Entry level video camera advice.

[Sir Stinkalot]

I have been given the task of finding an entry level video camera for my sister.

What she needs is something basic to film her new kiddie. It has been a few years since I sold these things and have lost track with the new technology.

Is mini dv still the way to go or the 8mm dvd disks? One page I was reading mentioned that the 8mm dvd disks only store 20 min high quality footage which seems like a waste of time. If you are filming someting I don't see the point of doing so in any less than high quality.

As mentioned entry level is exactly what she is after, around $500-600. Anything else really will not be considered as extra bells and whistles will be wasted.

Criteria:
Easy to use.
Can be connected to pc for editing.
Fits within the above mentioned budget.

If anybody has gone through this prior to Christmas I would love to use your research to save me doing my own.

Thanks

Stinky.

[Ashore]

Stinky , when the grandkids started arriving we thought about another movie camera , but decided on a better digital still camera that can take movies , as most cameras have cards that can store 1 gig and up at 7meg or greater they give good clear pictures.
Granted they are only on a small screen but are easy to store and play, and I have found that you only need 30 secs to a minute to catch the moment. We had an early video camera when our kids were young and recently I have edited their movies down to under 1/4 of the origional footage. :wink:

Rgds
Russell

[Barry_White]

How about this for entry level.

http://www.globalshopdirect.com.au/


As seen on TV

[Sir Stinkalot]

Thanks Barry .... perhaps a little too entry level. I could do with a "Easy Shaper" however.

Russell, she has a digital still that can do video however I think she is keen on extended video, thus the need for a video camera.

[Barry_White]

Hi Stinky

I was in an Eastmon Camera House in Tamworth yesterday and I was looking at some Video cameras.

They had a couple of Canon mini DV ones on special for $499. I did a google search for Eastmon and I couldn't find those particular cameras. Maybe discontinued lines.

I had a look at their online catalouge and the have one on special at $676.

Scroll down towards the bottom.

http://www.eastmon.com.au/Images/online_cat_files/Xmas_Top_10.pdf

Not sure if Eastmon Camera House is in Victoria as their catalouge only shows NSW stores and you can't order on line as yet but they do have contact details

http://www.eastmon.com.au/ASP_pages/contact_us.aspx

I am sure though that Hardley Normal could match those prices anyway.

[oldbob13]

Barry
Check out the latest Hardly Normal cattle dog.
They have a Panasonic that fits within your criterria and its very similar to one I have been useing for 2 years, only lots cheaper now.

IMHO Things to look for are anti shake and get the extended warranty (its very expensive to have repairs done)

Yours
BobT

[TassieKiwi]

I got a mini-dvd one for work. Choices are
Digital tape - cheap, slower to edit, but fine for taping the nipper

Mini or full size dvd - only 30 mins for each disc, always runs out just when you don't want it to, have'nt edited anything as yet

Hard drive - this appeals as you never have to buy media, just keep shooting. Editing and manipulation of the images is not as easy, though I can't really comment as I have not done this. Anyone else have one?

[mobjack68]

Hey Stink, go with the mini DV tape, just still a whole lot more versatile. The DVD is good, time limiting though, and my experience right now, Not every dvd reader will read a DVD RW disk. If you record to a DVD-r disk, it will have to be "finalized" (empty space on the disk rendered useless) before it can be read by most DVD players and computers. Not all cameras will allow a dvd-r to be played in such a way that the info can be recorded to something else (vcr, dvd, computer) I have a Canon GL1 (mini dv tape) and a Canon DV505 (dvd mini disk) and the GL1 seems to be more versatile with regards to dealing with the video once it has been shot.....I have not been able to get my iMac DV to read the dvd camera.....just my .02...

mobjack68