New Camcorder Buyer - MIni DV or DVD

Pretty much the only reason you would want to use DVD is so you can stick your video in your DVD player right after shooting. But if you want to edit your video at all, go with Mini DV.

Thanks for the advice. It sounds like mini DV is the way to go. When I was referring to "delayed processing", a friend told me that with a DVD camcorder you may not be able to stop and start recording in real time, because the disk may still be burning the previous images when you try to record again a few seconds later. I don't have a firewire, but it sounds easy enough to get. I do want to edit the video, so I think mini DV is the way to go. Any recommendations in the $400 or less range? Is Canon better than Sony?

manufacturers all have pros and cons.

At the $ you budgeted, the differences will be minimal - and will depend on your requirements. In that $ range, any camera from Sony, Canon or Panasonic will be just fine for you.

But you need to consider the other stuff like a tripod or monopod, extra rechargeable battery and sturdy case, too...

Hello, I am looking at buying my first Mini DV camcorder (I've been using an old analog Sony for the last 13 years). Th Canon ZR850 looks like a great entry-level camera for someone like me who will just use in on vacation or when visiting friends and does not want to spend a lot of money on it. The CNET review noted that it does not have analong inputs for dubbing your old tapes to DV. Does this mean that most Mini DV camcorders actually let you turn your old micro-cassettes from the old fashioned analog camcorders and turn it into digital? Or am I getting this totally wrong. Also, I do not have a wide screen TV. Would you know if Canon's ZR series has an option for you to show the output in the old-fashioned full-screen format for folks like me who have an analog/full frame TV? Anyhow, I would appreciate any input on these specific questions and also on my choice of the Canon ZR850. Based on CNET reviews, it looks like a good choice -- and I can get one for $254. Thanks.

but here goes...Yes, I think the Canon ZR850 is a good entry-level camcorder - though I am partial to the ZR800 as it has an external mic-in jack (the ZR850 does not).

*Some* miniDV camcorders allow you to connect an external analog device and use the camcorder as an analog/digital bridge... the older analog device plugs into the analog-in (audio and video) of the camera, the FireWire/iLink/DV/IEEE1394 cable connects the camcorder to the computer and you can transfer analog information from the analog device through the camcorder to the computer. Most MinDV camcorders do not do this - check their specs to be sure.

All current camcorders allow you to shoot in the "normal" 4:3 standard NTSC/PAL TV format. Pretty much all of them also allow you to shoot in widescreen (16:9) standard definition... though some of them squeeze the frame so it is not "true" 16:9... but it is not that bad.

Thanks for the info.

So, an external mike-in jack means you can plug a microphone into the camera so you get better sound quality, e.g., if someone is singing, or giving a presentation?

What other differences are there between these two cameras that you think are important? Maybe I should just get a ZR800. I will start a new thread on this. I am new to this forum and didn't really check out all the options. Thanks again.

I'll answer you question here, too...

Yes. But more than that... imagine you are filming someone 15 feet awy... and they are speaking to someone in a normal tone of voice. You, and the camera, will may be challenged to hear them clearly. Imagine if you could move your ears to be on that person's chest... but the camera stays put. Your audio reception device is now less than a foot away from the source of the audio - and the optical reception device (your eyes or the camera lens) is still where you want it to me...

Other important differences? In my book, they are minor. That external mic jack is a big deal - to me, anyway... I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Once I learned how to use appropriate mics, I very rarely use the built-in mics - and if I do use them, that audio is used for synching with the production audio only - then the audio from the built-in mics gets wiped out.

Internal mics are usually not the best idea for really clear sound since most come in just two versions such as omnidirectional or directional. You usually get the one of the other. If sound is an important feature that you might want getting an external mic jack on the camcorder will give you options on which mic to use. You can use a mic cord to get closer to your source. The closer you are the less disturbances.

Jeff
Megacameras.com
http://www.megacameras.com

good points. thanks.