Camcorder Advise

[Vidgal]

I've searched the forum, but all the advise/opinions seem to be old.

Have a possible (first) gig next month and need to go digital in order to be in same format as rest of the team. Hence the quandary -- which affordable camcorder?

I've narrowed it down to: (1) Samsung SCD60 - seems very affordable, but quality? (2) Panasonic PV-DV400 - has quality reputation, but is now "old" model and costs about $150-200 more than Samsung or (3) Sharp VL-WD450U - has everything I won't, but have fears about Sharp compatability and is only available in one store I've found, so cost is highest of all (around $800).

Any experiences with any of these cams? Can't wait for "next" generations and more expensive units just aren't justified. Have to get up to speed with the thing before mid-May.

[Dr Mordrid]

We have a Panasonic DV200, which is very similar to the DV400 cam. Works great on all my systems including the RT-2000. The DV400 has many extra features including IR nightvision, IR filters etc.

One thing you might want to check: Panasonic has had a $100 rebate offer on their DV cams going. Check to see if it's still on.

Dr. Mordrid


[This message has been edited by Dr Mordrid (edited 04 April 2001).]

[Vidgal]

Thanks, Doc. I thought Panasonic would be the winner. From what I can tell, the $100 rebate has been extended to 6/31. Only good, of course, on new items.

Do you know if the new line (401 etc.) adds anything essential?

[Dr Mordrid]

Haven't had time to check 'em out given my beta schedule. As it is my wife thinks I'm turning vampire on her

Dr. Mordrid

[stevenscott]

I bought a brand new JVC GR DVF 31 a year ago new, and also have a Matrox Marvel G400, I run Win98. I have been very happy with this JVC Mini DV Camcorder. Add good software to your PC, and you will be very happy too. You can look it up on their website. I found mine at a store on Ebay and paid about $700. No tax needed to be paid either. I picked up a real nice carry bag at Walmart for $25, and a real nice Tripod for $25 on Ebay. I pick up a buttload of Mini DV tapes for a few bucks on Ebay. The quality is excellent, and has a buttload of options. It has some install software for video and still frame capture, and even on camera editing. The camera can also plug into your com port to their software, which works pretty good, but adding it to the Marvel G400 just makes it a real joy to use.
I live in San Diego, but my wife has even taken it to South America, made some movies there.

http://members.nbci.com/skialps/index.html


[This message has been edited by stevenscott (edited 05 April 2001).]

[This message has been edited by stevenscott (edited 05 April 2001).]

[Vidgal]

Steven, re the JVC's. I originally looked at the lower priced units due to cost. From what I am able to determine, none of the affordable JVC units have an external MIC jack? Is this true or is it simply hard to find without a manual?

[Dr Mordrid]

Panasonic DV200 and up have external mic jacks along with manual focus, limited manual white balance (sun & tungsten) and other nicities.

Dr. Mordrid

[stevenscott]

Hi,
I can only say that as far as I know, there is no feature for plugging in a MIC. There are lots of features, and if I named them off it would be a very long list. I forgot to say I did buy 2 more batteries. Youhave to shop around to find the best deals. It has remote control too. The sound is really good and has many choices for editing, and stereo of course. A plug in mic could be very nice indeed, a directional mic would be the ticket. But, maybe another brand can give you that. Someone recoomend a Cannon model to me a year back, but it was way out of my price range.
good luck. I did put some short videos on my website (link above), in case anyone looked. They only featured some short clips I made, but I did not film the video camera, like in a mirror or something.

[Greebe]

Doc, I hope to get one of those "betas"

[Dr Mordrid]

Oh yeah? Which one? ;-)

Dr. Mordrid