Camcorders - Emergency Birthday Question...
Discussion
I'm after a (possibly digital) camcorder for Mrs Dibble's birthday present (less than 2 weeks away... I know, I know), and would like some (not too technical) buying advice.
I'd like something that's reasonably small, with good battery life, and a built in LCD touch screen. I don't want something that's got a million features she'll (we'll) never use, but don't want a "bottom end" model. Ease of use is the key.
I'd like something that I can connect to the home PC to save onto DVD. I'm not bothered about stills capability, as we already have a digital still camera.
Budget is £3-400 (could stretch to £450-500 at a push).
I've always been impressed with Sony stuff, so does anyone have any suggestions on (a) a camera, and (b) a reputable supplier (are Amazon.co.uk any good?)? I'll consider any make or model PHers can recommend.
I'd like something that's reasonably small, with good battery life, and a built in LCD touch screen. I don't want something that's got a million features she'll (we'll) never use, but don't want a "bottom end" model. Ease of use is the key.
I'd like something that I can connect to the home PC to save onto DVD. I'm not bothered about stills capability, as we already have a digital still camera.
Budget is £3-400 (could stretch to £450-500 at a push).
I've always been impressed with Sony stuff, so does anyone have any suggestions on (a) a camera, and (b) a reputable supplier (are Amazon.co.uk any good?)? I'll consider any make or model PHers can recommend.
Can't help you with the product, but I'd certainly recommend Amazon as a good supplier. When a bit broke off my digital compact after 11.5 months, they gave me a full refund without question, and even sent me an e-mail to say it had been credited to my account. They even added the postage it had cost me to return the camera. Can't say better than that.
1. You will probably want Mini-DV as the DVD recordable ones are insufferable to edit footage with.
2. The Sony DCR-HC85 probably fits your specifications:
3. Having said that, however, Panasonic make a nice 3-CCD camcorder for the same price, the GS200:
The good thing about 3 CCD is that you get 1 CCD to each of the main colours (red, green, blue) and the colour and picture is normally sharper. The GS200 is a lot like the GS400 but with less manual control.
Just my 0.02...
ErnestM
>> Edited by ErnestM on Monday 25th October 18:26
2. The Sony DCR-HC85 probably fits your specifications:
3. Having said that, however, Panasonic make a nice 3-CCD camcorder for the same price, the GS200:
The good thing about 3 CCD is that you get 1 CCD to each of the main colours (red, green, blue) and the colour and picture is normally sharper. The GS200 is a lot like the GS400 but with less manual control.
Just my 0.02...
ErnestM
>> Edited by ErnestM on Monday 25th October 18:26
Thanks ErnestM
The SOny Vaio came with "Click To DVD", and the camcorder came with a rubbish software CD (which I knew I'd get having read reviews on camcorder itself).
The Sony retail for the camcorder was £690.00, I got it from Amazon for £470, plus a starter kit (case, extra battery, tape) worth £50 for free, so not a bad deal, really.
I'll have a scope at the software you suggest.
The SOny Vaio came with "Click To DVD", and the camcorder came with a rubbish software CD (which I knew I'd get having read reviews on camcorder itself).
The Sony retail for the camcorder was £690.00, I got it from Amazon for £470, plus a starter kit (case, extra battery, tape) worth £50 for free, so not a bad deal, really.
I'll have a scope at the software you suggest.
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