Help with choosing new DV camera

[DSquare]

Okay, I'm looking for a new video camera. I think I want miniDV to be able to transfer the video to my pc thru a firewire port. I'm a totally new at this so I wonder if anyone has any recommendations on cameras, I was looking in the price range of 700-1000 dollars. Also what can I expect as far as quality goes with the video that I transfer to the pc. I read a thread about converting it SVCD and not having good luck with quality. What format does the video get transfered to the pc as ? (AVI?) If anyone has any decent websites that also would help me out it would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Derrek

[Greg12]

I don't know about details but see about getting one with a video through.

This allows you to plug a VCR into your camcorder and use the camcorder to digitize the video.

I wish i had gottent that.

[DSquare]

bump

[lmennuti]

Personally, I got a Canon Optura Pi (MiniDV Camcorder).

Here's why I chose this model...
- Excellent in low/dim light situations
- OPTICAL image stabilizer
- 10x OPTICAL Zoom
- Analog Input (this is what Greg12 is talking about)

At the time I bought (last year), I paid about $1,400 for it. So it should be considerably less now and I recommend it highly.

[shagrath]

dsquare, if u want a good dvcamera here is one i got last month, now its about $100 more but it still worth the price its a prosumer cam with 3ccds so u cant go wrong and yes it has the analog input i use it with my helmetcam it works great i also transfered some vhs to this camera and edited in premiere 6, but as i read in this forum and from experience avi from dv cameras is only for vcd, svcds have too much blocking i do not recommend if u want your dv tapes on cds wait for the dvd+r recorders and dont buy the first generations pc recorders they will not record dvd+r only dvd+rw, im still waiting for one cause i want my family home movies on dvd and i dont want it on dvd+rw and quality is as on your dv tape, and if u dont want to spend that much money i recomend sony dcr-pc110 with 1.5 mega pixels or even cheaper the pc9 with 650 pixels both very good cameras, small portable with analog input, own both of them and they are great cause they are small and u can stick them in your pocket and still have superb quality.good luck in your choosing.

http://www.regencycamera.com/sonydcrtrv900.html

[gNOMEintheRedHat]

DSquare,

There are a lot of options to concider when buying a camcorder that can REALY make or break it's usefullness.

1) Size, if it's too bulky, you'l quickly get tired of carying it around.

2) Optics, DIGITAL ZOOM SUCKS!!! try to find a camera that has a good optical zoom because digital zoom totaly ruins the picture.

3) Inputs / Outputs, How do you get video OUT of the camera?
IEEE1394 is GREAT for editing and prducing good videos, but what if a friend wants a quick copy to show off that amazing half court dunk?

S-Video or composit out to VCR or TV is actualy usefull.

INPUT - Ever want to save an old video? copy from the VCR INTO the DV camera then edit on a PC.

I shopped all summer for a new camera and I took the Panasonic PV-DV601.
* 18x optical zoom
* Analog INPUT
* Quite small while maintaining powerfull optics.

********** PRICE ***********
Many good camcordes can be had for SEVERAL hundred off of retail!!!!!

Try HALF.COM