What is a good DV camcorder that can has a DV jack and MIC port with NightVision?

Question

I have a iMac (newer) and want to get in to video. I want a camcorder that isnt going to cost a bundle that will:

1. Connect to my mac digitally

2. Can see very well in low/no light conditions

3. Can accept a MIC as I might want to get a wireless mic later

Thanks for any suggestions!

Answer 1

The least expensive camcorders with a mic jack are the Canon ZR800, ZR900 and ZR930. They do not have manual audio control and will not do well in "low/no light" unless you use a video light.

The least expensive camcorders with a mic jack and manual audio control are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9. The HV20 and HV30 will not do well in "low/no light" unless you use a video light. The HDR-HC7 and HC9 have a built-in infrared emitter for low/no light monochromatic "SuperNightShot mode that looks like "Blair Witch Project" or "Ghost Hunters" no-light video.

ALL miniDV tape based camcorders will connect to your Mac (if it is not a MacBook Air) with a 4-pin to 6-pin firewire cable.

Answer 2

There is NO good DV camcorder with nightvision and low light conditions in existance.

You can get a cheapo-garbage Sony handycam that does it.

Professional video cameras do not have very good low-light sensitivity due to color. Thats why news anchors are usually cooking inside the studio.

CMOS is supposed to solve this problem to some extent, but kodak is still working on new technology that is supposed equate light capture devices to the human eye.

Canon has the best color quality while Sony has the best low light sensitivity.

Anologue, cathode based, night vision amplifiers are the industry standard. They usually get a large JVC camera with a cathode night vision amplifier attached between the lens and the camera.