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Camcorder - Any Suggestions?
pad_ehh
30-11-2007
I'm considering buying myself a camcorder for Christmas but don't know where to start. I have read up on some models but I don't know what the advantages are over different types of recording methods etc.

Some record to DV, some DVD, some HDD. What's the best betwen those three? I would like to be able to put the recorded material onto computer and edit it or upload it, so I guess HDD would be the best option?

Also, some come with a widescreen panel you can view what you're recording on. So does this mean the camera actually records in widescreen or is the screen just streching the image?

Are there any brands in particular people would recommend? I don't want to spend loads on it, it will only be used for mucking about really and recording the odd family event like Christmas or birthdays etc. but mainly for mucking about.

Thanks for any help!

Paddy
andybno1
30-11-2007
I think nowadays I think most cameras record widescreen, as for which type well that would be down to you, I had a hdd one and that produces dvd quality mpeg-2 files on the hard drive. I have since moved up to a DV high def camera (sony hdr-hc3) and being high def yeh u noticed dramtic difference.

as for deciding which type you want its all down to personal preference.

hdd can store upto how many hours the drive allows.
dvd can store upto 2/3 hrs
dv can store upto 90mins per tape

the side panel I believe reflects the aspect ratio it records in, if its a widescreen camera it will be widescreen vice versa for full screen.

things I would recommend you look for when looking for a camera are CMOS, CCD (google them that will explain there advantage better than I know lol) and image Stabilization.
pad_ehh
30-11-2007
OK, I think I would prefer a HDD one as it would appear to be the easiest for transferring the files onto computer and the internet and gives a good space for recordings with no tapes or mini DVD's to replace and store.

Will check those terms out when I get home. Good to know if it has a widescreen side panel then it more than likely will record in widescreen too.

Paddy
Charlie Coo
29-07-2008
Hi All,

Thought I'd join a previous thread instead of starting a new one - have read through a few and I have no idea what people are talking about - am a bit technically challenged. basically I'm looking for a camcorder to record our wedding on and will then just use it for things like holidays etc

I don't really understand the whole thing - we will wanting to watch them on the DVD player rather than the computer and we have a pretty old computer at home too so don't know if that makes a diff.

Anyway any suggestions gratefully received!
Fromez
29-07-2008
Originally Posted by Charlie Coo:
“Hi All,

Thought I'd join a previous thread instead of starting a new one - have read through a few and I have no idea what people are talking about - am a bit technically challenged. basically I'm looking for a camcorder to record our wedding on and will then just use it for things like holidays etc

I don't really understand the whole thing - we will wanting to watch them on the DVD player rather than the computer and we have a pretty old computer at home too so don't know if that makes a diff.

Anyway any suggestions gratefully received!”

I take it you're not looking to do any editing then? Normally I wouldn't recommend non-MiniDV high def cameras, but since you just want them for dvd use then you could consider getting a record-to-dvd camcorder:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...s-21/ref=nosim

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...s-21/ref=nosim
(£370 if you look at independent sellers on that page)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...FQKHlAod5hUVRQ

With them, you record to small sized dvds which will work in your dvd player. Your editing on camera will be limited... I'm not sure how they record, you *may* be able to do stuff like delete scenes/sequences you don't like.
kratz22
01-08-2008
If somebody can help me too...

I'm looking for a camcorder too, I doubt I will be doing much editing but wondered whether I should buy one which records to DVD or transfer movies to my PC and then burn them? Ideally I would like a camcorder where I could back everything I record up to my PC but as I not overly proficient in these things the idea of a record to DVD is tempting. With a record to DVD can I still transfer what I record over to my PC?
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