Have $500 to spend at Best Buy, want a good DV Recorder

[jag5311]

I realize Best Buy might not always be the best place to get the best equipment, but I have a $200 gift certificate that I can put toward one, so that is the place where I am going to purchase it. But I am looking at NO MORE then $500. Here is a small list I put together, I just need help on determining the best one since I lack the knowledge in how well they will perform, last, quality, etc....

I want it to be nice so I can put together home movies and such, so its not like I am looking to make cinema movies (did the 500 limit give that away )

Anyways, just something that is high quality, reliable, and that you know I would be happy with

Canon MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD Viewscreen Model: ZR85

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1067391172599&skuId=6194487&productCategory...5&type=product


Canon MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD ViewscreenModel: ZR80
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1067391172479&skuId=6194469&productCategory...5&type=product

Samsung Compact MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD Monitor Model: SC-D103
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1067391594985&skuId=6196993&productCategory...5&type=product


Sony MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 2.5" SwivelScreen Color LCD Monitor Model: DCR-TRV22

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051826093681&skuId=5234347&productCategory...5&type=product


Sony MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 2.5" SwivelScreen Color LCD Monitor Model: DCR-HC20

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1069300204425&skuId=6228931&productCategory...5&type=product


These should give you an idea of some of the options at BestBuy.

Also, are JVC good brands?

Thanks alot,
Bryan

[disturbed1]

Canon and Sony both made good quality camera products.

Look for the one(s) that have the features you want. The more numbers in the CCD or pixels, the higher the quality of the camera. A longer warranty is always a plus too.

Make sure to avoid any camera that has a bottom loading tape. Such a pain in the ass when you use a tri pod.

A $99 digital camera has better still shots than a $2000 DV Camera, so just because it boasts "still shots", it will not replace a standalone digital camera.

[jag5311]

Hey Disturbed, thanks.

Actually, I will simply use my video camera, for well, video. I plan on getting a separate digital camera for my still stuff.

My buddy was telling me to not get all worked up about Digital zoom, since its more or less just distorted zoom. He said 20x opitcal was pretty good, but he also doesn't work in the field of videography, so I wanted the people in this forums take on it.

Thanks

[disturbed1]

Digital zoom can look pretty bad. One of my camera's has 300x digital zoom, and 20x optical.

20x is more than enough, unless your, um, making, um, certain adult type movies.

The digital zoom does look ok, upto 50-100x in the right light. But beyond that the quality does degrade.

I'd say the most important accessory is a tripod. Shakey hands make for bad pictures. Though some cam's do have a stabilizer, these too can degrade the picture, and add after effects to the image.

Best Buy has a decent return policy, so if you pick one up and it doesn't work out, you can always return it.


JVC's seem to boast more features at a lower price, but I haven't read any reviews on their products. I know Sony and Canon are both great products, with good quality, and tend to last for a while. Those 2 (and Panasonic) always recieve top reviews and high user praise.

We use 5 Canon cameras (2 Hi8 models), canon still cams, and canon printers and scanners. Not that Canon is any better, we're just partial to that name brand. Like some people like Pepsi, and other's like Coke

[Beavis]

If you decide to go for the Canon ZR's, see if you can find one of last year's models, such as a ZR-60. I don't know if any Best Buy's will still have them around or not. Unfortunately, with this year's models (the ZR-80, etc.) they took away a couple nice features, such as external microphone jack, but otherwise the cameras are basically the same.

[jag5311]

20x is more than enough, unless your, um, making, um, certain adult type movies.

Maybe I am You know, gotta get those tight shots j/k

Well, seems that is 2 vouching for canon. I will await some more responses.

Thanks for the comments guys[/quote]

[MikeV]

I did a lot of searching and reading reviews over the last couple months on different DV camcorders and finally decided on the Samsung SC-D103. It had the best reviews for low light, night vision, and cost. I wanted to get the SC-D107 which includes remote control, memory stick, and A/V input, but no one had any in stock at the time I needed one. Your best bet is go out and check the reviews for the different models.

[tag]

I have the TRV22, am perfectly happy with it, and would buy it again in a heartbeat. But that's just my 0.0167193 Euros.

My suggestion is to take a trip to your local BB and see which model "fits". You may, for example, find that you do not care for the touchscreen controls that seem to pervade all of the Sony models. Also, you may find that the long end of the ZR series gets pretty rocky without a tripod.

Also, I'm sure you're aware that the ZR85 and Sony models you selected are right at the $500 mark and you'd have to add sales tax to that (unless you live in a state with none, of course). More importantly, though, you're probably going to want a few accessories (e.g. extra battery, bag, filter(s), tapes) which could run you another 100 bucks (or more) so factor that in as well.

I'd also suggest reading some reviews in the event you haven't done so already. I'll list a few below:

HC20

TRV22

ZR85

ZR80

[handyguy]

Also check prices on buydig.com for comparsion once you find what you want.

[tag]

Also check prices on buydig.com for comparsion once you find what you want.

That's an excellent idea because sometimes, their official price match policy notwithstanding, Best Buy will match internet prices on certain items. It's always worth a shot.

[lordsmurf]

I'm a huge fan of JVC and CANON products when it comes to video cameras of any kind.

[vcdforme]

Buy something, then get your money back on the item,
then go to Circuit City. I think the prices are a bit better.
I also saw a bunch of DV's below the counter at "blow-out"
prices. good luck.

[tag]

Buy something, then get your money back on the item, then go to Circuit City.

I don't think they'll do that with gift certs at BB, will they? I think all you'll get is a BB gift card.

[SteelSpy]

Don't forget that you can usually beat BestBuy up for around 10% when buying stuff in this price range. They'll have to call over a manager and get approval, but I've never had em say "no".
They almost always price match as well.

[Sam Ontario]

Canon and Sony both made good quality camera products.

.

In early days of Camcorder, I had 3 made by Canon. They all malfunctioned just after the waranty expired.