Quest for a Digital Camcorder - I need help

[Dr. Indera]

hello,

i have started my search for a digital camcorder with picture taking
abilities.

i came across some models that have 3CCD.
i read reviews of this, but really didn't understand anything other than
3CCD is better than 1 because each ccd is for a different color which makes
the color more realistic and accurate.
what did i miss?

the majority of the models i looked at only had 1CCD.
does the CCD size matter?

i know that i need a model that supports an external video light.

i've come to the conclusion that lines of resolution is important and that
you need a minimum of 500.
the problem i'm having is that the specs don't seem to list this feature.

digital zoom vs optical zoom - i read a few articles on this feature.
this is what i understand - digital zoom enlarges part of the image to fill
the screen, but leads to grainy video/pictures.
optical zoom is better. i don't know though, what optical zoom does. can
someone tell me?

i would like to be able to take pictures that can be printed in 8x10.

i went the store today to see the models below, but realized that i needed
more information first, which is the reason for this email - i want to get
advise from people that actually own a camcorder.

canon elura 65 or 70
sony hc40
panasonic pv-gs200 - expensive

what do you think of these models?

the sales people said that sony is better than either of these brands, but
the reviews of sony models that i've read, aren't so good.
before reading the reviews, i was learning towards a sony because they make
the cameras that the news cameramen use - don't ask <smile>

i held one or two models, sony i think, that saved the movies to a dvd. for
me, they were somewhat awkward to hold.
it could be because i have the hands of the average 12 year old.

which brands and/or models should i stay clear of?

which 3 are the best in the $500-650 range?

what are the top 5 features that i "need" to have?


my concerns are:

- night time video - i have a digital camera that does video and the video i
take at night or even indoors is terrible.
apparently, i am really a night person as 90% of the video that i've taken
is at night or outside at night.

- relatively easy to use. i have a phd, but don't want to use it to take
video - LOL

- battery life. i'd like the battery to last as long as the tape does.

i know this email is long and i'm sorry, but i wanted to explain the little
that i know about what is apparently going to be an expensive purchase.
<smile>

thank you.

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

No digital camcorder will take still images of a sufficent quality for you
to really appreciate them. If you want nice still images, get a digital
camera. If you want digital video, get a digital camcorder. Sorry, but if
you want good images, it's a separate camera for you.

 

[Dr. Indera]

hi cari,


this purchase is for a digital camcorder, sorry for the confusion.
i've read mixed reviews on whether or not camcorders take good pictures. if
it does, that's great, if it doesn't, that's fine also.

any help you could give on selecting a digital camcorder would be greatly
appreciated.

thank you.
--
Indera
* * * * * * * * * *
Don't just live life.
Live life well.


