advice please....again..thanks folks.

[twolf]

Ok have about decided on a digital camcorder for transfer of vhs to dv.

Maybe this is wrong forum, but will ask anyway...what is the difference between digital8 and minidv camcorders? is digital 8 really digital? also which of the two with passthrough would be better quality for transferring from vcr/vhs camcorder to dv then to computer? thanks..t

[Tommy]

The difference between digital8 and Minidv is media. Digital8 uses 8mm tapes while Minidv uses minidv tapes. The Minidv tapes are a bit smaller. The format is the same. There are advantages to both type. The passthough would work the same on either camera.

I prefer MiniDV. But which ever one you choose would be fine. Just make sure the camcorder has the passthough function as not all of them do.

this site has many camcorder reviews, they don't to the reviews but just link to reviews on other pages.
http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Home_Video/Camcorders/Camcorder_Reviews/

[twolf]

thanks Tommy...am looking at the canon optura 100mc...looked at the sony mini's last nite, but some of the reviews at epinions were not too good on a couple points...any suggestions on which mini..thanks.t

[Tommy]

I didn't really look at the canon optura, only the elua and I didn't really care for it. But i have a couple of canon's at home (camcorder HI-8 and still camera) and have always been impressed with the build quality in the brand.

With that being said sony got my money. I have a sony dcr-pc9 and its great. Its compact and delivers a great video. The biggest complaint I have heard about the camcorder is about the matchbox style, some people just don't like the way it feels. If you have trouble with reaching the controls or just don't like the feel of it, don't by the camcorder.

Whats I considered its strong points.

1. Takes great video
2. nightshot is really cool
3. nice and compact
4. touch screen menus work really well. At first I was a little leary about the touchsceen (even though I use a visor everyday), but it's great. I can't imagine the camorder without it.

5. the build quality is good.
6. Works as advertised.
7. very good optics
8. Lots of accessories.... (the flash is good, but I wouldn't print the pictures past 3x5, pictures normally good for email...etc..)

9. makes short 15sec mpegs to send via email (crappy quality but hey, its being used for email)

10. pictures transfer from memstick is usb

What I didn't like

1. the battery charges on the camcorder (i had to pick up an external charger)

2. the tape loads from the bottom so if its on a tripod, you got to take it off. (flaw with most matchbook style camcorders....I think)

3. Takes poor still shots. (not a megapixel......)

4. Mike placement could be better (as with most matchbook style camcorders.

5. pictures on the memstick tranfer via usb so if you don't have one....

Thats all I can think of at the moment....

[twolf]

Hey thanks that is great..will still go look at it and a couple other sony's am thinking of...t