Which Camcorder - Please Help..

[Cyclone1]

Hi all,

I need a bit of help trying to find a decent Camcorder. I have been informed that for my budget of £350-400 a Mini DV is the best type to go for. I want a Camcorder that is easy to use, but one that I can attempt to edit the footage via my PC and then burn onto DVD. I would also like to be able to just play it back through my TV (shouldn't they all do that?).
I have whittled it down to the following two;

Sony DCR HC42E

Panasonic NV-GS75

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks
Jules.

[speedychrissie]

i have a panasonic (a GS-11 i think) which is really good. it is easy to use and produces quite nice videos. that has tv playback (but i think they all do) and you can get software for about £30 that will allow you to edit your videos on your pc.

i dont know what the modern sonys are like. a freind of mine has one from a few years ago and altho it is a very good camera it is possibly too small to use. make sure you have a play with any prospective cameras before you purchase.

hope this helps a little.

chris

[GetCarter]

IMHO - You'll be fine with either. (I have the Sony)

[Mr Noble]

www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProductCategory.action?site=odw_en_GB&category=Camcorder (click on mini DV then all cams are listed.

If your budget can stretch to it, I would go for the DCR-HC90 rather than the 42. The 90 does everything the same but has a 3.3mp CCD rather than a 1.07 that the others has. So, it takes decent stills too and has a built in flash making it a pretty capable compact and excellent 16:9 video cam all in 1. Perfect for the holiday etc. It also can record in 5.1 surround and is IMO more future proof.

I have seen this cam for £430 and guess it will get cheaper soon.

HTH

Greg