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General discussion

simpleton here. want solid advice for camcorder purchase.

Jul 13, 2006 5:55AM PDT

Hi,

I plan to quickly move up the tech food chain in the next few months, with plans to purchase (finally!) a computer and a digital camcorder.

I will be buying a Mac, and will need to edit the video footage on this platform.

I know relatively nothing about dv camcorders... can anyone point me to a good resource for basics, or provide advice? Just reviewing the reviews right now, terms like DV/DVD/HD are confusing me, and I'm not sure what is going to suit my purposes.

I am an artist and will be using the camcorder for art videos that should be of a high enough quality for public display. Excellent video quality and no sound problems are paramount, clumsy interface and such I will be willing to deal with. Can anyone point me in some kind of direction?

Would prefer to spend less than $700/800, but would consider products around $1K if really worth it.

I appreciate so much anyone's helpful knowledge and advice.

Take care!

Discussion is locked

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That rules out DVD camcorders.
Jul 13, 2006 6:21AM PDT

Such are still unfriendly to post production. I'd look for HD capable camcorders with firewire for your Apple to connect to.

Cheers,

Bob

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You might want to clarify HD.
Jul 13, 2006 10:50AM PDT

Some folks mean hard disk, while others mean hi-def. I assume with a $1,000 cap, you mean hard drive.

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How about this hidef model? (froogle.)
Jul 13, 2006 11:16AM PDT
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Interesting. I had not seen that one.
Jul 13, 2006 12:03PM PDT

That's one reason I don't respond to those who want info on cheaper/most cameras.

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HC3
Jul 13, 2006 2:36PM PDT

I would be extremely careful with anyone offering this below $1000.
Check them out at resellerratings.com before you buy.
Good luck.

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Good catch! It looks like a rip off outfit.
Jul 13, 2006 3:49PM PDT

Resellerrating of .56 out of 10 with several bad reviews. Amazon shows the camera at $1,200.

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cgi
Jul 14, 2006 3:32PM PDT

I don't think I'd buy my dog food from them. : )

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Good choice would be
Jul 15, 2006 2:41PM PDT

I've recently bought a Sony DCR-SR100.
Records to Hard Drive ($950.00) I would consider myself your average electronic consumer.

I'm very Impressed with this camera and the ease to get video files direct to my computer for editing and burning to DVD...

P.S. you may want to consider purchasing a entry level video editing software also... i.e. Adobe premire 2.0...

Good Luck

Greg