Camcorder Recommendations

[sjlee]

I'm looking for some camcorder recommendations for making home movies. My wife and I are expecting our first child and would like to be able to capture our little one's firsts.

After doing some research, I've decided upon a MiniDV camcorder. Yes, I know it's "dated technology", but it still offers superior video quality than any other media type (due to better video compression), as well as other benefits (inexpensive media, easily replaceable media, etc.)

Unfortunately, there aren't nearly as many camcorder reviews as digital camera reviews.

From what I've found, it sounds like the Canon HV30 is one of the best HD miniDV camcorders available. Unfortunately, it is a bit pricey. There are many other SD miniDV camcorders available, but I'm not sure how well they perform in low-light conditions.

Video quality is varied conditions is my highest priority. Transfer of video isn't really very high on my list... which is why DVD, miniDVD, hard drive and memory card/stick camcorders aren't really on my radar right now.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Nathan_P]

I think you may regret not getting one of the other formats years from now. Transfer of video may not be high on your list, but it sure is nice to have something easier to transfer since it is available.

Personally, I bought a Sony DCR-SR85 from Best Buy about a month & a half ago and I am very happy w/ it. It has a 60GB hard drive & although it isn't HD, it's highest resolution is very close & I can get close to 14hrs of recording time on the highest resolution (or up to 40hours on the lowest). It will also take still pictures and can save them on the hard drive, or onto a memory stick..that way I don't need to carry both camcorder & digital camera because this one does both.

When I want to clear off the video I just recorded, I just plug it into the computer via USB, upload it onto my desktop where I can leave it & edit it before burning it onto a DVD.

[sjlee]

Originally posted by Nathan_P
I think you may regret not getting one of the other formats years from now. Transfer of video may not be high on your list, but it sure is nice to have something easier to transfer since it is available.

Personally, I bought a Sony DCR-SR85 from Best Buy about a month & a half ago and I am very happy w/ it. It has a 60GB hard drive & although it isn't HD, it's highest resolution is very close & I can get close to 14hrs of recording time on the highest resolution (or up to 40hours on the lowest). It will also take still pictures and can save them on the hard drive, or onto a memory stick..that way I don't need to carry both camcorder & digital camera because this one does both.

When I want to clear off the video I just recorded, I just plug it into the computer via USB, upload it onto my desktop where I can leave it & edit it before burning it onto a DVD.

Like I said previously, the ease of transfer isn't nearly as high a priority as the picture quality.

How is your camcorder in low-light situations? Indoors with the lights low (e.g. blowing out candles on a birthday cake)?

My other concern is running out of space with the hard drive. Let's say you go on a vacation with the family and forget to transfer some old video that's still on the hard drive. Well, unless you have a PC handy, you'll be SOL.

Same problem could happen with memory cards/sticks... plus the fact that memory card sizes are still fairly small.

One other concern I have about HDD camcorders is a hard drive failure.

If the video compression of video would improve for tapeless camcorders, I would definitely consider one, but for now, it seems that if you want the best picture, you have to go with miniDV.

[sjlee]

Anyone else?