: No digital camcorder will take still images of a sufficent quality for you
: to really appreciate them. If you want nice still images, get a digital
: camera. If you want digital video, get a digital camcorder. Sorry, but
if
: you want good images, it's a separate camera for you.
: --
: Cari (MS-MVP Printing, Imaging & Hardware)
: www.coribright.com
:
: : > hello,
: >
: > i have started my search for a digital camcorder with picture taking
: > abilities.
: >
: > i came across some models that have 3CCD.
: > i read reviews of this, but really didn't understand anything other than
: > 3CCD is better than 1 because each ccd is for a different color which
: > makes
: > the color more realistic and accurate.
: > what did i miss?
: >
: > the majority of the models i looked at only had 1CCD.
: > does the CCD size matter?
: >
: > i know that i need a model that supports an external video light.
: >
: > i've come to the conclusion that lines of resolution is important and
that
: > you need a minimum of 500.
: > the problem i'm having is that the specs don't seem to list this
feature.
: >
: > digital zoom vs optical zoom - i read a few articles on this feature.
: > this is what i understand - digital zoom enlarges part of the image to
: > fill
: > the screen, but leads to grainy video/pictures.
: > optical zoom is better. i don't know though, what optical zoom does. can
: > someone tell me?
: >
: > i would like to be able to take pictures that can be printed in 8x10.
: >
: > i went the store today to see the models below, but realized that i
needed
: > more information first, which is the reason for this email - i want to
get
: > advise from people that actually own a camcorder.
: >
: > canon elura 65 or 70
: > sony hc40
: > panasonic pv-gs200 - expensive
: >
: > what do you think of these models?
: >
: > the sales people said that sony is better than either of these brands,
but
: > the reviews of sony models that i've read, aren't so good.
: > before reading the reviews, i was learning towards a sony because they
: > make
: > the cameras that the news cameramen use - don't ask <smile>
: >
: > i held one or two models, sony i think, that saved the movies to a dvd.
: > for
: > me, they were somewhat awkward to hold.
: > it could be because i have the hands of the average 12 year old.
: >
: > which brands and/or models should i stay clear of?
: >
: > which 3 are the best in the $500-650 range?
: >
: > what are the top 5 features that i "need" to have?
: >
: >
: > my concerns are:
: >
: > - night time video - i have a digital camera that does video and the
video
: > i
: > take at night or even indoors is terrible.
: > apparently, i am really a night person as 90% of the video that i've
taken
: > is at night or outside at night.
: >
: > - relatively easy to use. i have a phd, but don't want to use it to take
: > video - LOL
: >
: > - battery life. i'd like the battery to last as long as the tape does.
: >
: > i know this email is long and i'm sorry, but i wanted to explain the
: > little
: > that i know about what is apparently going to be an expensive purchase.
: > <smile>
: >
: > thank you.
: > --
: > Indera
: > * * * * * * * * * *
: > Don't just live life.
: > Live life well.
: >
: >
: >
: >
:
:
:

 

[Cari \(MS MVP\)]

Unfortunately I don't see any.
http://www.roxio.com/en/products/ecdc/index.jhtml

 

[Dr. Indera]

hi cari,

i don't understand your response.
at the bottom of this email are questions i have about selecting a
camcorder.
some of the features i don't understand and i want to know what they mean
and what the minimum specs are that i should look for.

--
Indera
* * * * * * * * * *
Don't just live life.
Live life well.


