[ddoll]

Our digital camcorder died. It was going to cost too much to repair it, so we're in the market now for a new one.

We had planned on getting a DVD camcorder, but DH says, the problem is the discs only hold 30 mins. That will not do at all. We frequently use our camcorder to record our cabaret shows. I like to be able to pull still photos from the movie, so I need editing ability, and I also need to able to record at least an hour at a time.

Can anyone offer any updated info on a new camcorder that would meet these needs for us?

[Mickeym]

We bought a Sony handycam mini dvc for Christmas. Nice and small, lightweigh and takes stills. It cost about $550.00. We also bought an extra battery. Size was a major factor as I did not want to carry a big camera around all day. Hope this helps.

[ddoll]

Thanks MickeyM. Do all the mini DV's only record 30 mins?

[missy H]

Originally Posted by ddoll

Thanks MickeyM. Do all the mini DV's only record 30 mins?

You can get ones that last 60 mins. If your camcorder has long play you can get up to double that but quality is usually less.

We use 45 and 60 min versions in ourcamcorder.

hope this helps

[ddoll]

Oh....so the record speed just gets adjusted, like the old VCR tapes. Is that it?

I'd imagine the still photos would be of lesser quality too then if you slow the record speed down.

Thank you MissyH.

[royorb1]

Originally Posted by ddoll

Oh....so the record speed just gets adjusted, like the old VCR tapes. Is that it?

I'd imagine the still photos would be of lesser quality too then if you slow the record speed down.

Thank you MissyH.

I think it is best to always record at the fastest speed- 60 min. This way you will be guaranteed a certain level of quality. As far as which camcorder to buy, a major factor is how much you are willing to spend. If you look at Canon or Sony DV camcorders, in the $400.00 and up range some of the major differences that I have seen are that Canon's video quality looks real good in daylight and well lit situations and they usuallly have good zoom factors, Sony's do a little better in low lit situations and have better non shake capability than Canon. I have a Canon ZR85 and I like it but I know its limitations and I also know how to manually adjust it to acheive better results. I would not get a mini disc recorder because of the expense, the time limitation and DV is so much more widely used. Also, in the next few years HD DV will be getting more affordable so after this camera you just might get a HD DV camera.

[Mickeym]

On my Sony the stills are on a memory card.

[ddoll]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I'm taking notes for DH, who's making the decision!

[pumouse]

Originally Posted by Mickeym

We bought a Sony handycam mini dvc for Christmas. Nice and small, lightweigh and takes stills. It cost about $550.00. We also bought an extra battery. Size was a major factor as I did not want to carry a big camera around all day. Hope this helps.

I bought this one also and I L-O-V-E it!! It is the best, so small and it takes still shots, but only 1 megapixel so pictures are not great, but the video is so clear even on my 60 inch big screen.