Mini DV Camcorder suggestions... links to bullet cam

[cheekymonkey]

Hi Guys,

I've been investigating a good set-up for in-car footage and from the Lotus boards i've been pointed at RFConcepts for their camera 3 package

Now i'm after a camcorder to link it to... my requirements are simply...

* Budget, under £500

* AV-in for bullet cam

* Optical zoom as high as possible as my other hobby is surfing and i want to film from shore i guess max. is about 32X at the moment?? Please advise!

* Can be used or new don't care

* Needs good battery life (as i only have one Cig lighter which will use for bullet)

* Mini DV format seems to still be easiest & cheapest



Any model numbers for me to research would be very handy, or if any of you guys retail this sort of stuff then feel free to mail me via my profile with some estimates and model numbers.

Looking forward to your advice

[pupp]

The Canon MVi range all seem to have AV in... I use an MV550i (bought new about 3 -4 years ago) which works a treat and should be well obtainable on ebay now etc. Are LANC controllable too which may be a bonus (it is on bikes which is what the set-up was acquired for).The RF bullet cams are good spec and price.

[thegreenhell]

I use a Sony DCR-HC40E which I got second-hand off Fleabay for under £200 and it works well with the bullet cam. As well as the A/V input it has a Lanc input to run a remote control button, which is really useful if you want to conceal the camcorder somewhere safe in the car where it's difficult to access the controls. You can also buy high capacity batteries for them at reasonable cost (www.mailorderbatteries.com).

A comprehensive list of bullet cam compatible camcorders can be found here www.dogcamsport.co.uk/avcamcorders.htm

HTH.

[cheekymonkey]

Thank's guys that gives me a start!

Hadn't thought about the remote control option for teh camcorder, very usefuly i'm sure as the idea is to 'hide' it away at times

[cheekymonkey]

what are anyone's thoguhts on this JVC model - i have only really pulled this one up due to the high optical zoom which i want for surfing filming.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000ETV4PW/202-3678330-8561402?v=glance&n=560798&s=electronics&v=glance

Thanks

[cheekymonkey]

Having read all about this cam i've read one place it has AV in/out but in their spec's PDF it looks like AV is only out?? Would this be right? It's described on page 55 here

[molydood]

I bought a Canon mv500 for £80 on ebay, very good condition, has LANC control and AV input.
what more do you need?

features I would upgrade for are image stabilisation and more optical zoom I guess.

[cheekymonkey]

Update here of what I ended up getting, it's a good set-up for anyone else wanting to film in car footage

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=284018&f=15&h=0

[mr noble]

My experience of using the cig lighter for the bullet cam, is not good.

Seems to not be a stable current and gives mucho interference. Although that was on 2 "older" cars.

Greg

[m12_nathan]

mr noble said:

My experience of using the cig lighter for the bullet cam, is not good.

Seems to not be a stable current and gives mucho interference. Although that was on 2 "older" cars.

Greg

Same when I tried on a Noble, mate has good results in an evo but with a perm feed rather than the lighter.

[cheekymonkey]

Ok, I'll see how i get one, didnt have time to hook it up last night as went out for curry and beer

Must get it sorted though!

Thanks

[joust]

m12_nathan said:

Same when I tried on a Noble, mate has good results in an evo but with a perm feed rather than the lighter.

You can solve that with something like this

www.drbob.net/project/powersupply/linear/12v1alvdfxd/default.html

J