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General discussion

Technical Idiot needs SIMPLE, PLAIN ENGLISH help

Apr 27, 2006 12:07AM PDT

Hi all:

I am what someone would call techincally challenged-- and I'm in the market for a camcorder. I have read through many of these threads but to be perfectly honest, some of the advice is like reading Chinese to me.
I want a camcorder and I am looking to spend $500 TOPS including any equipment needed to edit, upload, burn--anything. In other words, I want to put in $500 to have the finished product. And my home computer is very, very basic and starting to top out of its memory capabilities.
I am going to use the camcorder for recreational purposes-- we're going on a trip to Japan this summer and I'd like to have memories from it.
Can someone tell me in the most basic, non-techincally laden language what to do? I've read a whole slew of threads from the Mini DV- DVD opinions, but I need something explained to me like a three-year old.
Thanks in advance!

Discussion is locked

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Well since you put that way, Panasonic PV GS65
Apr 27, 2006 3:25AM PDT

Go to the link and read. Then go to a store and get your hands one, if you like it then buy one. DON'T GET A DVD CAMERA!!!!If you want to talk about your PC then repost. John


http://reviews.cnet.com'Panasonic_PV_GS65/4505-6500_7-31310142.html?tag=pdtl-list

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link broke?
Apr 27, 2006 6:42AM PDT

Hey John-- Can't get your link to pop up for me?

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Thanks!
Apr 28, 2006 6:56AM PDT

I'm looking at it now...I am going to read through it, but from the looks of the reviews, this looks like one of the better low-priced cameras I've been able to see on this site. I may have some questions...

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(NT) (NT) Why no DVD?
Apr 30, 2006 10:10AM PDT
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My 2cents
Apr 27, 2006 11:36PM PDT

If truth be told, ebay is the way to go for FINDING a camcorder. If you look just a little way into the "MiniDV" section, you'll fingd kits of camera, tripod and acsessories that will stay well below your $500 mark. You'll probobly have enough left to get Pinnacle Studio10, which is one of THE best home video editing software packages avalible in my opinion.

Also, a book reccomendation:
Video Editing for Dummies, latest edition (Wiley Publishing Inc.). it taught me a whole lot of stuff, and i'd reccomend it to anyone.

Hope tha helped,
Chris

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Thanks!
Apr 28, 2006 6:51AM PDT

I hadn't thought of that. It is definitely worth a browse through the pages at EBay to see what there is.