My first and only camcorder was purchased almost 8-9 years ago; a Panasonic compact VHS. I love the simplicity of taking the tape and placing into the "expander" and placing in the VCR.

I have researched and to my conclusion, a mini-DV would fit my criteria, but I feel this is a dated media just like my compact VHS became.

I am on an ultra budget, $250- $350 max. I would like the ease of recording, then playing back the video w/ out using the camcorder as a VCR; so DVD? But I am hesitant with the DVD because in the same price range, you can get higher quality videos with a mini-DV?

Also, I need to consider the budget for buying media. Mini-DV tapes cost and length of recording vs. DVD (DVD-rw) cost and length of recording.

Eventually I would like to convert like a year's worth of occasional video to one normal DVD just to consolidate, but that would be a rainy day project.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

What did you pay for your VHS camcorder 8-9 years ago?

MiniDV is not dated media. Professional camcorders are still coming out with tape. With a $250- $350 max you don't have a lot of choice. If you want to edit down the road then MiniDV will be much easier and produce better results than editing DVD's. DVD camcorders seem to be fading away. Standard Definition is fading away in favor of High Definition... Lot of choices out there.




Rich

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FireWire Survey

Yes, go with miniDV.
The best models you can get in this price range are the Panasonic GS85 or the Canon ZR series.

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Sektionschef

Panasonic SDR-S100
Sandisk Ultra II 2GB SD Card
Raynox QC-505 0.5 WA
IBS 5X Tele
Velbon Ultra Maxi F Tripod
Magix Video deluxe 2008plus

Quick search to purchase in the local area and it seems as if the Panasonic GS90 is a newer version of the GS85. Doesn't equate to being a better model. Any experience out there with this model?

as already posted, dont believe the hype. minidv is still alive. plus, youre not gonna find much for $300 thats not minidv

Any suggestions from the list of mini-DV on this Circuit City web page?: http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Camc...categorylist.do

I am looking to buy something local for a quick purchase to take out of town next week.

i have the Sony Handycam DCR-HC52 MiniDV and i love it except for in dead silence you can hear the tape turning. but i think thats the case with most minidv cams

Are there any features or quality to gain with the slightly more expensive Sony HC38?

As with the Canons, do you get much more for a few extra bucks?

I am wondering if it is worth going to the max of my budget and getting the Panasonic GS320?

theyre the same. i actually have the hc38, but you save some $$$ with the hc52. the better upgarde would be for the hc62, which used to be the hc48

keep in mind that you may need a extra battery since the stock ones arnt the greatest. also a firewire cable if you plan to hook it up to a computer. batterys go for about $60 and firewire $15 (buy it on ebay, not at the store!!!)

i think the canons are nice. some models may have a mic input, but some models dont have filter threads (i always have a uv filter on for protection)

For an ultra-low budget you might consider the JVC GR-DA30. It sucks in low light, but otherwise is a cheap, stylish camcorder with a pretty good built-in mic. No amenities like filter threads or mic input, not even a viewfinder, but for less than $200 I think this is a reasonable option.

Just went to the local stores to put my hands on some of the discussed models. Unfortunately, resources around town are limited.

But, after a few minutes of messing around, I do like the feel of the Sony models; especially the HC62.

The Panasonic GS90 felt and looked like a very cheap piece of plastic. The Panasonic GS320 was nice, but unfortunately the power was not on to try out the menu, etc.

Does anyone know where to get a review of the newer models?

Short list: Panasonic GS320, Sony DCR HC62, Canon ZR 950.

Any thoughts, complaints, suggestions about these models. I would like to see a review for the Sony and Canon model. I will keep looking.

Hi
In my personal opinion all Sony models below HC96 are crap.
If I were you then I would go with the GS320 if I can afford it.
Otherwise I would choose between GS85/90 and Canon ZR series.

__________________
Regards
Sektionschef

Panasonic SDR-S100
Sandisk Ultra II 2GB SD Card
Raynox QC-505 0.5 WA
IBS 5X Tele
Velbon Ultra Maxi F Tripod
Magix Video deluxe 2008plus

Well, I decided to go with the Canon ZR 930. Hopefully this cam will be just fine. The deciding factors were the suggestions from this thread, the price (vs. the Panasonic GS 320), the option for a mic if needed, and the LCD screen light. I look to transfer the video from the tape to DVD's to enjoy the memories at the push of a button and save the extra wear and tear on the camcorder. I should receive by the first of next week and hopefully I can reply with only positive comments.

I appreciate everyone's help.

You might want to see if you can find a cannon hv20 on clearance because it is mini-dv and records in both standard def and HD.

I picked up 2 of them at SEARS a while ago for 275 a piece and some stores still have clearance on last year models of camcorder.

You can transfer your old stuff into digital going through the hv20 which is nice feature.

Also, in 2009 everything will be going High Def so I think of the hv20 as a good transition camcorder that does both high and low standard stuff.

I know you are on tight budget so that is why I recommended clearance and keep your eyes open.

The cannon 950 is a great camcorder too but it would keep you a step behind in one year whereas the hv20 would help you in transition to HD and in a couple of years still be a decent HD camcorder.