video camcorder? which one? I need help

[Hakuna Makarla]

my daughter wants a small DVD rcamcorder to video everything under the sun, problem, we would have loved to have the kind that put it onto cd but..
some say you have to transfer to full dvds., from the mini dvds
we already have a video camera, the quality stinks and we have to put the video onto a vhs tape ( we do not know how to edit on the computer and burn it to a cd. and vhs sucks. I was thinking of her just videoing and we take it to walmart and having them put it on cds, but the cost wow!
please tell me what video camera to get her that will not cost me a fortune, small so she has no problem carrying it. and what your take is on the dvd camcorders and which one will work for us. some of the dvd camecorder reviews say they are not compatible with windows xp, yada yada. some good reviews some bad. do I need to just stick with a regular camcorder ? HELP!!!!!!!!!

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

I saw this one, what do you all think ? its for a 12 year old.

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Around the world, the name Canon means optical excellence, advanced image processing and superb performance. And Canon digital video camcorders are no exception. For budget-conscious consumers, the ZR family of cameras is a perfect balance between style, performance and affordability. ZR digital camcorders give you a variety of features, including widescreen HR recording, pre-programmed auto exposure settings, a Firewire/DV terminal and Canon's advanced image stabilization system.
Along with its stylish Blue Mist finish, the ZR500 boasts Canon's longest zoom ever. It also comes with features found on more expensive camcorders. An easy-to-read menu system makes it a breeze to operate. The joystick lets you easily operate playback, focus, exposure and menu options with a single controller. And a big 2.7-inch LCD lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording.
Widescreen HR recording
You want your memories to last forever -- that's why you've taken the time to capture them. And you want to shoot in widescreen format to get everything you can out of your new widescreen TV or home theater system.
So, why is the way you record widescreen images so important? Because you want an image made for widescreen, not adapted for widescreen. Because every HD television is widescreen -- widescreen is the future.
The story of how we do it may be a bit technical, but the result is clear to see. Canon camcorders use the entire width of the image sensor to capture video in true 16:9 format. What difference does this make? It's simple. With more pixels captured, you get better image quality. Some competitors' camcorders force the wider picture into a smaller space on the sensor -- giving you a less true image, with fewer pixels and lower quality. With a Canon camcorder, your videos of your travels will let you relive great memories.
In addition, the viewfinder on your ZR500 displays your widescreen image in a letterbox view. From side to side and top to bottom, what you see is what you get. You can also view your widescreen shot in the ZR500's large, 2.7-inch LCD screen. Either way, there isn't the guessing or extra work in looking at an image that's distorted like a fun house mirror.
To make it even easier, a widescreen button lets you switch from standard 4:3 to 16:9 widescreen HR at the touch of your finger. You can also use the widescreen feature with the camcorder's advanced image stabilization.
Every one of the camcorders in Canon's ZR series gives you Widescreen HR recording at a very affordable price. Why shouldn't your camcorder shoot as wide as your widescreen TV? It should -- and it's hard to match the widescreen video, or the value, you'll get from your Canon ZR.
Remember -- widescreen is the future. And Canon's Widescreen HR is true widescreen that's picture perfect.
Optical performance you can see
Because of genuine Canon optics, the name Canon is synonymous with unsurpassed optical performance. Brilliant optical quality is part of every Canon broadcast TV camera, 35mm film camera, and camcorder -- and the ZR500 is no exception. Thanks to the ZR500's powerful 25x optical zoom lens and 800x digital zoom, you get an incredible range of focal lengths. Whether you're at the back of the auditorium while your child's on stage, or you want a panoramic shot of the sun setting over the lake -- you always have the perfect lens.
Without AISWith AISAlong with outstanding optical performance, Canon's Advanced Image Stabilization is another feature that helps you shoot great, professional-looking video by correcting camcorder shake instantly.
Brilliant video
The ZR500 delivers stunningly vivid video thanks to Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing circuit. A variety of other features help you shoot video that will impress all your friends and family.
Smooth Zoom Control: Simply select from 3 pre-set zoom speeds and Smooth Zoom Control does the zooming for you -- giving you steady, professional-looking shots every time.
Level Shot Control: Tired of shots that aren't level or subjects that aren't centered? Simply turn on the ZR500's Level Shot Control -- and horizontal and center markers will appear in your viewfinder. With these markers, it's easy to level the horizon for perfect video footage of a breathtaking landscape, or keep your child in the center of the frame while they're on the soccer field.
Perfect exposures
Auto Exposure Mode: With the ZR500's AE Mode, you select from a variety of exposure or scene modes for the best results under difficult lighting conditions, including: EASY, P, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks. For example, the Sports setting automatically selects a faster shutter speed, ensuring sharp images of your child's hockey game; and Sand and Snow settings compensate when shooting a subject against a bright background.
Exposure lock: With a push of the ZR500's omni-selector, you can lock your exposure settings, then recompose your shot. For example, you can lock your exposure while zoomed in on your subject. Then, even if you zoom out and include a very bright or dark background, your ZR500 will still give your subject the right exposure. Also, by shifting the omni-selector left or right, you can adjust your exposure by up to +/-11 stops (+/-2.75 EV).
Use auto slow shutter for low lightAuto slow shutter function: Activate this function, and your ZR500 will shoot at a slower shutter speed for improved low light performance.
Share your video
Otherwise known as Firewire or iLink, the ZR500's IEEE 1394 DV terminal is a high-speed digital interface that ensures virtually no loss of video or audio quality when transferring videos to a computer. Simply use a DV cable to connect the camcorder to your computer's DV terminal and you can be sure that your favorite, recorded moments retain their pristine image and sound.
What's in the box
ZR500 camcorder, battery pack BP-2L5, stereo/video cable STV-250N

