DVD Camcorder or MiniDV + DVD Recorder

[mcnallyj]

Experts out there!

I need assitance. I was looking at the Sony DVD201 camcorder which uses a 3"(?) DVD-R as the recording medium. While it is high on the coolness factor, I am wondering if it is worth the extra $. I was thinking of either getting that, or my other option is to purchase a less expensive MiniDV camcorder, with comparable features (needs to have a built-in flash for stills) as the DVD201, except of course records to MiniDV, and then a box top (non-computer, hooks right up to the tv like a VCR, sorry, can't think of the right term for it right now-standalone, that's it!) DVD recorder, which I could transfer the video from the MiniDV to and would also solve my problem of too much stuff sitting on Tivo, it could be transferred over to the DVD recorder. I do like being able to take the DVD right from the Sony and dropping it into a DVD without any fuss.

So what would be the best bet? Which miniDV camcorder would I go with, and while I'm asking, which DVD recorder?

Sorry for asking so many questions, but I have done much research on this and am still undecided....

[SoundFX]

Experts!? Where!?

One man's opinion...I like the DV camera/standalone DVD-R route. I always edit down my footage into a less than 10 minute piece as not to bore the relatives. I'm big on music video style edits anyway. I still think DV->firewire->computer edit->DVD is the easiest/best way to capture and edit. I also use the DVD-R "A LOT". It has totally replaced the VCRs in my house. I will recommend a unit with a hard drive, as a lot of timeshifting just sits on the drive without having to be burnt onto a DVD disc. If you must play right out of the camera, you can always hook it right into a TV with A/V inputs (if avail.) Great double duty IMO.

Sidebar--I'd like to know how well a disc based camera does with a typical consumer operator. Will it hold up to bumping around and chasing the kids around the house? Seems like the disc would be harder to stabilize than tape, do they even make skip/shock protection for DVD's?

[troyvcd1]

If you get the dvd camcorder that will be the stupidest move ever. Then you can not edit your BORING family videos and send them to your family and friends on a dvd.

[mcnallyj]

Thanks for the info, I am thinking the combo is the better way to go. But now I am wondering if I am better off going to PC route with the DVD recorder. My question here would be that while it is easy to get the video off the camcorder to the PC, how would I go about "legally" getting the video from the tivo over? Would my best route be something like the Canopus ADVC-100 DV converter for this regards

[lechtin]

I second the miniDV camera and separate DVD recorder (stand alone or PC is up to you, but PC is more flexible and may be more complex depending on your level of computer literacy).

As for getting any analog footage to your PC (Tivo or VHS recording), just make sure you buy a camera that has analog video in and you can use it as a transcoder like the ADVC100 to transfer via firewire. I do know they are easier to find in America than in Europe.

[choirislife923]

miniDV

why?

DVD recording camcorders are not tuned to optimal user performance at this time. before being able to record, the camcorder takes about 1 min to write the lead-in track on the disc. then after your doing recording, it takes about 10 mins (yes, 10 minutes) to finalize and write the lead-out. you lose about 11 mins of valuable footage right there.

also, DV uses 25mbits while DVD is problably being recorded at around 8mbits. therefore, DV runs the lower potential for getting artifacts and macroblocks.