What camcorder should I buy for a trip?

Question

I'm going to Greece in oct. I need either a camera or camcorder that is easy & light. I've never owned anything but, a 35 mm . I want one that is easy to send pictures to family, will take still photos, low light, maybe, under 1,000 under 500 better.

Answer 1

To meet your requirements, we highly recommend a single chip CCD camcorder from Sony with miniDV, a long optical zoom, optical stabilization, and that is lightweight and compact.  

Most consumer HD camcorders will fit your needs such as the compact Sony HDR-HC9 6MP MiniDV High Definition Handycam Camcorder + Deluxe Accessory Kit http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015CT... , but it might have problems in low light.  If you want to get very good quality, we recommend a professional camcorder such as the Sony HDR-FX7 3-CMOS Sensor HDV High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IBD... - again, it might have some problems in low light - depending upon the conditions.  You can look around and find it for $1,000.

A single ship CCD is recommended over CMOS in low light.  CMOS can sometimes have difficulty in low light because it was designed for use in studios.  CCD has excellent low light ability and single chip systems from Sony usually include an infrared IR beam emitter for use in low light or no light - as seen on ghost hunting and sport animal hunting shows.

- To make all this happen, CCD will need more electronic and power, so the CCD camera will definitely be heavier than a CMOS version (but not more than 2-4 lbs).  You will want to consider high capacity batteries - explained farther below

There are many grand vistas and large buildings in Greece, so you will definitely need a long optical zoom with optical stabilization.  Canon seems to be the leader in this department, but Sony is not far behind.  Depending upon your camcorder, you may also want to consider an additional wide angle lens or telephoto lens to capture your subject in tight or extreme long distance situations - explained later

*** The most important consideration will be a camera that is as lightweight and compact as possible to allow you to operate with one hand without causing arm fatigue.  You want a camera that will not be a hinderance and prevent you from taking it everywhere.  The added advantage to a camcorder of these specs is that it is it very easy to store in your luggage, carry everywhere you go, and fit in a bag when entering places you are not allowed to film or photograph or do not want to record.

We recommend miniDV over DVD, hard drive, or flash memory.

- MiniDV is found everywhere and all over the world at economical prices.  We use Panasonic AYDVM63PQ 63/42 Minute Professional Quality Mini-DV Digital Tape, 10 Pack http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANC... - twice the quality and half the price of consumer brands you find at Wal-Mart.  Also, miniDV can be used in both standard definition miniDV cameras as well as HDV.  Tapes normally come in 60 minute lengths, but you can also find 30 and 80 minute tapes.

- Flash Memory camcorders come in two versions:  internal and external.  Internal operate exactly like hard drive camcorders except they have no moving parts and are extremely lightweight and compact.  External models are usually the lightest of all; however, You will need to purchase SDHC memory cards similar to Delkin 16 GB Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Class 6 Memory Card http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001400... . Smaller and more economical version of these memory cards are available, but you will need to carry a lot of cards - at least 80-100gb worth of cards which are easy to carry and jut as easy to lose.

- Hard Drives don't require anything, so you never have to carry or search for a tape, DVD, or memory card.  That is until you fill up the hard drive, and then you must find a DVD burner or computer.  If you purchase a hard drive camcorder, you might have to pack your laptop too - more weight, more hassle, and more time spent babysitting the camcorder instead of enjoying your trip.  If you use this, you probably want to get a model with at least 80-100gb

- MiniDVD comes in two versions now - the older standard definition and the newer high definition Blueray (Blu-Ray or BD) - which required a specific BR DVD player or connection of the camera to the TV to view.  Both are usually the most expensive option of all, but you get what you pay for.  The older SD version is currently the only media that allows you to take what you recorded out of the camcorder and view it on almost every DVD player instantly after recording.  There is no editing when doing this, so everything comes over - bad takes and all.  Be sure to use DVD-R or DVD-RW if you choose this option, and it may be hard to find or afford discs that record more than 30 minutes at a time

* Having said all that, there are a few things you should know.  This may affect your decision.

- All current Bu-Ray miniDVD, hard drive, and flash memory save the video to a format called AVCHD and sometimes H.264 or MP4.  AVCHD, MP4, and H.264 can record in different compression rates, but you can't always adjust this in your camcorder.  You might end up with a highly compressed video that is not as great as the image in your memories.

- Standard Definition miniDVD uses the same compression as regular DVD.  You will be recording memories in an older format, but it is guaranteed to work (at a high cost per miniDVD)

- MiniDV uses similar compression to normal DVD, but you must use a deck or the camcorder to play its video to your TV.  You may feel tied down, but you can always store and re-use MiniDV a well as use it in the newer HDV camcorders.

If you truly want to go with hard drive or DVD, we highly recommend these models:

- Hitachi DZ-BD7HAF BluRay 5.3MP DVD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder with 30GB Hard Drive and 10x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00159J...

- Hitachi DZ-BD7HA BluRay 5.3MP DVD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder with 30GB Hard Drive & 10x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UWN...

- 8GB HDD/DVD Hybrid Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom and 2.7" Wide LCD http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O8Q...

- DZHS500A DVD-HDD Hybrid Camcorder Kit, DZHS500AKI, Standard Camcorders http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001A38...

- These are all hybrid camcorders that contain Both a miniDVD system AND a hard drive.  The first two models would be our first choice and are High Definition models with Blueray DVD.  The second two are the older standard miniDVD systems.

- The best practice for your situation would be to save to hard drive.   Once the hard drive fills up, you can dump the video to DVD.  After that, you can continue filming.  If you are caught in a situation where your hard drive is filled and you need to continue filming, you can pop in DVD after DVD.

* All of current camcorders, regardless of media format, can be hooked to your computer via firewire for capturing video, editing, and publishing to DVD, Ipod, or the internet to share with others.

**  Once you go through all this and choose a camcorder, you will also need to consider:

- a couple of large capacity batteries - for filming as long as possible before returning the hotel room

- a camcorder bag - if you do not want to transport your camcorder and accessories in your purse or luggage.

- an external mic system http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006H... - if you plan to record yourself or a friend while talking from a great distance or on the move

- a telephoto lens or wide angle lens -   you will need to know the model number of your camera, mm size of the lens, and if there is threading on your lens for s***w on lenses or not.  Most HD camcorders come threaded.

- a flexible tripod http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EVS... - for holding you camera in different places without the need or a large tripod or a friend.  many models are available.  be sure it will hold the weight of your camera (weight is usually listed on the box and manual with the camera)

- a small cleaning kit with a brush and lens cloth - you can use the same one for digital cameras

- a video light http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CE...

- a light bracket for a camcoder that does not have a hot shoe http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NL5...

Now that you are armed, shop around.  We did not provide a lot of specific answers because there are a multitude of combinations that may work for your needs and tastes.  For example, if you want the top of the line Hitachi hybrid camcorder, it is at the $1,000 end of your price range, and you will still have to spend money for the expensive DVDs and other accessories.

  One last thing, camcorders don't take photos as well a digital cameras, and the opposite is true.  Most digital cameras take excellent photos, but only take VGA video at 640x480 - lower than standard definition resolution.  Sellers will often try to confuse you by saying they have a 16 megapixel (mp) camcor

Answer 2

I highly recommend the SVP HDDV1800 5MP Digital Camcorder Camera because it has a large amount of space for pictures, videos, and you can buy it for under $170... I have one myself and I'd recommend it to anyone