Product Description
Along with its stylish Blue Mist finish, the ZR500 boasts Canon's longest zoom ever. It also comes with features found on more expensive camcorders. An easy-to-read menu system makes it a breeze to operate. The joystick lets you easily operate playback, focus, exposure and menu options with a single controller. And a big 2.7" LCD lets you lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording.
You want your memories to last forever -- that's why you've taken the time to capture them. And you want to shoot in widescreen format to get everything you can out of your new widescreen TV or home theater system. So, why is the way you record widescreen images so important? Because you want an image made for widescreen, not adapted for widescreen. Because every HD television is widescreen -- widescreen is the future. The story of how it is done may be a bit technical, but the result is clear to see. Canon camcorders use the entire width of the image sensor to capture video in true 16:9 format. What difference does this make? It's simple. With more pixels captured, you get better image quality. Some competitors' camcorders force the wider picture into a smaller space on the sensor -- giving you a less true image, with fewer pixels and lower quality. With a Canon camcorder, your videos of your travels will let you relive great memories.
With the ZR500's AE Mode, you select from a variety of exposure or scene modes for the best results under difficult lighting conditions, including: EASY, P, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks. For example, the Sports setting automatically selects a faster shutter speed, ensuring sharp images of your child's hockey game; and Sand and Snow settings compensate when shooting a subject against a bright background. ZR500's IEEE 1394 DV Terminal is a high-speed digital interface that ensures virtually no loss of video or audio quality when transferring videos


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[BFJen]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

Karla I have a dvd handycam. I love it. You just put the dvd into the computer and transfer it to the computer. Then you can burn it to a dvd. I use dvd/rw dvd's so that I can just erase the disc and reuse it. But, I think the camera goes for about $500.00 - I don't know that I'd buy it for a 12 year old.

[sir clinksalot]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

Karla, my suggestion, shop online to find the best price. We got a Sony DCRHC21 last year. It's a Mini-DV, it has night vision and lots of other fun stuff. VERY easy to use.

When we go to parks and stuff I just put it in my fanny-pack when I'm not using it. It's small enough that it doesn't feel heavy or anything.

Here is the info from Sony's home-page. DO NOT buy it directly from Sony. You can find this camera online for less than $300. The only reason I gave you the Sony link is because they have easy to read info on the camera. I actually think I got mine at Circuit City for around $280, and that was a year ago.

If you are interested just do a Google search on the camera. Good luck. Let me know if you need more help.

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/ProductDetailDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=1001053

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

my question is, do I have to put the video onto my computer then onto a dvd? i do not want to take up any more memory and thought the dvd camcorder would do it all with out having to transfer.
so are you thinking this camera I posted about would not be good for the 12 year old?

oh and is this a mini dvd camcorder? I thought it used tapes?

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

Karla, my suggestion, shop online to find the best price. We got a Sony DCRHC21 last year. It's a Mini-DV, it has night vision and lots of other fun stuff. VERY easy to use.

