Camcorder specs question(s)

[nathanaa]

I'm thinking of buying a digital camcorder for use while hiking and the occasional family event. I want it to be small and lightweight, but still get decent quality out of it. One that I'm looking at is the Sony DSC-M1, which as part of the description states:

"MPEGMovie4TV Mode
By capturing full-screen (640 x 480) high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second) video with stereo sound in MPEG4 format, DSC-M1 video clips have 50% more horizontal resolution and take up 1/4 the file size. This allows more clips to be stored and longer continuous recording."

Q1 - Is 640x480 resolution very good?? And is "up to" 30 frames a second anything to write home about?

Q2 - What programs convert MPEG4 to DVD-standard MPEG2? (I hope I'm asking that properly). I looked in the Tools section, but is MP4 the same as MPEG4?? I'm guessing I dump the files from the camcorder to a computer and simply convert and burn to a DVD. I still need to learn this part though.

Q3 - Will converting from MPEG4 to MPEG2 lose a significant amount of quality?

Thanks, any and all advice, comments, opinions would be appreciated.

[edDV]

The Sony DSC-M1 is basically a still camera with some movie modes. Like the joke of the talking dog, it's amazing it takes movies at all, but consider it a novelty and of limited use unless Sony's Memory Stick Pro Duo Cards come down in price or go up in size. The camera records 20min of highly compressed 640x480 30fps MPeg4 to one 512MB card (list price $300, street price much less) consideably more costly than a $3 one hour MiniDV tape. The recording quality may or may not be adequate to your needs but is considerably less than MiniDV or DVD.

Review - http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/m1.html

Q1: 30fps is standard NTSC TV rate. 15fps may be adequate for web streaming. DVD and MiniDV are 720x480. 640x480 can be converted but is not a supported resolution for DVD. The image issues will be compression related not so much resolution.

Q2: Research this carefully in forums that cater to users of this particular camera. There are many forms of MPeg4 floating about. Expect problems unless someone can demonstrate a memory stick to DVD process that you are willing to do and has the DVD quality that you can accept.

Q3: There will be some loss but the problem with this camera will be the low to medium quality that the camera produces, rather than loss during conversion.

This is an adequate still cam that has movie modes. If movies are your priority, look at MiniDV instead which will have excellent video quality and compromised stills.

In 5 years, the average consumer camcorder will be recording to flash memory cards in DV or HDV quality. We aren't there yet. Today's flash cards are too expensive and small requiring excessive compression.

[thecoalman]

I'd ask myself two questions before buying something like that.

1. What is the primary function that I want, video or stills?

2. If the answer to #1 is video do I want to play these videos primarily on a TV

If the answer to number 1 is video and number 2 is TV that's not what you want. I'd suggest getting a regular digital cam with the camera option.

www.camcorderinfo.com

[nathanaa]

Thanks for the info guys, it's exactly what I was looking for. I'll check into other camcorders.

I primarily want a camcorder that can give me DVD-quality video that I can relatively easily burn to DVD without much conversion hassle, that will be lightweight/compact for use while hiking. I would also like it to take decent stills. This may be asking too much for one item at this point possibly.

I'm trying to keep my pack weight/bulk down by having one item rather than two. Plus, I can obviously use it at other times than just while out hiking. I don't know anything about camcorders at this point, but I will slowly learn if I keep looking into getting one.

Price is less of a concern to me than quality construction, quality recordings/stills, and a lightweight, low bulk package. So, if there are any recommendations, I'm happy to hear them. Thanks again guys.

[edDV]

Thanks for the info guys, it's exactly what I was looking for. I'll check into other camcorders.

I primarily want a camcorder that can give me DVD-quality video that I can relatively easily burn to DVD without much conversion hassle, that will be lightweight/compact for use while hiking. I would also like it to take decent stills. This may be asking too much for one item at this point possibly.

I'm trying to keep my pack weight/bulk down by having one item rather than two. Plus, I can obviously use it at other times than just while out hiking. I don't know anything about camcorders at this point, but I will slowly learn if I keep looking into getting one.

Price is less of a concern to me than quality construction, quality recordings/stills, and a lightweight, low bulk package. So, if there are any recommendations, I'm happy to hear them. Thanks again guys.

The place to start looking is the Sony line of compact MiniDV camcorders. Other manufacturers have pocket MiniDV models as well.

[ZAPPER]

Dude, I have to admit that I never saw the need for ultra tiny cameras and camcorders, but you have actually hit on a very good reason, I think, to have small and light weight. I also have to tell you that I don't think that you will get everything in one package, that is a still camera is better at stills than a camcorder and vise versa. The good news is that compact seems to be the way all things are going. Check out something like one of the Casio still cams at a photo store that will let you hold and play with one. They are smaller than a pack of smokes and pretty powerful little cameras. Point and shoot simple with alot of extra features. I only say Casio because it is what the last sales guy almost had me begging for, but there are all sorts of brands out there if you like to play favorites or go insane trying to compare all of them.

There are even mini camcorders almost if not as small. The only disadvantage that I see with a mini camcorder is the ability to hold it steady. And it may just be me, but I have to have some heft to support and be able to smash it into my face to hold the thing still or pan smoothly.

Unless you are doing some kind of pro work or are a fanatic, I would say that just about anything in the middle and upper price range for consumer level equipment will do fine. Just get your hands on some and play with them.

[thecoalman]

Price is less of a concern to me than quality construction, quality recordings/stills, and a lightweight, low bulk package. So, if there are any recommendations, I'm happy to hear them. Thanks again guys.

Neither does each equally as well, I have a GL2 which takes excellent quality video. It has the ability to take images too and I'll have to say that they are quite nice shots but are limited in there size, 1.8 MP which will print a decent 5x7. I guess you have to compromise on what you want, if you want good video I'd look into a small mini-dv cam or something like EdDv suggested. Try that link for reviews I posted it above, it's an excellent site.

I seen these posted before but have no idea about how well they work: http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?productId=PRD1207000&pathId=119

[nathanaa]

Yeah, I checked out that link you gave me. I read the info about camcorders. I realize now I was buying into the hype about combo camera & camcorder units. My lady wants to, and has been wanting to. get a digital camera for her own personal and work use.

I'm thinking maybe I'll let her get that and I won't bother with my own digital camera,, and I'll just go for a decent camcorder. I'm personally not a big picture taker, but I have often wished I had a camcorder for short video segments of places I've been.

The camcorder wlll get used for family stuff too I'm sure, so if I do actually buy one I'll get one that will go well with my budding personal video hobby. So, I'll check more into those sites and units you guys mentioned. Thanks all, very helpful once again, much appreciated.