Camcorder Recommendation

I have a Sony HandyCam that uses a mini-disk. I really like it, but the disk's only store 30 min of video so we're accumulating several disks. I also use my digital camera (a Cannon PowerShot with 10 megapix) that shoots great video on the hard disk. I just download them to my computer. My cousin has a camcorder that records onto a hard disk that he loves. It's just a matter of preference and what you plan on doing with the videos afterward. I've learned how to edit the videos and put them on a disk to send to family or make special videos for my daughter to watch. I'd recommend going to Best Buy or somewhere and talking to someone to see what each brand and type offer.

I'm not sure how hi-tech you wanna go but I recently purchased the Flip camcorder from Costco for approx. $200. It came with the USB cord and it's great for quick downloads to You Tube or emailing clips to friends. I recommend it!

Hi Linda, I have a Sony video camera that is about 15 years old. It has been everywhere with us. I used to tape all of my daughter's performances as well as my son's games. They have so many out now. I would definately try to comapre different models online. I wish they would have had the kind that you record onto the memory card and then you take that and put it directly into your computer and make a dvd off of it. I probably have over 1000 8mm tapes that I have been trying to transfer. I also know the cameras you record straight to dvd have little recording time and once you use the dvd you have to put a new one in. The prices have dropped on video cameras and I am sure you can get a great deal on one. I know I didn't answer your exact question, but I wanted to share the info I knew. Good Luck

I currently have a Sony HandyCam that uses 'hybrid' HDD (hard disk drive). This mean is has internal memory like an iPod or smart phone has. I really like the ease of use as it also offers still image capture so I am able to get photos as well as video from it. The ONLY thing (and it's a big one for me) is that the format it records in is not one widely accepted by video editing software. Although, as with most new camcorders, it did come with the basic 'build your own dvd' type software, I was hoping to splice & share in the web a bit more. This format doesn't allow for that without 'tricking' your computer or burning a complete disk then reloading the video into your editing program. (I had previously bought the bundle Adobe photoshop & Elements) Bottom line, just be sure your camcorder offers good OPTICAL zoom (not just tons of digital), and that it will support the format (VOG, MPEG4, Flash, ect.) that you plan on using. I always check consumer reviews- google 'camcorder, reviews & ratings'. Good luck!

I am one of those moms that always meant to bring the camcorder and ended up forgetting it at home. My husband solved this problem for me on Mother's Day when he gave me the new Canon Elph that takes 12 megapixels pictures and also shoots HD video. It's really small, so I can just keep it in my purse and I find myself taking all kinds of video that I never would have before.

The picture and video quality are incredible and for what you get, you can't beat the price! Also, no tapes or disks to deal with, you can upload video directly to your computer, just like photos. The only downside is that it doesn't have good zooming capacity, but for me it's a good trade-off. It may be a good addition to any video camera you end up buying.

Here's a link with more product detail:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/TW105LL/A

There are many to chose from. Jvc, sony, and other ones. Some have memory chips that use 8mm tapes. Most of them come with a usb plug to use on the computer. I had Jvc, and it took pics while walking around with it. There is so many types that are good. Most battery life is two hours, I hope you find the right one. The one I got cost less than $300. They do have a website also. jvc.com, the other ones I believe do also. Tiffany is right, you can upload clips onto youtube or any site of your choice. Good luck.

Hi Linda,

All I can do is NOT recommend something & that's a camcorder that uses tapes. I have a JVC that uses tapes & though I thinke the camera itself is great, especially for the price, having tapes is a major bummer. Unless you have a MAC, then you have to purchase a program that will allow you to edit & convert the video EASILY. Microsoft Windows Movie Maker is a pain to use, personally. So meanwhile, I've got 3+ years of video tapes stacking up & have done most of my recent videos on my digital camera, just because they easily download into a format that I can upload immediately & they aren't one BIG file that I have to edit, like a tape.

Good luck!

Hi Linda-
My sister in law and her husband bought a flip. It's a little bigger than your hand and plugs (usb) directly into your computer. The quality is good, too.
Have a great day!
-E. M