Camcorder help

I’d like to hear what people’s favorites are for Camcorders. I’m in the market for one and just want to know what to look for and what to stay away from. Thanks!
-td

Well, I may not be much help…but I’ll try…
First off, what do you plan on doing with your movies? CD, DVD or 3/4 VCR for long term storage?
With all the software out there now, are you into video editing? Extra USB port on your computer?
Then of course there’s the question of how much do you want to spend?

The way to go is digital, but depending on what you want to do with it, you can get by nicely on VHS -C for less money. Draw back is this will go the way of the 8 track at some point.

As with cameras, get the biggest OPTICAL zoom you can. Digital zoom will get grainy or pixalated at the upper limits of the zoom.

If you are a moviebug, you will need an extra rechargable battery. Check the prices for the “extended life” batteries. Nothing worse than going on a guided trip and when that big marlin really start jumping your low bat light comes on!

Most camcorders come with titles…where you can add in “Happy Birthday” or something simalar. I haven’t found a use for this yet. It’s easier to add it in on your computer.

I’ve found that when I take about 6 hours of video and take out all the junk that’s not interesting…to even me , I have about 15 to 30 minutes of good video that even my friends ask to see again. But maybe the beer has something to do with that too…not sure.

Blue, I haven’t kept up on all the new corders. I was making wedding, birthday ect movies about 6 -7 years ago. Now that many computers come with the type of software that I paid $1200. for…for free, well, there’s just not much call for that anymore.

We can talk off line if you want more info.

PS If you are having a baby or have a young one in the house…two things to remember. You can’t take enough video of your own kids and the other is …..your friends will feel that you take too much video of your kids. BUT, 50 years from now…your kids, grandkids and great grandkids will be happy you did!

Rivereyes should be up on the optics if not the whole camcorder family….