[rancohn]

Hi - I am looking for some recommendations.

I have for a few years now been using a Canon MVX250i miniDV camcorder and am looking to replace it for the simple reason that it is too bulky. (If you are not familiar with the model here is a shot - http://www.simplydv.co.uk/Reviews/canon_mvx250i.html).

For months I have researched the alternatives to miniDV but hi def is still out of my budget and it would seem that SD mpeg-2 based camcorders, such as the Panasonic sdr-s150, do not seem to have the same quality as minidv, based on the footage I have downloaded. (A shame really as the sdr-s150 seemed ideal for my needs)

As my budget is £500 tops (so this excludes a hi def cam - and I am not too interested in the Sanyo Xacti!), I am therefore looking at miniDV again. But the key thing is that the new cam must be more compact - to fit in my jeans pocket if possible for when I am out and about on my holiday.

Does such a minidv cam exist or, because of the cassette mechanism, are they all as bulky as my mvx250i? Can anyone recommend a compact (i.e. smaller than the mvx250i) but good quality miniDV camcorder or must I go with solid state? If so, any affordable recommendations?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[jamie1]

hi ive got a sony dcr-pc55e camcorder ive had it about a year now its a good piece of kit it has a large touch screen has a slot for a memory stick duo for taking still photos and a cradle which stays plugged into my pc for charging/downloading it fits into your pocket no probs and was only just over £200 jobs a good un

[Chippy99]

You could try to get hold of a used Sony DCR-IP1.

There are some drawbacks. The micromv tape format is clearly going to become obsolete. But then again, so is the miniDV format! I am sure flash or hard disk recorders will wipe all tape based machines out soon enough.

But the picture quality is excellent - right up there with miniDV - and the DCR-IP1 is very very small. I carry mine around in my jeans pocket all the time.

I don't think its for sale any more but you might be able to find one cheap somewhere. Heck, I might even sell you mine!

[rancohn]

Can't seem to find it at £200. Where did you get yours from jamie1? You happy with the picture quality?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamie1

hi ive got a sony dcr-pc55e camcorder ive had it about a year now its a good piece of kit it has a large touch screen has a slot for a memory stick duo for taking still photos and a cradle which stays plugged into my pc for charging/downloading it fits into your pocket no probs and was only just over £200 jobs a good un

[rancohn]

Thanks Chippy99 - I would like to stick with minidv if possible. Hard to find a really compact miidv model though. The dcr-pc55e looks interesting though, if only I could find a decent review (seems quite scarce now) and a decent price!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chippy99

You could try to get hold of a used Sony DCR-IP1.

There are some drawbacks. The micromv tape format is clearly going to become obsolete. But then again, so is the miniDV format! I am sure flash or hard disk recorders will wipe all tape based machines out soon enough.

But the picture quality is excellent - right up there with miniDV - and the DCR-IP1 is very very small. I carry mine around in my jeans pocket all the time.

I don't think its for sale any more but you might be able to find one cheap somewhere. Heck, I might even sell you mine!

[jamie1]

i got mine from the sony center in dundee i also got a leather bag a spare battery and 5 tapes with it aswell all thrown in for the price the picture qualitys fine its not hd but for the money its great you can film one handed and your arm doesnt ache after 10 mins of holding it it