Original Post:
Good morning! I searched the archives, but found older posts. I need some
recommendations for a digital video camera. I use the camera mainly to record
school programs, presentations, etc. Thanks!
Here are the responses I received:
I have two Sony Handycams; one of them, the oldest one, uses the mini DV tapes and
works great with my iMac. The other, which uses mini DVDs, is completely
incompatible with my iMac. So make sure you choose a camera that works with your
operating system! :) (I didn't purchase the incompatible one, btw; just didn't
want you to think I was stupid. : )
We also have a wonderful studio camera that's compatible, and EXTREMELY
sophisticated. It is portable, though; it's one of those with the handle on the
top. That might be a good investment, if funds are available. I'll get you the
name and model of mine if you're interested.
A FLIP video camera is great--super easy to use (just plugs in with the USB drive
and only 2 or 3 buttons), and is inexpensive (about $100). It only holds 60-90
minutes, but if you download each one afterwards, shouldn't be a problem.
I read that the "Flip Ultra" was wonderful but I do not have any personal
experience with it.
Check the left margin of this CNET page for categories like HD, budget, etc.
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-camcorders/
ConsumerSearch reviews reviews........... There are two
categories: SD and HD--both at the top.
Get out whatever recent Consumer Reports that reviewed
camcorders.
Our school just gave all teachers a flip digital camera. You might check that out.
If you can afford a digital camera that saves directly to a hard drive, go for it.
The mini-DV tapes will deteriorate quickly and leave little bits of "crud" on the
tape heads over time. The DVD cameras don't make good use of the DVDs - once you
commit even a 10-second program to a 45-minute DVD it won't let you put anything
else on it so much of its memory is wasted. The hard drive cameras have come a long
way, can be directly connected to your computer for download, and you never have to
worry about accidentally taping over a program you wanted to keep. Plus, you can
download the program onto your computer and then drag all of them onto a DVD at one
time thus filling it up.
The Canon VIXIA HG20 has gotten some really good reviews and so has the Sony
Handycam DCR SR200 (you can google these model names and find the reviews
yourself). You want a minimum of 60gb on the hard drive. Hope that helps.
I use a Panasonic PV-GS150. It has 3 ccds, so it gets pretty good picture quality.
It also has an accessory mount on top, which is nice in case you need to use a
shotgun mic. The tape door is on top, so you can load tape even if the camera is
mounted to a tripod. It has ports for both USB and firewire cables. I've never
regretted buying it.
I bought some Sony cameras for school several years ago. We were
impressed with them, and several teachers bought similar ones for
themselves. My wife and I did, too. Last year on vacation she managed to
spill something into the camera, and ruined the battery operation. A
couple of weeks ago Wal-Mart was selling off their display models, and
we got the new version for half price. I don't remember the model number
of ours, but the original price was about $400.
Jessalynn McCoin, MLIS
Library Media Specialist
Collins Elementary
Bristow Public Schools
Bristow, OK
jmccoin@bristow.k12.ok.us
Currently Reading: Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson (39 Clues, Bk3)
Currently Listening to: The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
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