Newbie question about Camcorders...

[asterixsg]

Hello,
I have never been involved with Digital Video Cameras and don't even know where the technology has progressed over the last few years.

I am looking for a super compact digital video camera, mainly to be used during my travels for the occasional video. I will not be doing a lot of editing. Just shoot and save the movies, that's all. I don't even know where to begin. I had a look at the Sony video cameras and they look pretty nice.

Since I won't be creating fancy movies, I don't have a huge budget as well. Something around the S$1000 range would be just nice. My only criteria is that it has to be compact, so it doesn't take up too much space in my camera bag, which mainly has my SLR and lenses.

If you experienced gurus can suggest some of the models, I would be grateful.

Thanks so much.

Cheers...

 

[Takumi]

Sony has quite a series of Hard Disk Drive cameras, you can ask about them at your local Harvey Normal or Courts. They range from 700 - 1200 for lower end.

 

[asterixsg]

Thanks Takumi. Will check out Harvey Norman and at Cathay too.

Does anyone know if there is a website that has a kinda FAQ on video cameras, for newbies like me ? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[KorgT3]

http://www.camcorderinfo.com

 

[tchoonyong]

if you are planning to do editing it is recommended to get those camera with tape instead of dvd or hardisk as they are non editable.

 

[ndroo]

if you are planning to do editing it is recommended to get those camera with tape instead of dvd or hardisk as they are non editable.

Really? Was considering a HDD one. Why are the videos non editable?

 

[asterixsg]

Was talking to a friend of mine, last night. He says that I shouldn't get one with a harddisk. Even the slightest knocks will ruin the harddisk and you can't even change the harddisk. He says better to go with mini DV tapes.

 

[ndroo]

Was talking to a friend of mine, last night. He says that I shouldn't get one with a harddisk. Even the slightest knocks will ruin the harddisk and you can't even change the harddisk. He says better to go with mini DV tapes.

So it's the ruined HDD which doesn't allow you to edit the videos ah? :bsmilie:

 

[asterixsg]

So it's the ruined HDD which doesn't allow you to edit the videos ah? :bsmilie:

I've read elsewhere that the format in which the video is stored is not MPEG4 and that's the reason why it can't be edited. But I've no working knowledge of this. Maybe the experts here might want to comment.

 

[eel]

At the risk of sounding like a moderator, there's a wealth of information within this section discussing the merits of different types of camcorders. Use the Search function to help you research and make a right choice. Here's a thread to help you get started

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=289782

 

[vbs1979]

I've read elsewhere that the format in which the video is stored is not MPEG4 and that's the reason why it can't be edited. But I've no working knowledge of this. Maybe the experts here might want to comment.

bro, can do more read up the advantages of different recording format: mini DV, DVD-RW and HDD. All have their pros and cons. Have to find one that suits yr needs. After all, u r the one using it.

 

[totoro17]

bro, can do more read up the advantages of different recording format: mini DV, DVD-RW and HDD. All have their pros and cons. Have to find one that suits yr needs. After all, u r the one using it.

where i can do the read up on their pros and cons of different recording format....a comprehensive site...

 

[anakin0618]

where i can do the read up on their pros and cons of different recording format....a comprehensive site...

You can read up the pro and con at http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,129374/article.html

 

[jerry25]

I would recommend dvd camcorder since you dont edit and immediately you can play in your dvd player after finalizing and the media is much cheaper than DV tape. But video quality wise DV is better.

 

[ITdata]

JVC camcorders are one of the best in quality. I advise you to go to places like Audio House where they have a full range of brands and model to test out the sets. They also provide very good deals for camcorders.