Camcorder suggestions?

[Taj]

Do you have a video cam you love (or hate)? I'm looking to buy one before the end of the year and have been kind of boggled by the review sites. I think I *don't* want one that records directly to a dvd, unless those are rewriteable. What about DV?

Makes, models, pros and cons? Please help me decide!

[LarryH]

Taj -

I just recently bought a Sony model that records directly to an internal hard drive. I wanted to avoid having any insertable media that would limit my recording time. I consider myself a careful shopper, but it is so difficult with a consumer item like this because prices drop quickly while features improve continuously - you just have to take the plunge. I tried to comb through both online and print reviews of cameras but they were all so out-of-date that they really weren't helpful. My advice with anything like an iPod, computer or other electronic item is to simply by the best/biggest/fastest that you can afford. Try them out and check the usability of the zoom and other controls. Check out pcmag.com and cnet.com for reviews. Check out options that are available that might make the difference in your purchase, like external lights, mics, and remote controls. Finally you might also consider the purchase of a tripod meant for video cameras to allow smooth pan and tilt functions during filming. Whew! Good luck and feel free to email me direct at thirties@sbcglobal.net

[Taj]

Thanks, Larry. I understand the Sony models can only work with their proprietary editing software--is that still true?

[LarryH]

No, when you import the files into your computer they seem to be recognized as standard .mpeg files, easily editable by lots of software.

[kashmir]

Do you have a video cam you love (or hate)? I'm looking to buy one before the end of the year and have been kind of boggled by the review sites. I think I *don't* want one that records directly to a dvd, unless those are rewriteable. What about DV?

Makes, models, pros and cons? Please help me decide!

I have a Canon which I am very happy with. I prefer tape - as far as I know no professional video work is done on DVD - if it is good enough for the pros - its good enough for me. ..g.:
Watch button size - the home cameras are getting stupid with the size of buttons. Also watch menus - you want a camera that has the main functions - such as f-stop correction on the camera rather than buried in a software menu.

[kina]

any other recomendations on this? I'm also looking for one as a study aid and to try to get some useable footage of myself for my website.

TIA :-)

[Taj]

Kina, those are pretty much my reasons for wanting one too. I think I'm probably just going to have to jump and make a purchase. So far I have votes for Sony and Canon. My biggest concerns are usability (like the button issue Kashmir mentioned) and media. I don't want something that uses media that's hard to work with or will be obsolete next week. :-)

[kina]

quick! I just found out I'm getting one today so I need this information ASAP!

Which should I get?