Buying a Camcorder

I have a sony handycam with 30 gig hard drive. its AWESOME!!!! Super easy to use and the software was easy to install. It is a little expensive (over $500)but well worth it. I don't run out of room or need to change mini dvd disks (which by the way scratch easily and where do you store them when you're at an event?) It also takes still shots but without a flash :( but it also has nightshot so you can film in a dim room (like at weddings) or out by the fire. Just be sure to buy a spare battery or two!

It can definately be overwhelming searching for a camcorder. That's how I felt last year when my husband and I were looking for one. We went to Best Buy and asked them questions about the different brands to get more information. I had a Sony digital camera and was leaning towards them for the camcorder. After talking with the guy, we did decide in favor of the Sony Handycam. I love it. It is easy to use and it saves right to the hard drive and it connects easily to a computer to burn to a disk or save on the computer. I use mine all the time to video my daughter and I love it! They are a bit pricey but I feel they are worth the money. Good luck finding one!
C.

We love our Canon Sureshot!

We had a Panasonic video recorder that recorded to tape, but the process of downloading them to my machine is really a hassle (I had to buy all the firewire stuff and special software). The Canon (little tiny camera) does GREAT video and that's how we've done it ever since. It just automatically downloads stills and video to my camera and I can burn DVDs from there. (I personally had to buy a separate DVD burner with Nero software because my Gateway's DVD burner died.)

Also - I don't know if anyone else does this, but about once or twice a year, I burn all new photos and video to a DVD or two (make copies for the grandparents) and then put them in our safe deposit box.

I found the website www.digitalcamera-hq.com very helpful when selecting our camcorder. The problem with using a camcorder to take still photos is that the quality is no where near as good as a digital camera, so keep that in mind. You may wish to use a digital camera as well, particularly if you want to enlarge any photos you take.

I have a flip video camera--a little bigger than a cell phone but can take up to 1 hour of video (www.theflip.com) and I love it to pieces. I comes with a USB port so you can connect directly to your computer to easily upload the clips, and you can also e-mail the clips to family and friends (it sends them a link where they can access the video--very easy and doesn't take up a lot of Inbox space).

For me my digital camera takes video as well. Only in 2-3 minute intervals but, that is all you need really. I never thought that 2-3 minutes would be enough until I used my digital. Half the time we don't even use the whole 3 minutes and we captured everything we wanted. Now that I know this I would never buy a camcorder because it would be a waste of money for me.
Jen...

We have the Canon HG10. It was expensive but it really easy to use and you can take still shots. It comes with a flash. My husband did a lot of research and found this one to be the best one. It uses a hard drive and it is easy to download the videos onto your computer. You can also just attach it to the tv and watch your videos. No need for a mini dvds. We love it. It is pretty compact.

if you go to best buy and explain to them what you want they will help you perfect your choice! good luck!

Hi Cathy,

This could be a nightmare but you should really think of why you want movies. I have soooo many from this and that. Never really watch them more than once. I think minolta or sony are your best choices with the digital being able to take video too you must have many choices. Think of how you want to save pics, how are you going to print and maybe buy a printer (if you don't already have one) many businesses will pick the one you want. The one that fits your needs and pocket. I think the prices are pretty low for all you get now. Personally - no more recorders only ... digital with some video works out fine. Good luck and have a great time!