[BinSF]

Hello:

We have a baby on the way and the in-laws out of town and I thought a nice way to stay in touch with them is sending them a few DVDs of their grandchild.

Any recommendations for an easy to use camcoder?  Don't want to break the bank here.  Also I am leaning towards the MacBook and their video editing software.  Any recommendations here would be helpful.

Thanks,

BinSF

[rbrb]

Hello:

We have a baby on the way and the in-laws out of town and I thought a nice way to stay in touch with them is sending them a few DVDs of their grandchild.

Any recommendations for an easy to use camcoder?  Don't want to break the bank here.  Also I am leaning towards the MacBook and their video editing software.  Any recommendations here would be helpful.

Thanks,

BinSF

I can help you with a Sony that would fit your needs exactly but I need to know more.  Do you think you'll ever have the need for a external mic?, external light?  Is the camera simply for video of the baby now or do you want something that will still be usefull when your child is in school doing a play/Christmas concert etc.  You only have to do this once if you choose right the first time.

Also how much spare time do you have in your life right now?  There will be less when you have a new child.  Will you have enough time to devote for video editing?  These questions can help us determine which format to choose.  If you interested in a Sony let me know.

[BinSF]

Thanks for the helping hand.  I would want something that will grow over the next few years, meaing recording recitals, events (both in and outdoors).  Not sure about a light or external mic, but would be open to hearing recommendations.

Life is busy, but will be able to carve out a few hours a week to put together the videos as needed.

Thanks for your help!

[rbrb]

No problem.  Have you given any thought on which format?  DVD, Mini DV or Harddrive.  I  asked about the time because I've sold many cameras to soon to be parents that had the best intentions to edit.  It can be hard to find the time.  DVD based cameras are great for people who do not wnat to edit.  Simply make a DVD and play it back and or send a unedited copy to Grandma amd Grandpa.  With future plans for events like you mentioned then there may be a need for a mike or light.  That eliminates the entry level machines because the camera does not have a hot shoe to power mics or lights.  Do you want print quality photos from the video camera?  Interested in HD?  I have to ask your budget.   

 

[BinSF]

I am thinking mini DV, so I don't ahve to worry about running out of space.  Also they are re-usable once I transfer it to a computer/harddrive.  Not too worried about print quality at this stage.  I am going ot pass on HD for this camera, maybe down the road once I get the hang of it and feel I can justify the investment.

It would be great if you could recommend a entry level machine that would not support an external light/mic to compare with your recomendation for one that would support it.  I am shooting for $500 - $800, but am thinking if I go entry level, I may be able to get a decent camera for under the $500 price.

[PhilNYC]

My Sony PCR-100 (Sony's first generation miniDV camcorder) died late last year, so I was in the market for a new camcorder.  Didn't want to break the bank on an HD-camcorder yet, so I was looking for a sub-$500 camcorder to hold me over for a few years until the HD ones became more affordable.  Ended up with a Panasonic PV-GS300, which apparently was the least expensive camcorder with 3 CCD sensors.  Here's a quick review:

http://review.zdnet.com/digital-camcorders/panasonic-pv-gs300/4505-6500_16-31660647.html

Compared to the Sony I had, the picture quality of the Panasonic is vastly superior.  Ergonomically, I find it fairly simple to use.  Basically, I think its a very good no-nonsense mini-DV camcorder with excellent picture quality.

For video editing, I use iMovie/iDVD on my Mac.  I'm not a pro by any means, and I find iMovie/iDVD to do everything I'd really ever want given my non-professional use (basically, I'm taking videos of my family on vacation, my daughters' ballet recitals, etc).  I've created maybe a half-dozen DVDs with full menus, scene transitions, musical soundtracks, etc...and fwiw, I've never read the instruction manual.  From the moment I connected my camcorder to the Mac for the very first time to the moment I had a completed DVD with 1 hour of video on it (15 chapters) took a grand total of 3 hours...

Hope this helps...

[BinSF]

Phil - thanks for the insight.  I will definately check out the Panasonic.

[BinSF]

and am also leaning toward Imovie and iDVD.

[rbrb]

I am thinking mini DV, so I don't ahve to worry about running out of space.  Also they are re-usable once I transfer it to a computer/harddrive.  Not too worried about print quality at this stage.  I am going ot pass on HD for this camera, maybe down the road once I get the hang of it and feel I can justify the investment.

It would be great if you could recommend a entry level machine that would not support an external light/mic to compare with your recomendation for one that would support it.  I am shooting for $500 - $800, but am thinking if I go entry level, I may be able to get a decent camera for under the $500 price.

Excellent Mini DV is where the best bargains are these days.  It sounds like an entry level machine would actually work for you.  I would look at the second from the top model the DCRHC46 though.  It's under your budget at $399 list.  It has a docking station that the models below do not have.  It makes it a snap to charge the battery or neatly connect to your computer/TV.  It also has a larger 16/9 LCD screen.  It also has the capability to store images on Memory Stick.  You may not be concerned about print quality photos but it's a neat feature being able to capture a still shot from your video while recording especially with children, and have easy access to that photo to email back to the grandparents when your on vacation for instance.  The Memory Stick makes it easy to find your images your not having to scan a 60 minute tape to find them.  It's something you may find your self using.  The included remote is also great if your recording from a tripod and want to include your self in the video.  The video quality will be identical between the HC46 and the models below it.

If you move up to the HC96 you now get print quality 4x6/5x7 photos.  My wife and I own 4 digital cameras from a slim point and shoot right through to a digital SLR so I presumed I'd never use the photo section of my camcorder.  I was wrong bigtime.  I would not be without the ability to take photos.  It's just so much fun and handy.  Your at your kids big game and he's running down the field with the ball ready to take the big shot at the net all the while your recording video, right at the point that he winds up to take the big shot, click you've captured the still image from your video.  Too much fun.  The HC96 also includes the hot shoe.  If your recording the recitals etc. and your subject is some distance away a mic is a must.  Even if your not using the extra features of the HC96 it's cababilities required a bigger processor and a better lens.  It will give you better quality video over the models below it.  Still falls into your budget at $649 list.  Your not missing anything but HD which is a non issue right now.

 

[PhilNYC]

Regarding the Panasonic, it looks like they replaced the model I have (PV-GS300) with a newer one (PV-GS320).  Here's the review:

http://review.zdnet.com/digital-camcorders/panasonic-pv-gs320/4505-6500_16-32330317.html?tag=pdtl-list

[BinSF]

Thanks RB amd Scott. 

[BinSF]

RBRB

I got the HC96, thanks for the recommendation.  After playing with it this weekend and plugging directly into the TV, the picture is great!

I then proceed to use the software that was provided to put the video on my PC and the quality was horrible.  Very stop and go, audio is bad, resolution bad. . .

Any ideas?