: Unfortunately I don't see any.
: http://www.roxio.com/en/products/ecdc/index.jhtml
: --
: Cari (MS-MVP Windows Client - Printing, Imaging & Hardware)
: www.coribright.com
:
: : > hi cari,
: >
: >
: > this purchase is for a digital camcorder, sorry for the confusion.
: > i've read mixed reviews on whether or not camcorders take good pictures.
: > if
: > it does, that's great, if it doesn't, that's fine also.
: >
: > any help you could give on selecting a digital camcorder would be
greatly
: > appreciated.
: >
: > thank you.
: > --
: > Indera
: > * * * * * * * * * *
: > Don't just live life.
: > Live life well.
: >
: >
: > : > : No digital camcorder will take still images of a sufficent quality for
: > you
: > : to really appreciate them. If you want nice still images, get a
digital
: > : camera. If you want digital video, get a digital camcorder. Sorry,
but
: > if
: > : you want good images, it's a separate camera for you.
: > : --
: > : Cari (MS-MVP Printing, Imaging & Hardware)
: > : www.coribright.com
: > :
: > : : > : > hello,
: > : >
: > : > i have started my search for a digital camcorder with picture taking
: > : > abilities.
: > : >
: > : > i came across some models that have 3CCD.
: > : > i read reviews of this, but really didn't understand anything other
: > than
: > : > 3CCD is better than 1 because each ccd is for a different color
which
: > : > makes
: > : > the color more realistic and accurate.
: > : > what did i miss?
: > : >
: > : > the majority of the models i looked at only had 1CCD.
: > : > does the CCD size matter?
: > : >
: > : > i know that i need a model that supports an external video light.
: > : >
: > : > i've come to the conclusion that lines of resolution is important
and
: > that
: > : > you need a minimum of 500.
: > : > the problem i'm having is that the specs don't seem to list this
: > feature.
: > : >
: > : > digital zoom vs optical zoom - i read a few articles on this
feature.
: > : > this is what i understand - digital zoom enlarges part of the image
to
: > : > fill
: > : > the screen, but leads to grainy video/pictures.
: > : > optical zoom is better. i don't know though, what optical zoom does.
: > can
: > : > someone tell me?
: > : >
: > : > i would like to be able to take pictures that can be printed in
8x10.
: > : >
: > : > i went the store today to see the models below, but realized that i
: > needed
: > : > more information first, which is the reason for this email - i want
to
: > get
: > : > advise from people that actually own a camcorder.
: > : >
: > : > canon elura 65 or 70
: > : > sony hc40
: > : > panasonic pv-gs200 - expensive
: > : >
: > : > what do you think of these models?
: > : >
: > : > the sales people said that sony is better than either of these
brands,
: > but
: > : > the reviews of sony models that i've read, aren't so good.
: > : > before reading the reviews, i was learning towards a sony because
: > they
: > : > make
: > : > the cameras that the news cameramen use - don't ask <smile>
: > : >
: > : > i held one or two models, sony i think, that saved the movies to a
: > dvd.
: > : > for
: > : > me, they were somewhat awkward to hold.
: > : > it could be because i have the hands of the average 12 year old.
: > : >
: > : > which brands and/or models should i stay clear of?
: > : >
: > : > which 3 are the best in the $500-650 range?
: > : >
: > : > what are the top 5 features that i "need" to have?
: > : >
: > : >
: > : > my concerns are:
: > : >
: > : > - night time video - i have a digital camera that does video and the
: > video
: > : > i
: > : > take at night or even indoors is terrible.
: > : > apparently, i am really a night person as 90% of the video that i've
: > taken
: > : > is at night or outside at night.
: > : >
: > : > - relatively easy to use. i have a phd, but don't want to use it to
: > take
: > : > video - LOL
: > : >
: > : > - battery life. i'd like the battery to last as long as the tape
does.
: > : >
: > : > i know this email is long and i'm sorry, but i wanted to explain the
: > : > little
: > : > that i know about what is apparently going to be an expensive
: > purchase.
: > : > <smile>
: > : >
: > : > thank you.
: > : > --
: > : > Indera
: > : > * * * * * * * * * *
: > : > Don't just live life.
: > : > Live life well.
: > : >
: > : >
: > : >
: > : >
: > :
: > :
: > :
: >
: >
: >
:
:
:

 

[Graham Hughes]

Answers in line.

--
Graham Hughes
MVP Digital Media
www.dvds2treasure.com
www.simplydv.com

hello,

i have started my search for a digital camcorder with picture taking
abilities.

i came across some models that have 3CCD.
i read reviews of this, but really didn't understand anything other than
3CCD is better than 1 because each ccd is for a different color which makes
the color more realistic and accurate.
what did i miss?

Nothing really, unless you dig deeper.

the majority of the models i looked at only had 1CCD.
does the CCD size matter?

Yes. Larger ccd allows more light to be collected meaning better image and
better low light performance. 3 large ccd's = even better, which is why
professional camcorders have 3 x 1/2" ccd's.

i know that i need a model that supports an external video light.

They should all do. A Hot shoe means the cam can supply power a cold shoe
means light needs external power.

i've come to the conclusion that lines of resolution is important and that
you need a minimum of 500.
the problem i'm having is that the specs don't seem to list this feature.

The lines of resolution are exceeded by virtually all cams, a better ccd is
more important.

digital zoom vs optical zoom - i read a few articles on this feature.
this is what i understand - digital zoom enlarges part of the image to fill
the screen, but leads to grainy video/pictures.
optical zoom is better. i don't know though, what optical zoom does. can
someone tell me?

