Should I get a new video camera or stick with the one I got?

Question

Hello I have a website that just launched and I would like to film some video for it. I wanted to know about video cameras that can format/upload to youtube/video jug etc. I currently have a Mini DV camera also. The problem I have with my current camera is that I bought it used so I have no capabilities of uploading the video from the mini dv camera to my computer (Apple Ibook G3 running on Tiger OS) and formating that video to AVI/MPEG. I would like to know if it would be cheaper (money and time wise) for me to just get a new video camera such as the Flip or for me to buy editing software and a connection device to hook up to my computer with my current video camera?

Answer 1

I'm not too sure what you had in mind, but MiniDV gives you the best and easiest workflow for editing on a computer. It's compatible with virtually every editing program, from iMovie to Final Cut Studio. It doesn't require a lot of money to capture footage into the computer. All you need is a Firewire (official name is IEEE1394, but also called iLink) 4pin to 6pin for $20 at Best Buy. The Firewire connects to the DV-Out port in the camcorder and will connect to the back of your computer. Naturally, miniDV captures via Firewire create .avi files, so there shouldn't be any compatibility issues.

Flip cameras are generally worse quality due to the higher compression need for media storage. And they have limited capatibility. MiniDV works with everything, Flip cameras work only with the manufacturer's supplied software--which suck btw, or very few are available from cheapo 3rd party vendors. They aren't nearly as good as the programs you can get with MiniDV. So, quality wise, it's better to stick with your miniDV camcoder. Price wise.....well, I just don't know of any decent camera less than the cost of a firewire cable.....

Hope that helps.