I need help purchasing a video camera.?

Question

I want to get a video camera and I need advice on which one to buy. My kids want to make their own movies. I plan to buy a mini mac with a dvd burner - they come with a movie editing program (iMovie HD). So I need it to be able to hook up to a computer and download, but I would also like to be able to hook it to a VCR/DVD player and play on the TV or record to a video tape. Also I would like some major zooming capabilities. Anyway, with my kids using it with parental help, it needs to be easy to use and sturdy. Also I only want to pay around $300 or less.

I don't know where to start. We don't even have a digital camera.

Let me know your recommendations! I'm going to buy from Amazon. I need to order soon. My daughter will be in her first play in two weeks and my husband won't be there to see it and I want to capture it on film.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Are your kids really serious about video, or are they just want to make random video? Do you plan on getting a HD set?

If they are just shooting random videos look at buying a flash camcorder, like Flip Video or Aptek's HD camcorders.

Their incredibly cheap (around $100-$200, and are tapeless. You can easily edit the raw digital files on a Mac or PC with ease. However the quality of picture/sound can be poor, These are good for Youtube quality video.

If you want better quality be prepared to spend a bit more cash for a decent camera, make sure it has as many manual controls as possible (focus, lighting, even external hook up for a cheap mic). Stick with MiniDv camcorders if you don't care about HD and want to keep costs low.

Most camcorders have video out, so you can watch a video from the camcorder without editing if you choose to.