Digital Vs. Analog (VHS-C) Video Camera

[aldtech]

I currently have a Panasonic VHS-C (5+ years) old video camera and over the past month have gotten nothing but complaints about the video quality – grainy on distance shots and not very sharp on tight shots. I guess now is the time to replace question is with what?

To those of you who have ventured in both realms, how much better is digital over analog video cameras? Yeah I know that if I go digital I will be able to transfer my videos directly to my computer without having to go through a capture card, that is a big plus to me but is the picture really better?

Do digital video cameras go by Mega Pixel ratings like digital cameras where bigger is better?

Any suggestions and help is appreciated and thank you in advance.

AL D.

[edDV]

Quick answer. A $600 MiniDV camcorder today exceeds the quality of a $35,000 SP Betacam camcorder that the broadcasters used in the 80's in most respects. $600 will get you an entry 3CCD model. $1200 will get a entry prosumer camera (e.g. Panasonic GS-400).

PS, Megapixel ratings are for stills only. CCD size is often an indicator of low light performance but not always. Upper level prosumer cams have large enough CCDs for native widescreen 16x9.

[pbhalerao]

The more pixels there are in the DV Cam, the better it is. But even better is 3CCD to single CCD.

I doubt in these days whether you will get a good analog cam. Having said that I have not found much improvement from my old Hi-8 to the newer mini-DV (1 CCD). It is only when the analog footage is transferred to DV that the DV Cam really scores because there is no loss in quality. Hence a DV is certainly a better choice.

If you are fishing for a new DV cam, I would suggest to go for mega-pixel or above, 3 CCD (if you can afford it), A-D passthrough feature, DV-In/Out, true 16:9 recording. Also as you must be already aware ignore all gimmicks on digital zoom; go for maximum optical zoom offered.

[edDV]

All models of MiniDV and Digital8 camcorders have an excellent recording section. Picture quality is going to depend on how much you invest in the camera and lens sections. Prices roughly track picture quality.

The standout 3CCD bargain has been the GS-400 but street prices have gone up as it has gained popularity.

[Phantom Of The Opera]

You may want to check out this site:

Camcorder reviews

[aldtech]

Thanks for the input – Phantom thanks for the link going there a lot. It looks like I will be looking for a Panasonic PV-GS150 or higher model. After everything I have read a 3 CCD camera is the way to go. Anybody got any other suggestions please post in.

Al D.

[pbhalerao]

Have a look here:

http://www.maxent.org/video/16x9.html