Help! Newbie looking for a mini DV cam

[vicicasas]

While I'm reasonably familiar with the current crop of digicams and digital SLRs, I know next to nothing about video cameras.

I'm in the market for a basic, entry-level mini DV cam (say, between P25-35k) for general use, just vacation shots and goofing off with iMovie. I don't need still photo capture (God knows I have enough digicams at home) nor am I impressed by four figure digital zoom numbers; a good optical zoom and image stabilization is a must. Any other features in that price range would just be an added bonus.

And if you insist I should check out DVD-based cameras, please tell me why.

Any recommendations and/or horror stories? Canon? Sony? Panasonic?

Fire away!

[essay]

I'm using a Sony HC 42... miniDV.

It has photo capture but this is not the reason why i wanted it. (I have never used its photo capture.)

I bought it because of its image stability while shooting.

Optical zoom is 12X, while digital zoom is 480x. (Its sibling HC 32 has 20X optical).

The image is clear and the videocam is also good in low light.

Camera size is small, only a little bigger than my hand, which makes it very portable for vacation shots.

It has firewire connection which is important for your iMovie upload.

The camera can also be used in converting analog movies to digital. Think of your VHS being converted to DVD. (I havent done this yet though.)

It has a dock where you can charge your camera, connect firewire, etc. (You can of course directly charge your videocam even without the dock; firewire connection however is only thru the dock.) The dock's advantage is that you can easily and hurriedly get the videocam wihtout the hassle of removing the cord from the body while it is charging.

I won't recommend having a DVD based videocam. It should be a minDV. I read somewhere that it is more difficult to edit a DVD-based output. (DV editors, correct me if i'm wrong.) You have more control with miniDV.

I'm not sure with the price, but i guess it's in the 30 to 35k range locally. My dad bought it in the US.

[bon]

Look for a 3-CCD miniDV camcorder such as the ones sold by Panasonic for under P35k. Color reproduction will be superior to single-CCD models. The disadvantage of 3-CCD cameras is that they are generally larger in size.

DVD camcorders are convenient only if you have no intentions whatsoever of editing your videos. MiniDV also yields better quality results since the video signal is less compressed than the MPEG2 compression of DVD.

[essay]

Actually gave a serious look at Panasonic 3-CCD cameras. Its image is way better. But the one I wanted within 30 to 40k range has poor image stabilizer or didn't have any, the attendant told me. (I forgot the model, it was on display at SM Appliance Center Megamall 1 or 2 years ago).

But panasonic has good cheap 3-CCD cameras. If i remember it right, they are at least 50k for the good ones. Check on GS250 & GS400. (There might be newer models though.)

[bacon]

If you intend to play around with your videos in iMovie, then you have to confine yourself to the mini DV format. There are a number of 3 CCD Panasonic mini DV camcorders within your budget.

I got the PV-GS65 around March for a tad over 30k. It was on a 12mo 0% promo with some other accessories thrown in. I'm sure it goes for much less if it's available in Quiapo.

[Kenneth]

Syempre Canon! diba Vic!

Canon ZR700 only $377 at Amazon!



grabe ang mura na. panalo even with shipping via JAC. I still have the ZR60 and they're already at the ZR700 model! ang tanda na pala ng DVcam ko. But still happy with it.

Might want to take a look at the Optura and Elura line too. I like the ZR series because of the form factor and 'cause I have shaky hands. The added weight gives stability... yun nga lang, there's the question of warranty...

EDIT: only $350 at B&H!

[imacron]

hey vic !


Canon marketing has asked my assistance to help them with their marketing efforts for their new canon MiniDV and DVD recorders. so for the last two weeks, i get to bring home their new cameras.

We'll be doing some mall tours this month till July. naks! canon endorser!

I just concluded a presentation last weekend in New World Hotel about their consumer miniDV line, particularly the ZR series, to 500 potential customers. I just dunno if they believed me.

It's a different feeling holding a small camera -- the weight, the size --- especially since I'm used to the Canon XL series. The ZR series have very strong points. I very much like the 16:9 widescreen. It is native 16:9, which means you get a full widescreen and not a cropped widescreen effect with 4:3 CCDs. The menu of the zr series is through a joystick. There are manual overides to control exposure, focus, and white balance. The autofocus is great. I did a test shot on passing vehicles and the focus locked on the subject accurately. This is a single chip camera so the colors can't compare with 3CCD chips. Overall, this is a easy camera to operate.

I'm not so sure how much they sell the ZR here but you can ask lesley. Last weekend, they had a promo with a free DVD player.

Today, they just sent me their new DVD camcorders for review. although i've not operated it yet, but out of the box, it looks like canon did a pretty good job on the built and finish. Comparing the ZR to the DVD camcorders' physical built is like comparing an ibook to a powerbook.

will do a thorough check on this new cam this weekend and gear up for another presentation next sunday.

will give you an honest and "serious" feedback about this camera.



dominic

[Macmon]

I got a sony hc42 model. but unfortunately had bad experience with the quality of the unit. Within 1.5 years the main board got busted without any notice and no mishandling.
There are Samsung DV cameras that are within the 19 to 22T price range but have not seen the features.
DVD format video cameras as far as I know cant be played outright if the miniDVD is not yet closed.

[Kenneth]

I just concluded a presentation last weekend in New World Hotel about their consumer miniDV line, particularly the ZR series, to 500 potential customers. I just dunno if they believed me.

bwahaha

If you looked like that while doing the presentation then its no wonder the audience had serious doubts

You should have cut a deal with Canon. Free fake teeth with every ZR purchase

Nice one

[wershwie]

Did the whole canvass thing on videocams within the same price range late last year, too. Still haven't decided on actually getting one, but I was bent on choosing a Canon Elura unit. Functions are basic and necessary, has a pretty good handle (a bit heavier for stability, yet compact enough to fit in my bag together with my iBook and SLR), but I think the biggest factor for me is that I can actually attach a wide-angle lens to it, should I decide to get one. I forget which model it was I was actually looking at, though, hehe...

I also took consideration of the service centers. Having dealt with Panasonic, Sony, and Canon in my 4 years in TV, I can say that Sony and Canon are both very accommodating, efficient, and notably considerate while Panasonic made things a bit more difficult for us.

Good luck with your purchase!


- leslie -