Digital Camcorders?

Question

I want to buy a digital camcorder to take ski videos, videos for school projects, and anything else. I need a camcorder that is not too hard to use, has good editing, and is pretty durable. I want to try ans stay under $400 as well. If anyone could also help explain to me the differences of the different types and capabilities of the digital camcorders, that would be great as well.

Answer 1

The BEST camcorders will be those cameras which:

1) store their captured video with the least amount of compression.

2) have an easy video archive process so you don't have an extra step.

3) have an external mic jack so you can connect external mics.

4) have manual audio control, exposure/iris, zoom and focus - but also can go auto while you are learning to use the camera.

When you start looking you will find miniDV tape based camcorders will meet all of these requirements. Hard drive, flash memory and DVD based camcorders cannot meet these requirements.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Canon ZR950, ZR800

Sony DCR-HC28, HC96

Panasonic PV-GS320