Best mini dv camcorder with firewire port?

Question

i am looking for suggestions/experience/etc. on what would be the best (quality) camcorder in the under $400 range. it must be a mini dv and must have a firewire port, since i have a mac. i just purchased the samsung d372 dirt cheap and realized that i really want something of quality. the picture is just so grainy...recording driving in the car, you can't even make out road signs. i am using it for a road trip and would really like everything to be clear. i'm not expecting hd quality, i just feel that details such as road signs should be readable. smaller is better, as far as size of the camcorder. a light is a plus but if not, it's not a big deal. i also don't care if it has a photo/still option. feel free to leave comments or email me at [e-mail]. any help is extremely appreciated, since no one in any store has any idea what they're talking about.

Answer 1

I'm not sure what model it is called but I'd definately go for a sony.

Answer 2

If you are willing to spend about $630 you CAN get HD quality - the Canon HV-20 camcorder is Videomaker magazine's 2007 "Camcorder of the year", and IS a HIGH DEFINITION camera. I've been studying up on these things lately and am looking to get something like the Sony XDCAM EX, which sells for $6,500 (but its a spectacular machine). My personal recommendation to you is to wait just a little while longer and look into purchasing the Panasonic HDS-HC9 (correct model numbers???) that will become available either in late March or April. The Panasonics are bettter "build quality" than than the Canon "consumer" quality camcorders - the Canon will give you great video quality, but the camcorder itself is a bit on the delicate side. Sony (also good "build quality"), JVC, Panasonic and Canon seem to "rule the roost" in this category, so look at the models they make, and look for new stuff to come out soon (before June). Also be sure to read the online reviews - I did, and that's what led me to the super pro cameras. High definition is "right around the corner", so don't buy a camcorder yet - wait a few months, do your homework, and pick a winner, and more of those are being made every day. Good luck!

BTW: as the HD camera prices come down, so will the standard definition camera prices. Even the HD cameras change models, so a Panasonic AG-HVX200, which used to cost around $5,200, can now be had for around $4,000. I know that is not in your price range, but a $1,200 price drop on a fantastic camera is something I notice. It probably means a new camera is coming out soon to replace that model, but if you don't need "variable frame rates at 1080p" and get away with "variable frame rates at 720p" its a camera worth considering. And if you don't know what this means, don't buy a $4,000+  camera!   ;)

Answer 3

ALL miniDV tape based camcorders have a firewire port. Typically, they are called a "DV port".

Personally, I would stay in the Canon - Panasonic - Sony environment. (I currently use a Sony HDR-HC1.)

Recording in a car is difficult - no amount of electronic or optical stabilization will get rid of the vibration and humans were not built to stay still for long periods of time.

Recommendations:

Canon ZR800; ZR950 (both have an external mic jack)

Sony DCR-HC28, HC96 (plus http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/47... for external mic jack)

It would be better if the camcorder has manual audio control - the 4 above do not... and these are the cheapest that do:

Canon HV20, HV30

Sony HDR-HC7, HC9

I was on a motorcoach (comfortable bus) shooting the "behind the scenes" for a short subject... and standing while trying to get the large freeway signs so they would be readable was a challenge - and my attempts at getting clear video as a passenger in my own CTS was difficult, but do-able.

Good luck.