When we go to parks and stuff I just put it in my fanny-pack when I'm not using it. It's small enough that it doesn't feel heavy or anything.

Here is the info from Sony's home-page. DO NOT buy it directly from Sony. You can find this camera online for less than $300. The only reason I gave you the Sony link is because they have easy to read info on the camera. I actually think I got mine at Circuit City for around $280, and that was a year ago.

If you are interested just do a Google search on the camera. Good luck. Let me know if you need more help.

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/ser...ductId=1001053

Oh man this is an awsome camera!!! I would love to get it at the price you did, how??? we do not have best buy, or circut city

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

Karla, my suggestion, shop online to find the best price. We got a Sony DCRHC21 last year. It's a Mini-DV, it has night vision and lots of other fun stuff. VERY easy to use.

When we go to parks and stuff I just put it in my fanny-pack when I'm not using it. It's small enough that it doesn't feel heavy or anything.

Here is the info from Sony's home-page. DO NOT buy it directly from Sony. You can find this camera online for less than $300. The only reason I gave you the Sony link is because they have easy to read info on the camera. I actually think I got mine at Circuit City for around $280, and that was a year ago.

If you are interested just do a Google search on the camera. Good luck. Let me know if you need more help.

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/ser...ductId=1001053

I went to amazon and the reviews were nto as I liked on this camera

[penguinsoda]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

Karla.... here are a couple of sites I use to get price comparisons online. Once you figure out exactly what camera you want to can use these to compare prices. The vendors are also rated so you can pick on that has a good selling record.

Best Buy and Circuit City both sell online. You will have to pay shipping, so keep that in mind when comparing prices. I've found a large difference in shipping and handling costs for the same things through different sites.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/

http://www.pricescan.com/home.asp?sid=G1101163

As for product reviews/reccomendations itself... I'm pretty much no help in THAT department...

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

thanks Penguin I like the one I posted above, but I am not sure if it takes small video cassets or small dvds

[sir clinksalot]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

Karla, is there a link to the camera you are looking at??? I don't see in that description if it is a DV (tape) cam or a DVD Camera.

Nevermind, I found the ZR500 ... it's a DVcam (Tape).

If you want a DVD camera you are going to pay more than $500.

Here is more info on the Canon: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...der-Review.htm

Regarding our Sony, I've known some other people who have had this same camera and it's VERY reliable. Plus Sony is pretty much the best ... at least IMO.

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

Karla, is there a link to the camera you are looking at??? I don't see in that description if it is a DV (tape) cam or a DVD Camera.

Nevermind, I found the ZR500 ... it's a DVcam (Tape).

If you want a DVD camera you are going to pay more than $500.

Here is more info on the Canon: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...der-Review.htm

Regarding our Sony, I've known some other people who have had this same camera and it's VERY reliable. Plus Sony is pretty much the best ... at least IMO.

I am re thinking your camera, it looks nice does it take the min tapes to? also how does one down load the video onto the computer and put it on dvd? Is this a hard thing to do?
I so want to get the right one thats easy for her to work with, and me since I am not computer literate . thanks so much

[sir clinksalot]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

^ All you need is a USB wire that comes with the camera and some kind of video editing software which is usually included with your computer anyway.

I believe the camera comes with software as well. You basically capture it onto your computer then you can transfer it onto a DVD.

Not sure if you have an external DVD recorder if you can just transfer it directly.

[Alan]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

This thread got me thinkng about one of those little camcorders and I founf a nice Hitaatchi for under 400.00. So, I am going to buy one. It has a 25X optical zoom and image stabikization. Nice camera, good price. Oh, and the Mini DVD fits in my MAC and any modern DVD player that accepts mini disks.

[Alan]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

Oh, I forgot to say that you can get this mini DVD for less than 400.00.

[Captain Video]

Re: video camcorder? which one? I need help

As far as transferring your video to DVD, Sony makes a device called "DVDirect". You just plug in any audio/video source, insert a blank DVD, hit go, and it spits out a finished DVD! No computer required. If you use a "Mini-DV" camera, it connects with firewire, the prefered interface for digital video, and the quality is AWESOME! Street price for the DVDirect starts at around $149 and like I said, you can use it for all video sources, so you can convert all of your old video tapes to DVD.