Does this camcorder exist?

by Digital Genesis Oct 28, 2007 4:19AM PDT

I've spent literally hours on Google and various camcorder sites trying to find a camcorder that meets these simple requirements:

-Has a FireWire interface
-Records in DV format
-Records to a hard drive, preferably 30 gig
-Has a viewfinder (not just an LCD screen)
-Costs under $600

Do such camcorders exist or am I wasting my time?

Thank you. You can reply directly to digitalgenesis2000 at yahoo dot com if you'd like.

Discussion is locked

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Unlikely.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Oct 28, 2007 4:59AM PDT

The hard disk camcorder is for consumers. http://www.geniusdv.com/final-cut-pro/how_do_i_convert_from_minutes_of_minidv_to_gigabytes_of_storage.php notes that 5 minutes of video per GB so no consumer will understand getting 150 minutes or about 2 hours on such a camcorder.

Maybe you'll understand but the consumer won't and therefore it's not made for them.

You can move into the high end camcorders where there are such things but but the price is in the 4 to 6 figures...

MiniDV looks good again.

Bob

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Unlikely

by Digital Genesis Oct 28, 2007 9:16AM PDT

Thanks for your answer Bob. You're right, at DV data rates a hard-drive based camera couldn't hold much video. I wanted a camcorder which writes in DV format which is iMovie 6 compatible, and I also wanted the convenience of random access so I don't have to rewind or fastforward tapes. I suppose that is not possible in the same camera.

DG

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according to this...

by boya84 Oct 28, 2007 6:11AM PDT

http://firestore.com/dynassets/documents/products/FS-DTE-Compatibility-18Jun07-US.pdf

Any Sony, Panasonic or Canon miniDV tape based cam will use the FS-4 or FS-4 pro. As far as I know all Sony Panasonic and Canon miniDV camcorders have a FireWire (DV) port.

So, technically, to answer your questions:

-Has a FireWire interface Any Sony, Panasonic or Canon miniDV tape based cam has a FireWire port
-Records in DV format Any Sony, Panasonic or Canon miniDV tape based cam records in DV format
-Records to a hard drive, preferably 30 gig Any Sony, Panasonic or Canon miniDV tape based cam can connect to a Firestore FS-4 - but I *think* that is a 40 gig drive. Why is a 303 gig specified?
-Has a viewfinder (not just an LCD screen) Check the manufacturer websits - each manufacturer has several.
-Costs under $600 Check the manufacturer websits - each manufacturer has several... yes, I understand the Firestore costs 2x-3x more than the $600 or less camcorders.

But if you want a built-in hard drive, there is no need for a FireWire connection since it is merely a file transfer - not video import...

Out of curiosity, why do you think you need FireWire?

Personally, I agree with Bob... MiniDV tape.

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FireWire

by Digital Genesis Oct 28, 2007 9:19AM PDT

I need FireWire because that is the only way to get data out of a camcorder for me. I have a 7-year old Mac and I'm using iMovie 6. I only have a USB 1.0 port and when I installed a card for USB 2.0 support, I experienced some problems so I took it out. So the only high-speed data port I have is FireWire.

DG

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You are fortunate to be

by boya84 Oct 28, 2007 9:55AM PDT

forced into using miniDV tape based camcorders because they continue to provide the best available quality video... and video import to iMovie is via FireWire.

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amen

by dressner Nov 2, 2007 12:54PM PDT

I recommened mini DV, as well. Maybe a Canon Elura?

Does this camcorder exist?

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