video camera recommendations?

[marka123]

Howdy,

With our first baby on the way, I find myself wanting a video camera...

Any recommendations, particularly of forums like these or sites like dpreview.com but for video cameras? I don't know much about them.

I'd like to be able to upload video to the computer via firewire or usb2, and I'd like the camera to take an analog input from a remote camera. I do motorsports, and having video from that would be nice (and this probably also implies that I'd like something where the recording mechanism can handle some vibration...

Thanks!

Mark

[markubig]

Howdy,

With our first baby on the way, I find myself wanting a video camera...

Any recommendations, particularly of forums like these or sites like dpreview.com but for video cameras? I don't know much about them.

I'd like to be able to upload video to the computer via firewire or usb2, and I'd like the camera to take an analog input from a remote camera. I do motorsports, and having video from that would be nice (and this probably also implies that I'd like something where the recording mechanism can handle some vibration...

Thanks!

Markhi mark -

I am in the same boat as you, expecting a baby and need a camcorder. I've been able to read info on http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/ which is a similar forum to POTN.

It looks like I'm leaning towards a 3CCD camcorder, 3CCDs allow for better color accuracy. Only panasonic makes consumer-grade 3CCD camcorders and I read that they are pretty good. Sony & Canon also make very good single CCD camcorders, as well.

Good luck with your search!

[coreypolis]

hi mark -

I am in the same boat as you, expecting a baby and need a camcorder. I've been able to read info on http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/ which is a similar forum to POTN.

It looks like I'm leaning towards a 3CCD camcorder, 3CCDs allow for better color accuracy. Only panasonic makes consumer-grade 3CCD camcorders and I read that they are pretty good. Sony & Canon also make very good single CCD camcorders, as well.

Good luck with your search!
theres quite a few 3ccd cams now. Honestly I usually see better results from the Canons with 1 large sensor that is split into RGB colors on the output instead of 3 small sensors for each color. Way more noise and loss of detail.

You can now get a HD cam small enough to fit in a pocket for under $1200. Definetly a major time of change in the industry.

[Dante King]

i second the new HD cam from canon, SCHWING!!!

[Zepher]

I recommend Sony and Canon for camcorders.
I would just stick to a regular miniDV single chip camera, no "real" need to go HD or 3 chip.
i't almost like you only need a P&S but you get a 1DsMkII instead. :)

[marka123]

Howdy,

Oh yeah, "Cheap" is a pretty key component here...

I'm looking for the S3 IS or Powershot S60 of the video camera world.

Mark

[Zepher]

Grab a Canon ZR series camera. ZR100, ZR200, ZR300. those are the models that most of my auto-x buddies use.
Also, http://www.chasecam.com is where you can get the car mounts and bullet cams from.

[Longwatcher]

I think the forum is DVinfo.com where you can get similar results for video that you get from POTN,
The Canon ZR series was recommended by several people (even the higher end folks) as a great small video camera, although the comment was more like "instead of getting a dedicated tape rewinder, get a ZR??? instead as you can always use it as a backup camera to the XL-2 as it has fairly good quality for the price"

Me, I have a Canon XL-2, which is a bit large for family home use, but I love mounting my EF lenses to it occasionally. I have been thinking of getting a ZR myself for an upcoming long-trip for the same reasons mentioned above.

[coreypolis]

the zr is a good tape rewinder, thats about it. I would at the least get an optura series.

[Mark_Cohran]

I have the Canon GL2 - not cheap, but a sweet video camera.

Mark

[marka123]

Howdy,

Yeah, the GL2 is so far out of the budget that I burst out laughing....

I'm looking for the Powershot S60 of the videocamera world here...

Mark

[Stevezasycho]

I like the Sony camcorders.. I have a DCR-HC42, and it takes some beautiful footage.. Plus a 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 ratio mode.. I like it, and it has a real nice lens attached to it..

[Aquaman]

I have been using a Sony Handicam mini DV. The series has a few models with different features but it sells in the $300-$350 neighborhood. The picture quality is excellent. Sound is pretty good and some models have a microphone jack if you need something better. The Sonys do not have the zoom range that the Canons have, but IMHO, Sony's image sensor is better (at least that's what I have been told).

I edit all my videos in the computer, and I create my own DVDs that I can send to family. The mini DV is ideal for that set-up. I would stay away from the DVD camcorders if you want to edit in the computer.

Have fun. Video gets addicting fast.

[marka123]

Howdy,

So, based on reviews, feedback, etc. I just ordered a Canon Elura 100 from B&H. PSNOV had it at $290, which seemed like a pretty darn good deal. Overall it seemed like the best balance for me of cost, having features I had to have like analog inputs, and having features that I thought would be nice (like true widescreen).

I'm sure it won't be any GL2 or even one of the $500 - $1k cameras, but it seemed like the best fit for me.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Mark

[rklepper]

I have a ZR-10 that I bought when they first came out. Won't even mention what I paid for it. Still works fine though and I am quite happy with it. I transfer direct to DVD so I can share easily also. Yeah, I know the ZR-10 is ancient, but I am sure they make newer ZR models, although probably not built as well as the ZR-10.

[KevC]

Panasonic GS300 for best bang for buck.