Mini DV Camcorder Input

[LChisum]

OK, now that I have my DVD burner, I am looking at mini DV camcorders. There seems to be a depth and breadth of knowledge about electronics on this board, so I will thank you for any opinions.

I'm focusing on two models which fit within my price range (< $400), and meet my one firm prerequisite of having a color viewfinder. They are the Canon ZR80 and the JVC GRD33US. Both are recently released models, have no memory cards for still pictures, and no remote control. A net search finds very few reviews available for these models. I am leaning toward the JVC because it has a slightly smaller profile, is $50 cheaper, comes with some bundled software, and has more favorable reviews in the few that I have found for both cameras.

What do you think?

Larry

[m-mmeyer]

I have a Canon ZR something or other. It is about 3 years old now and has been a pretty good camera. It did go in once for eating tapes but was covered under an extended warranty. I don't normally buy ex-warranties, but I would again for a camcorder. Too many parts in a small package that is never in one spot.

My camcorder has the memory card for stills but it is like 100 pixels or something not worth using for stills. Besides I have a digital still camera also. I am overall happy with my camera, I would make sure to get a firewire connection if possible.

Matt

[LChisum]

Thanks Matt,

Both camcorders I mentioned have the firewire connection (can you believe another $30 bucks for the cable?). I'm still inclined toward the JVC. I also usually never consider extended warranties. I feel like it's just giving the retailers the money. Most of them don't know much about the product they are selling, but they are so hot to sell the warranty, they quickly tell you all the bad things that can happen to it. At this point I'm usually thinking, "if that's the case, why am I buying this thing?". But you may have a point with the mini camcorders. I have a ten + year old Sony regular video 8 mm, that still seems to function well today, just not convenient to drag along on a flight, and won't directly interface with the PC. I guess you pay your money and take your chances, or hedge your bet by greasing the store's palm.

Larry

[btk467]

I would stay with Canon. I had JVC as well. But picture quality of Canon much better than JVC. Another reason to buy Canon that it has an Firewire connection with is the best for home made DVD.
I have Canon ZR60 for 1 year and I like it.

[LChisum]

After much more agonizing research between a couple of models, I happened on a Samsung SCD107, and knew immediately it was what I wanted. It is a newly released model, and has almost every conceivable feature I can think of including, 20X optical, image stabilization, built in light, remote, infrared capability, color view-finder, 3.5" (not standard 2.5") LCD display, digital picture memory card capability, analog in and out, and USB, firewire, and S-video connectors. It comes with the USB and S-video cables, but, unfortunately, not the firewire. I just got it yesterday, and have been reading the manual, and doing some basic things with the camera. The standard retail price is about $450, with some retailers rebating about $35 in "gift cards". I'm sure it can be had for less than that on the net, but I wanted to take advantage of Sear's 12 month, absolutely zero interest (not deferred), so that's where I bought it.

Larry