I'm looking for a new video camera?

Question

I need a new video camera that is under 400 dollars and isn't a JVC. I say that because JVC video cameras have a format they write in that I can't use. I have a MacBook and everyone says I should get a camcorder, but I heard those have tape, and I think that's a hassle and tape is just one big stream, not individual files. I want a Canon personally, but am open to good suggestions.

Answer 1

I work for JVC and the new Everio G series is SOOOO nice... i usually go for any other brand but this one is NICE.  It has 75 hours of digital video recording, hard drive, 4 diffrent colors...and so small! But since you said that you cant format it then i would look into other brands.

Answer 2

So... I don't know where you get your information, but it is inaccurate.

1) You can use a JVC even with the odd hard drive file format. You would be wise to learn to use the apple.com imovie discussions area.

If you upgrade to the current version of iMovie, everything will will work...

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa...

2) The hard drive based camcorder you have from JVC is just as much of a camcorder as a miniDV tape based camcorder - That said, it is easier for the older versions of iMovie to deal with a miniDV tape based camcorder. Just get a 4-pin to 6-pin firewire (IEEE1394, i.Link) cable...

3) When you import digital video from a miniDV tape based camcorder, it is not a continuous stream. Each time you start the camcorder, then stop, is a clip in iMovie. If you want that clip separate, just drag it to the desktop and delete it from iMovie. Heads up on the hard drive based camcorders... if you record a long sequence (longer than 20 minutes, the camcorder will break the sequence into 20 minute segments. They can be stitched back together with the iMovie (or whatever video editor you use).

If you transfer analog video with an analog bridge (like those from Canopus), then the converted video will be "just one big stream, not individual files". This is NOT the case with video from digital camcorders (using miniDV or Digital 8 tape).

4) Importing miniDV tape from the camcorder to iMovie is realtime... that is, 1 hour of recorded miniDV video will take 1 hour to import (and high definition can take longer than realtime). Please do not consider this "a hassle". Press import, and go do something else - you do not need to sit there and stare at it while importing. In essence, it allows you to be more productive.

Tips:

a) Do not re-use miniDV tape. It is your archive.

b) When a project is edited and complete, export it back out to the camera - tape. This is your archive - in 10 years you can watch it again and have fun.

For $400, take a look at the Canon ZR-800, ZR950, Sony DCR-HC28, HC96 and Panasonic PV-GS320... but I don't think you need a new camcorder...

Answer 3

i recommend canon hg10