Hey,

Now that we have a little one around the house, we are thinking it is time to get a video camera to capture all the events as they occur.

The problem is, we know nothing about video cameras and need help picking one to buy.

Anyone have any preferences? Any brands that are good or bad?

Should we buy a "digial" one or is analog OK?

We are thinking a Sony "digital 8", but aren't sure. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

-Brents

 

Don't make the mistake of buying a "closeout" or discontinued model. I did that, 3 months later I couldn't find a replacement battery to fit it. That being said I am planing on buying a new digital to replace the old 8mm. I haven't had time to check specs yet so I really don't have any input on what would be a good buy.

 

Not having made it to the digital era yet, we relied on several VHS style cameras to preserve childhood memories. For what it's worth, if you are remotely considering one of these inexpensive units:

The full size camera is a pain to lug around, especially when the kids are small as there are always so many other "necessities" that accompany any outing, whether going cross town or cross country. However, they are more convenient at the end, as once the tape is full, you just label it and store it for later playback.

The compact cameras using the VHS-C tape are quite easy to tote along, are durable and quite versatile for filming. Their major drawback is you quickly accumulate a pile of small tapes and you need an adapter for playback in standard VCR. Transferring them to full size tapes is easy - if you can remember to keep up with it. Soon you find all these small tapes with no labels and no time to watch the entire tape to see what it contains.

As with any portable unit, batteries are the nemesis. The original one lasts for a long time and every one purchased afterwards seems to have a progressively shorter lifespan.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 21-Nov-02 AT 12:27 PM (EST)]I have a Sony digital, works well and no problem getting replacement batteries. I was in the video business for a few years, starting with VHS, then S-VHS, now Mini-DV.

Digital is the best format now, and you can get them at a pretty reasonable price if you watch the local electronic store ads, Sears, or from a legitimate dealer on the internet.


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[updated:LAST EDITED ON 21-Nov-02 AT 03:29 PM (EST)]Go to http://www.cnet.com -- they have ratings, reviews, buying guides, warrantee info, and just about anything you ever wanted to know (or didn't want) about electronics. It also has a shop-bot that compares prices on many online stores and lets you see where you can buy it for less. Heck, it even rates the different online stores so you know who's legit and who'se just running a scam store!

Spend some time at the site, and you'll walk away with the perfect camera for your needs. Try to get something that got their "editor's choice" award.

With something like electronics, you will get a lot better advice on http://www.cnet.com than you would by listening to opinions from guys like me about their camera.

 

Have you noticed now that everyone has a video camera, digital camera or cell phone camera that UFO abductions and sighting are way down?

 

Yes ! thats because they know we have them!





mini dv is the way to go ! but with electronics changing so fast,it will be outdated before you buy it!

Rich

02 F250 4x4 SC 5.4v8 6spd 3.73ls Trueblue/Silver and Chrome Nerfs

"All Levers"

 

I have a sony handycam and are quite happy with it!

 

Brents

I have a Sony TRV730…this years is 830.

I started out 8 years ago when we started having babies with a Cannon 8mm analog.
This Sony will play the old analogs and will record digital on analog tape. It also has a built in camera for photos that you can store on a memory stick. I could go on….

Decide how you want to store, play, tinker with your finished product.

If you are into computers and want to edit home movies, you will not only want to research cameras but also computers and or components in what you already have.

I did a lot of research on video cameras before I bought. And it was worth it. Wish I had researched my computer (which I bought before the camera) and got the speed I need for video editing. I can do it but its sloooow going. That’s my next step….computer upgrades.

BEWARE!!! Of the internet bargain….

I got mine at Sears on closeout. Paid almost 200 less. Researched a lot of internet stores till I was convinced it was such a crap shoot that I went for the sure thing.

NOW….

You and in the future your kids, are going to love to see themselves in later years.
Make sure your wife learns how to use it or the kids will never know that you were anything but a voice. And for when your not around…..she cant say, “ah you missed it”

ADVISE….

Don’t believe your father-in-law when he says the live-well doesn’t work. That’s why I have a Sony now and not the old Cannon.

Brett

 

I've got a year old Sony Handycam. Can't remember the exact model number for it, but it's been a great camera. Uses the Hi8 cassettes. Great picture and sound quality. I caught it on closeout at a WalMart for $225.00. Caught a lot of my 18 month old son on it.

It has analog and digital zoom and nightshot. Beware though, if you get into the digital zoom when zooming in on something, it gets a little shaky. From what I've heard, pretty much all cameras are like that unless you've got a tripod.

Sony's are great though. Would definitly recommend to anyone.

 

Definitely, you must choice a digital mini dv...Sony have the best.
I'm photo and video reporter, trust me.

 

Hey,

OK, thanks for the advice, it looks like a Sony Digital is the way to go!

Thanks for all the replies,
-Brents