How to choose a mini-dv camcorder

[mjl]

What are the factors to consider when selecting a mini-dv camcorder? I know I want one with analog passthrough for the purpose of capturing analog onto computer... but aside from that, how does one measure differences in quality among the camcorders in this class? I understand obvious differences in zoom and optical zoom... but as far as quality, is there a benchmark to compare, such as megapiuxels per second, or whatever?

[daamon]

Hi mjl,

All your questions, and more, will be answered if you head over to www.camcorderinfo.com

Happy reading...

[takeshi]

Not really. There's no really quantifable way to express image quality. Even with still cameras, the megapixel rating is only so useful.

[Richard_G]

Megapixel rating is totally meaningless with video and only has any effect on stills. In saying that, I've yet to see a still taken by a camcorder that even comes close to one taken by a proper digital still camera. Optical zoom is important, digital zoom is a waste and should be switched off the moment you get the camcorder. If quality of video is what you are after, go for a 3CCD camcorder.

[edDV]

Roughly, quality will track price with MiniDV camcorders and the difference is mostly in the camera section.

Some issues:
- CCD quality (size is an indicator for low light performance)
- 3CCD vs 1CCD
- quality of the optics
- pay attention to wide end of the zoom range
- manual control override of auto features

Read the detail reviews for the final cut.

[Baatfam]

Currently, IMHO, the best "bang for buck" quality miniDV cameras are the Panasonic 3CCD models....
I just bought a GS250 for $640 shipped after a $50 rebate.

And all I can say is WOW! Broadcast quality for under a grand!

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-PV-GS250-Camcorder-Review.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-PV-GS150-Camcorder-Review.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Panasonic-PV-GS400-Camcorder-Review.htm
And they have good support here:
http://www.pana3ccduser.com/

Panasonic just announce the new, replacement models...the 180, 280 and 500...and they are not as nice. They've removed some features, like pass through!), to lower cost and so the price is going up on the current ones.

HTH,
Bob T.

[dwill123]

What are the factors to consider when selecting a mini-dv camcorder?

Several things to pay attention to in selecting a mini-dv camcorder:
1. What will you mostly be shooting: your daughter's dance recital, your son's violin concert, honnies at the beach or your day at Disney World.
2. What will your lighting conditions mostly be: bright sun or low light
3. Automatic vs manual control
4. Film like output (24p)
5. 4:3 vs 16:9
6. How much money are you willing to part with to get all of this?

Be prepared to compromise. Getting everything you want in an affordable model will cost you. That said I must second an earlier recommendation for the Panasonic line. I purchased a Panasonic GS400 in August and I love it. As mentioned before Panasonic just announced their new line of machines and I'm glad I bought when I did. That's not to say that what they're coming out with is bad. I just think the current line is a little more feature rich. Good luck.

[Baatfam]

I purchased a Panasonic GS400 in August...

I'm jealous..... :P

[edDV]

As mentioned before Panasonic just announced their new line of machines and I'm glad I bought when I did. That's not to say that what they're coming out with is bad. I just think the current line is a little more feature rich. Good luck.

I hope they don't blow it by reducing features. They need to get aggressive against SONY by adding features and reducing cost to the customer. The 250 -> 280 needs first of all a manual audio level override. Otherwise it makes a fine utility 3CCD camcorder but I just hate AGC audio pumping.

The GS 400 was a hit and prices went up 25%. They need to fix their manufacturing problem and get the GS 500 back under $1000 or Sony will beat them back.

I'm pulling for Panasonic to trump Sony just like they did with DVCPro. And I'm a long term Sony camcorder owner back to the 80s (PD-150 and looking for more).