Mini DV Help

[sdf91]

Hi, my friend and I are making a snowboarding video for a project at school. The school wont lend us cameras, so I'm on a search to find my own. Our faculty adviser pointed us in the direction of mini dv cameras because they would be the least expensive. After a couple of days of research im dumbfounded by all of the technical specs. I have no idea what most of the reviews are talking about. I was hoping some of the friendly folk here could help me out.
Im looking for a mini dv camera for snowboarding. It should have good picture quality, sound quality is less important. Be able to film for extended periods of time, two hours or so. And Im on a budget so im not looking to spend a ton.
Right now I can purchase a used panasonic gs320, or a used sony dcr hc36. Ive also been atracted to the cannon elura 100.
I would greatly apreciate it if anyone could recomend, and make a case, for a few good mini dv camcorders

[minidv2dvd]

hi and welcome to the forum!

a minidv tape is about an hour. you'll need a few. extra camera batteries will be needed also, especially in the cold.

almost any minidv cam will work in bright light and if you use a tripod or other stabilizing device. pick a cam that is in your budget including all other accessories you need.

i wouldn't go into the used consumer cam market, you have no idea what the cam has gone through. my choice would be one of the low end sony's hc52 or hc62 for $200-300.

[sdf91]

Thanks for the reply
can you tell me how the canon elura 100 would suit my needs

[minidv2dvd]

again i'd stay away from used. they don't make that one anymore. the current zr900-960 series would be fine.

[Soopafresh]

canon elura 100 will work fine, as will just about any DV camera. What's your budget? minidv2dvd is right about avoiding a used camcorder. When is your project due?

[sdf91]

the project isnt due for a while but filming starts sunday
there are actually two eluras on ebay for under 200 and im going to try and pick up a fisheye

[Soopafresh]

You also need to think about ways to stabilize your shots, especially if you're moving. Otherwise, your footage will look like "Cloverfield".

http://www.vimeo.com/1394069

[sdf91]

thats an interesting idea ive never even considered that
il see how filming goes on sun and go from there

[sdf91]

just bought a panasonic pv gs320 with a fisheye and wide angle lense all for 120
guy has had it for months and couldnt get rid of it