Help me choose a good video camera

[ChadTower]

So, the hi8 camera my family has been using for a while crapped the bed.  Only we didn't know it, and had been recording family events, etc with it.  For months.  So, now we need to replace it... obviously, at this point, going digital.  I don't keep up with the technologies on stuff like this, so any advice would be appreciated.

Price range is probably $500-600.

[SOAPboy]

So, the hi8 camera my family has been using for a while crapped the bed.  Only we didn't know it, and had been recording family events, etc with it.  For months.  So, now we need to replace it... obviously, at this point, going digital.  I don't keep up with the technologies on stuff like this, so any advice would be appreciated.

Price range is probably $500-600.

Just get one of the digital sony Hard drive ones..  When there readly available..

Tho.. its like 2x your budget, id take that over tapes and discs personally

[ChadTower]

So, where I gave a budget range and said I wanted to buy soon, you mention one that's 2x the range and not available.  Thanks.

[2600]

A year and half I looked into it and Canon and Sony were the ones to get for when my son was born.   In the less expensive models, Sony had better night recording Canon better overall.  I chose miniDV ones because I don't trust the optical recording ones to be rugged enough for a family.  Also, going somewhere and actually picking one up and holding it with the wife helped to see if it was comfortable and wasn't a PITA for the both of us.  (Have to make sure the wife can operate it)

You are in the range where (at the time, going from memory) you can get one of the three chip models which is a bit higher end then the lower ones, like the Canon Eluora series.  These models had more functions, better at night, etc.

So, I'd still suggest either the lower models and have some cash or the Canon Eluora series.  I had a bit lower of a budget and got the lower Canon ZR series and the night stuff hasn't been an issue.



I highly suggest a tripod.  They seem expensive, but I picked up a really nice one online(bhphoto.com I think) for like $40 with shipping that folds up small and is really lite and portable and have used it a lot.  It's easy to take the camcorder on and off and came with another quick release that I use for my camera.  I picked up some other accesories from there as well.

[ChadTower]

Yep, already have a good tripod.  Pretty much what I've come up with so far is that my price range likely includes the 3 CCD models.

As you, I do not think one that records to optical media is worth buying.

[Thenasty]

when I was at Circuit City, I saw a 40GB Video Camera, its around $800. Forgot the model. They had only 2 on display, one was a 20GB model and the other a 40GB version.
I am almost getting ready to get rid off my Sony 8mm camera.
But whatever you decide to do, don't get those DVD-R/W MINI ones, its like buying a Camera using a VHS-C back in the days.

[cdbrown]

JVC have a range of cameras with 20-40GB hdd.  One has RRP of 600 so I'm sure you could find it cheaper.

I'm quite happy with the 20GB model I have, pure digital recording and no loss when transferring from the camera to pc for editing.  I like the widescreen format available.

[ChadTower]

I've pretty much decided on either the Sony HC96 or HC90, with price being the deciding factor between the two.

[cdbrown]

Have you considered getting one with a better zoom than 10x optical?  I think mines 24x optical, 240x digital but I have the digital zoom disabled.

Also don't forget to factor in the tapes and additional battery into your costs.

[Harry Potter]

I've pretty much decided on either the Sony HC96 or HC90, with price being the deciding factor between the two.

Good choice. Sony is probably one of the best for optics, if not the best.

[ChadTower]

Low light performance is most important to me since I take a lot of video in auditoriums and classrooms.  The only cameras with a 1/3 CCD AND 20x optical zoom cost hundreds more.

[SOAPboy]

So, where I gave a budget range and said I wanted to buy soon, you mention one that's 2x the range and not available.  Thanks.

Itll be out soon, and yes, 2x the cost..

I hate tapes, and dislike the dvd idea.. HD seems the only way to me..

[thebrownshow]

How about suggestions for the $200-$300 range?

Haven't done any digital editing, my experience is back in the good ol' linear editing days.  Digital Hi8 worthwhile it or should I just look for MiniDV?