Forget digital zoom, for reasons you mention. Optical zoom uses optics (the
lens) to enlarge the picture, resulting in same quality picture throughout
the zoom.

i would like to be able to take pictures that can be printed in 8x10.

As Cari says a good camcorder is a good camcorder, a good stills camera is a
good stills camera. Neither do both well. I doubt a good hi pixel camcorder
will produce pictures good enough for 8x10, 6x4 will be ok, but then it
depends on what you class as quality. I wouldn't buy a cam for it's stills
picture quality.

i went the store today to see the models below, but realized that i needed
more information first, which is the reason for this email - i want to get
advise from people that actually own a camcorder.

canon elura 65 or 70
sony hc40
panasonic pv-gs200 - expensive

what do you think of these models?

All good, the gs200 would be my choice out of those 3.

the sales people said that sony is better than either of these brands, but
the reviews of sony models that i've read, aren't so good.
before reading the reviews, i was learning towards a sony because they make
the cameras that the news cameramen use - don't ask <smile>

Sony make good equipment yes, but I'd still pick the panny.

i held one or two models, sony i think, that saved the movies to a dvd. for
me, they were somewhat awkward to hold.
it could be because i have the hands of the average 12 year old.

DVD recorders are hard to edit, don't bother with them unless you want to
record with the cam and then watch it with no editing. Don't come back
asking for help from me if you buy one

which brands and/or models should i stay clear of?

which 3 are the best in the $500-650 range?

what are the top 5 features that i "need" to have?

DV-in
microphone input.
av-in
feels nice in your hands.
headphone socket/or top loader cassette if you use tripod a lot.

my concerns are:

- night time video - i have a digital camera that does video and the video i
take at night or even indoors is terrible.
apparently, i am really a night person as 90% of the video that i've taken
is at night or outside at night.

Use a good light, you will not succeed if you pay $6,000 for a cam.

- relatively easy to use. i have a phd, but don't want to use it to take
video - LOL

- battery life. i'd like the battery to last as long as the tape does.

The more you zoom and use the lcd the less time the battery will last. Buy a
spare battery, perhaps of a larger capacity.

i know this email is long and i'm sorry, but i wanted to explain the little
that i know about what is apparently going to be an expensive purchase.
<smile>

That's ok,

Graham

 

[Dr. Indera]

hi graham,

thank you so much for your reply. i really appreciate it.
i've been doing more homework on this purchase and have ruled out the elura
line and the sony.
it's now between the canon optura 40 and the panasonic gs200.
i'm learning more towards the optura because all of the reviews i read said
that the picture on the gs200 wasn't realistic and that overall, the optura
has more features and does the 3 color separation just like 3 ccd camera's
do.

the optura does have a hot shoe, so i can purchase a video light that
doesn't need it's own power.

yes, everything i read said that digital zoom wasn't important.
i've also given up on the notion that a camcorder will take great enough
pixs to print 8 x 10. <smile>

the canon has the 5 features that you listed - so i feel good
<DV-in, microphone input, av-in, feels nice in your hands, headphone
socket/or top loader cassette if you use tripod a lot>

based on what i've read about batteries, i'm better getting the same size
battery that comes with the camera because the ones that last longer are
also heavier.
that is not something that interests me <smile>

now, the search is on for a good price.

again, i really appreciate your input.
thank you.

--
Indera
* * * * * * * * * *
Don't just live life.
Live life well.


