What is the best website/ forum for Q's about the model camera I need?

[tenderloin]

Hi all
Basically I'm looking for an affordable DV camera, up to around 500 bucks, but it really needs to have certain features, (adjustable constant speed super slow zoom) otherwise I will have to just have rent a more high-end camera... any suggestions for discussion forums??

[edDV]

Hi all
Basically I'm looking for an affordable DV camera, up to around 500 bucks, but it really needs to have certain features, (adjustable constant speed super slow zoom) otherwise I will have to just have rent a more high-end camera... any suggestions for discussion forums??

Variable camcorder speed isn't generally available in a consumer camcorder. Look into industrial video cameras that record to Tiffs or Pngs..

[tenderloin]

What do Tiff's and Png's have to do with variable zoom speed? Also what does not "generally available" mean? Not usually?

[edDV]

OOps, I read it as variable tape speed. Never mind.

Variable zoom kicks in at the prosumer level. There may be exceptions but I haven't seen any at $500. They usually step through 2 or 3 zoom speeds.

[tenderloin]

There has to be a camcorder out there with more than three stupid zoom speeds. For 500 bucks, is it too hard on the servos or something?

This sucks, because I could rent an industrial camera, but it makes more sense to use that money for purchase of a camcorder, instead.. None of these camcorders would have the feature I'm looking for at the price I mention?

[julitomg]

www.camcorderinfo.com is a good place to search for info, specs, tests, discussions, etc...

[tenderloin]

thanks!