Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (
More info?)
Hi John,
Thank you so much for that information. It is very much appreciated. I
really feel now that I have something solid to go on.
From what I see my best option is to get a camcorder with mini-dv format,
image stabiliser, optical zoom and good manual focus if possible. Whats the
difference between digital editing and picture editing?
I see some camcorders have features for you to connect to and edit on your
computer. In the Sony range I see one that is over 400euro more just for
having an mpeg feature. I wouldn't need any of that. Is it such features
that make some camcorders far more expensive than others. What would be the
general reason for the wide range of pricing?
Thank you.
"John Miller" <me@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:10fikjd64lgeu65@corp.supernews.com...
> Hi,
>
> Firstly - format: miniDV. It's in a completed different league than the
> older consumer formats. You can easily record from the camcorder to a
> separate VHS VCR. Of course, that will result in a lower quality but it
> will still be a lot better than if you started with Hi8 etc.
Unfortunately,
> the EU imposed significant tariffs on "video recorders" and so 99.9% of
> camcorders sold in the EU cannot record back to themselves from another
> source (e.g., a computer for editing). If you just intend to use a VHS
deck
> to edit on to, that'll not be an issue. But if you ever want to add
> subtitles, music, fade in and out etc, then you'll want to be able to keep
> the quality as high as possible and (thanks to Brussels and the tariffs)
you
> can't do the simple, cheap thing that the rest of the world can (digital
in
> and out with the camcorder) but will need an analogue video output from a
> computer or buy a "widget" that re-enables the record capability of the
> camcorder. Just a heads-up for the future.
>
> For wildlife, you'll almost certainly want a decent zoom (don't fall for
the
> hype of "digital zoom" - since this is just an electronic magnification -
> i.e., horrible - rather than due to the lens ("optical zoom") ) and (for
> close-up stuff - e.g., insects on flowers etc) a decent macro. If you
> choose carefully, you can get a camcorder with a threaded ring on the lens
> so that you could attach additional lenses although the choice will be
> somewhat limited. You should also consider either image stabilisation or
a
> tripod (the latter would be much better though a combination of both would
> help on a windy day - lots of those in Ireland! - when using zoom).
>
> On final feature that tends to be hard to find these days is some means of
> overriding autofocus - either a true manual focus or just a means to turn
it
> off. At night, for example, the camcorder might struggle to work out what
> it should be focussed on and will "hunt" - you'll get momentary glitches
of
> out-of-focus footage. Most annoying!
>
> I'm afraid I can't help you with model selection other than to say I've
> always had good luck with Sony.
>
> John.
>
> "1971" <nospam@nonono.nospam> wrote in message
> news:lebKc.4804$Z14.6093@news.indigo.ie...
> > Hi John,
> > thanks for replying.
> >
> > I live in Ireland, (Pal format).
> >
> > I just want to record for private home use... general functions e.g.
> > parties, weddings etc... However, I want to record wildlife too (thats
why
> > I'd prefer the night shot feature on a camcorder)
> >
> > I'm gonna have to be a cheapy and spend no more than 600 euro/close to
> $650.
> >
> > Is mini-dv one of the better formarts to record on? and can you copy
these
> > recordings from your camcorder to regular VHS through your VCR?
> >
> > Thank you.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "John Miller" <me@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> > news:10fi9qgth2hufb6@corp.supernews.com...
> > > What country do you live in? (That determines the models/TV system
> > > available)
> > >
> > > What kind of stuff do you want to record? This will have a bearing on
> > which
> > > model.
> > >
> > > How much are you willing to spend?
> > >
> > > John.
> > >
> > > "1971" <nospam@nonono.nospam> wrote in message
> > > news:ui9Kc.4795$Z14.6170@news.indigo.ie...
> > > > Does anybody have any advice on what would be the best home video
> > camera.
> > > I
> > > > am buying for the first time and since there is such a massive
choice,
> I
> > > > don't know where to start. However, I do know the things I'd like
such
> > as:
> > > > - The best clarity,
> > > > - The best zoom,
> > > > - Digital editing / picture editing
> > > > - LCD screen
> > > > - Night vision
> > > > - long battery life.
> > > >
> > > > How do digital cameras record?. I assume VHS is out of date now.
Plus
> > what
> > > > length are the tapes they use now?. Are they built in or can you
take
> > them
> > > > out and how can view what you have recorded on a TV?.
> > > >
> > > > You see, I know very little about them but I really need one because
I
> > > used
> > > > to always love using other peoples cameras.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
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