: Answers in line.
:
: --
: Graham Hughes
: MVP Digital Media
: www.dvds2treasure.com
: www.simplydv.com
: : > hello,
: >
: > i have started my search for a digital camcorder with picture taking
: > abilities.
: >
: > i came across some models that have 3CCD.
: > i read reviews of this, but really didn't understand anything other than
: > 3CCD is better than 1 because each ccd is for a different color which
: makes
: > the color more realistic and accurate.
: > what did i miss?
:
: Nothing really, unless you dig deeper.
: >
: > the majority of the models i looked at only had 1CCD.
: > does the CCD size matter?
:
: Yes. Larger ccd allows more light to be collected meaning better image and
: better low light performance. 3 large ccd's = even better, which is why
: professional camcorders have 3 x 1/2" ccd's.
: >
: > i know that i need a model that supports an external video light.
:
: They should all do. A Hot shoe means the cam can supply power a cold shoe
: means light needs external power.
: >
: > i've come to the conclusion that lines of resolution is important and
that
: > you need a minimum of 500.
: > the problem i'm having is that the specs don't seem to list this
feature.
:
: The lines of resolution are exceeded by virtually all cams, a better ccd
is
: more important.
: >
: > digital zoom vs optical zoom - i read a few articles on this feature.
: > this is what i understand - digital zoom enlarges part of the image to
: fill
: > the screen, but leads to grainy video/pictures.
: > optical zoom is better. i don't know though, what optical zoom does. can
: > someone tell me?
:
: Forget digital zoom, for reasons you mention. Optical zoom uses optics
(the
: lens) to enlarge the picture, resulting in same quality picture throughout
: the zoom.
: >
: > i would like to be able to take pictures that can be printed in 8x10.
:
: As Cari says a good camcorder is a good camcorder, a good stills camera is
a
: good stills camera. Neither do both well. I doubt a good hi pixel
camcorder
: will produce pictures good enough for 8x10, 6x4 will be ok, but then it
: depends on what you class as quality. I wouldn't buy a cam for it's stills
: picture quality.
: >
: > i went the store today to see the models below, but realized that i
needed
: > more information first, which is the reason for this email - i want to
get
: > advise from people that actually own a camcorder.
: >
: > canon elura 65 or 70
: > sony hc40
: > panasonic pv-gs200 - expensive
: >
: > what do you think of these models?
:
: All good, the gs200 would be my choice out of those 3.
: >
: > the sales people said that sony is better than either of these brands,
but
: > the reviews of sony models that i've read, aren't so good.
: > before reading the reviews, i was learning towards a sony because they
: make
: > the cameras that the news cameramen use - don't ask <smile>
:
: Sony make good equipment yes, but I'd still pick the panny.
: >
: > i held one or two models, sony i think, that saved the movies to a dvd.
: for
: > me, they were somewhat awkward to hold.
: > it could be because i have the hands of the average 12 year old.
:
: DVD recorders are hard to edit, don't bother with them unless you want to
: record with the cam and then watch it with no editing. Don't come back
: asking for help from me if you buy one
: >
: > which brands and/or models should i stay clear of?
: >
: > which 3 are the best in the $500-650 range?
: >
: > what are the top 5 features that i "need" to have?
:
: DV-in
: microphone input.
: av-in
: feels nice in your hands.
: headphone socket/or top loader cassette if you use tripod a lot.
:
: >
: >
: > my concerns are:
: >
: > - night time video - i have a digital camera that does video and the
video
: i
: > take at night or even indoors is terrible.
: > apparently, i am really a night person as 90% of the video that i've
taken
: > is at night or outside at night.
:
: Use a good light, you will not succeed if you pay $6,000 for a cam.
:
: >
: > - relatively easy to use. i have a phd, but don't want to use it to take
: > video - LOL
: >
: > - battery life. i'd like the battery to last as long as the tape does.
:
: The more you zoom and use the lcd the less time the battery will last. Buy
a
: spare battery, perhaps of a larger capacity.
: >
: > i know this email is long and i'm sorry, but i wanted to explain the
: little
: > that i know about what is apparently going to be an expensive purchase.
: > <smile>
: >
: That's ok,
:
: Graham
:
: > thank you.
: > --
: > Indera
: > * * * * * * * * * *
: > Don't just live life.
: > Live life well.
: >
: >
: >
:
: