Video camera ?

[Nob3y]

Im thinking of getting a new video camera.
Are they still called video camera's?
My old JVC vhs-c is getting a bit past it now.

Seems to be lots of types,Im not sure what to go for.

whats a good type/make ?

Im hoping for an xmas sale/deal.

[myson]

In my humble opinion, go for a "mini DV" camera (uses small tape cassettes of 1 hour recording time).
Also, for the best picture quality, try for a 3 CCD (3 chip) camera.

Good makes.
Panasonic, JVC, Sony, Canon.

Myson

[sparky]

If you want to edit afterwards keep to miniDV as video is not compressed like DVD or hard drive recorders. So when recording is transferred, ideally by firewire, to DVD recorder with 1 hour to a 4.7GB DVD or direct into PC picture quality will be better.

A friend bought Panasonic 3CCD a couple of years ago and results were disappointing, a 4 year old megapixel Panasonic GX7 gives better pictures.
Maybe current 3ccd ones are improved but if you consider one do try to check out particularly low light focussing / picture sharpness compared to single CCD.

[Nob3y]

ok so mini dv seems to be winning so far.
Im not sure Im going to be doing lots of editting to be honest and I havent got a dvd recorder.

Is mini dv ok for uploading onto my computer and will the picture quality be good ?

[sparky]

Yes miniDV is OK and indeed best for uploading to your computer.

You need a DV / Firewire / IEEE1394 port on your computer.

Just to confuse you DV, Firewire and IEEE1394 are three different names for the same port!!

You may have option to transfer video by USB.
I have not got any device that works at full speed USB 2.0 but suspect the result would still be inferior to DV / Firewire / IEEE1394.

[JonathanWilson]

Also depending on budget... Get one that has true lens/ccd image stableisation... not one of the software driven stablisers, they don't work!

Budget wise... HD camcorders can be had for between 200 and 800 quid in the non-pro range.

Jon Xx

[Nob3y]

is this the port that looks like a big phone socket ?