CAMCORDER HELP!!

OK so this isn't TOTALLY stunt related, but I have an old VHS-C camcorder and it worked ok but we really want to get a new one now that we know baby #2 is on the way. It is also a good way for me to get one for flying !!

I have been looking on the internet and investigating and there are SO many things out there now any one have any ideas on a good one.

I don't know if I really care if it is Hi8 or the newer stuff.

THANKS FOR ANY HELP!!
Aaron

Definitely go with digital, either mini-DV or one of the Sony cameras that cuts DVDs directly. Minimum of 1 megapixle detector, optical zoom and image stabilization. Probable cost minimum $500. Otherwise stay with what you have.

With a first grandkid on the way, I just did the research!

bhphotovideo.com is a great source for stuff. Very fast, well stocked and honest. Also, if you are in Manhattan sometime, it is a photo store a full block long! Professional level everything in photo, video, edtiting, darkroom, etc. I have spent more money there than I would ever admit to the little woman, and been well satisfied.

Always tell the wife you want to photograph the kid. But then, once you get it, you can suddenly "discover" how it might also help you if you could shoot some of your patterns so you can view the flaws later.

LAST EDITED ON May-10-04 AT 01:10 PM (CDT)
 
Digital format is the way to go. The cheapest is digital format on tape. There are basically 2 format Digital 8 and MiniDV. Mini DV is the most compact. The only reason the stay with Digital 8, is that the tapes is backward compatible with all of previous 8mm tape formats (Video 8, Hi-8 and Digital 8). For example, if you have older Video 8 tape you can still play them back on the newer Digital 8 Camcorder or easily transfer them to your computer, CD or DVD.

If you don't have 8mm tapes, then Mini DV is the way to go. The newer DVD burning CAMs is still new technology and there is a delay between the pause and the record function. Battery life is not as good, so I would wait a few more year on the DVD Cams.

There is a lot of software on the market that will take the cam video and convert them to DVD.
The videos clips on my web site were created just using the standard software that comes with Windows XP.