera, it's also dawned on me that I'd could attach whatever camera I get to the harness bar of my 911 and tape DE events. That is, when I'm allowed to run events again ($ + time + perceived risk concerns on my wife's part, but I'm working on her).

So I'm thinking that image stabilization, light weight, and reliability should be factors in addition to image quality.

Any comments on what I should be looking for? I don't want to spend more than around $800, and it needs to be a MiniDV camera.

I like the Sony TRV-38 for its reviews on ease of use (big LCD, zoom function) and image quality.

Any thoughts? All advice appreciated.
Colin

You can't go wrong with any of the Sony Mini-DV's. If you can swing it, I would highly recommend the Sony TRV-900 (3CCD). This camera has an excellent reputation. I actually had the same camera, just in the DVCAM version (PD-100a), and it was superb. Only reason I got rid of it was to go to a ligher weight camera, as it was for a helmet-mount application (skydiving).

Thanks Eric. The TRV-900 is attractive, but I'm not sure I have the budget. Whenever I look at the more expensive models, I start seeing a cheaper camera PLUS a set of 911 tires, etc. :)

I've read up on the 3CCD stuff, and the new Panasonic GS70 3CCD camera was really tempting for <$1000. I'm just not too interested in being an early adopter in this particular case, so I was going to stick with a Sony.

I know that the electronics stores always get you to buy the extended warranties, but for mini-DV's I strongly suggest getting one. They have so many moving parts inside and stuff to go wrong. A friend of mine had a JVC mini-DV camera and it spent most of its time at the store getting fixed. He ended up getting a brand new one due to some lemon law the store had. All I can say is that my friends JVC was a complete POS, I suggest getting a Sony or Panasonic. I know of few people that have these and are very happy with them.

JVC, Sony...No wonder it was in the shop all the time. I'll take the Sony.

What is the consensus on the Canon ZR60 or ZR70. Never been a huge fan of sony cameras.

Got the cheapest MiniDV's I could find - first the Panazonic PVDV 101 a few years ago, now the PVDV53.

Both were fine for shooting kids. All I really needed was image stabilization and a decent zoom. The newer one seems to shoot better in low light, and has a built in light. For $300+ I'm happy.

I've never needed all the bells and whistles on a movie camera. Had one VHS-C that was too fancy and never I played with the buttons because I have 3 kids and no time to learn. I figure I can edit stuff when they're older, or give it to my brother who's a film editor in LA.

The quality is good compared to any of the old consumer analog stuff. And I do have a pretty critical eye - I've shot scenics & people with Nikkormat/Nikon still cameras for 25+ years (still lovin' that Kodachrome). Pretty good bet that except for the bells and whistles, the optics and light sensitive electro-mechanical stuff inside is the same across a company's camcorder range.

My thoughts:

I have the Sony Trv-900 and love it. I bought it shortly after it came out for my daughter. Picture quality and color saturation are superb. Image stabilization works especially well. There are two approaches to stabilization: Mechanical and Digital (Electronic).

If you figure you'll do digital editing in the future then be sure you have a model with Time Code and Command Language/Connection capabilities. (RC Time Code and LANC were the standards last I shopped)

I previously had a Cannon Hi-8 which had quality issues after 2 years. Until then it was a very good camera.

My advice is to "try it on" before you buy. Ergonomics are very important to me. For example Cannon put the battery under the grip area, If you wanted an extended life battery you'd have this uncomfortable bulge under your palm. The bigger the battery the worse off I was....not good.

Also, be aware of the LUX rating. The lower the better. Sony is not known for low light capabilities on there standard line-up. This may be especially important when taping your son when he's sleeping or resting.

Get a decent power optical zoom as digital zoom will diminish quality.

All in all I'd buy another Sony....BUT

Panasonic just announced a RAM based Camcorder. No tapes or DVD disk...video and audio go straight to a 1 - 2 gig SD memory card!!!!

Only 10 minutes recording time but that would fit into 80% of my taping habits. I'll probably wait for a larger SD card, 3ccd and HDTV compatibility to purchase.

Two places to see reviews from camera owners:

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/camcorder/amateur-camcorders-ratings.html

and www.epinions.com

Can anyone tell me about getting the info off a camera and into a PC? I looked at the Sony writeup, and it mentioned you can do it via USB, but it had in parens (Microsoft NetMeeting required)

WTF is up with *that*?

I'd splurge on a $25 IEEE1394 (FireWire) card and just get a camera that supports it.

Then you need some video editing software.

Then you need a DVD-R/W drive.

Sorry about your wallet...

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RickM
My thoughts:

If you figure you'll do digital editing in the future then be sure you have a model with Time Code and Command Language/Connection capabilities. (RC Time Code and LANC were the standards last I shopped)

I had not realized that there were different levels of support for digital editing. Thanks for mentioning it. Looks like I need to do some more research.

OK, contrary to my statement (and failing memory) I've found the following:

"Q: How Does Drop Frame Timecode Compare To RC Timecode?

A: Both Drop Frame and RC Timecode are designed to mark specific locations on the video tape. They measure minutes, seconds, and frames on the tape. The basic difference between these two types of timecode is the recording format they use. RC Timecode is used with analog video recordings. Drop Frame Timecode is used with digital video recordings."

I believe the Digital standard is SMPTE.

These may help.....

http://www.mindspring.com/~d-v-c/Timecode.htm

http://rlpg.com/video/education/archive/jan2002/0102_01.html

BTW, The TR38 looks to be a very nice choice.

Thom,

The difference between the TR22's 680k pixels and the 38's 1 Mega-pixel capabilty is enough to make a perceivable difference.

Also the LCD view finder on the 38 is one inch larger at 3.5"...another nice feature.

IMO the $100 difference (Epinion.com prices) is well worth it for the 38. If street prices are a $200 difference I'd still go with the 38.

Thom, I picked the 38 (or I think I will be picking the 38, anyway)over the lower-number models because of:
-larger viewfinder (LCD)
-more resolution
-supposed to have a better zoom control that allows smoother use (ring on the lens rather than a slider on the body, I think).

I think RickC is 100% correct that most of the optics and mechanical stuff is the same across any one manufacturer's line.

Good choice!