Best kind of camcorder to buy?

Question

I'm in the market for a new camcorder, and I don't know if hard drive or MiniDV is best? Also, what features should I be looking for? I'm going to use it mainly for vacation videos and home videos around the house. My price range is under $1000. Any suggestions would be most helpful! Thanks!

Answer 1

under $1000?

easy.

mini dv - still better than hdd, dvd and flash

HDV (hi def)

try and find something with an external mic in so you can buy another mic.

night shot is a gimmick - steady shot isn't.

try looking at:

HDR-SR5 (sony $800 mini dv) or

HDR-HC9  (sony $1100 mini dv)

if you don't want a hd cam then go for an SD (standard def) cam thta has widescreen (16:9) and three chips (or ccd)

this is the next best thing to hd.

hope it helps!

Answer 2

MiniDV tape provides the best available video quality because DV and HDV use the least amount of compression. In it's current state, I would not touch anything theat compresses to AVCHD as the capture step - too much compression.

Short list:

Canon HV20, HV30

Sony HDR-HC7, HC9

This leaves $ for firewire card and cable, tripod, additional high capacity rechargeable battery, maybe a 2x tele lens.

Other things to consider: wide angle lens, external hard drive for your editing projects, RAM upgrade, sturdy case (like a Pelican 1500), video light, external mics and possibly an XLR adapter if you get pro-grade mics.