hi
I need to buy a camcorder for my daughter who is studying broadcasting.She really would like a sony model but i cant seem to find one that has the features listed below.

We need the facility to :

1.Have an external microphone (not hot shoe).

2.External headphones.

3. Dv out definately and dv in preferably.

4. Small mini dv

Really appreciate any ideas.

thanks

[dejongj]

Depending on her/your budget I would check out something like the Sony TRV-900, TRV-950 or perhaps even the PD equivalents....They are about as good as they get...But beware a 5 year old one is still going for around £500/600 on ebay....

Jean Paul

Many thanks for the reply.

She really would like a mini dv if possible. The cameras you suggest are superb but they are a little large for her.

The only one ive seen that has the requirements is the canon mv500.

Any thoughts ??

Much appreciated.

[dejongj]

You know her requirements best...I guess it depends on what broadcasting means for her....The camera's I proposed are the 'small' ones in the broadcasting industry and used a lot by on-location teams...

I couldn't really advice on small handycams as I tend to find them too small to get a steady picture when using handheld....But perhaps I have the wrong idea about what studying broadcasting means....

Also it might depend on what type of external microphone she needs to attach. Most broadcast quality microphone booms you see use the so called XLR inputs...On a consumer grade camera you will then have to add a little box in order to connect them...Something like this http://www.signvideo.com/xlr-pro_xlr...udio-mixer.htm
As you can see you will need a well balanced camera as it will become a nightmare to handle...

But I might read too much into broadcasting here....

Great info .
She has to go on location and interview people in the street using an external hand held mic.
I think she is trying to get something she can also use when travelling so thats why a smaller model is preferable.

The camera would be on a tripod when filming on location.

Its very difficult to find a small model with a MIC input and a headfone socket.

Ive searched all evening and really havent found anything worth looking at.

Most use the a/v socket but report poor quality playback through the headphones.

DO you think she will struggle to find a model with her requirements?

much appreciated.

[dejongj]

Oh yes she will...

This link provides some interesting models:
http://www.wdhsvideo.org/index.php?o...d=25&Itemid=34

So what about a Sony HC85, see review http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/sony/h...ew/index.shtml

Or the panasonic pv-gs400, but that is getting the similar size like a Sony TRV900....

Or perhaps a panasonic pv-gs250, or is that too big as well?
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...der-Review.htm

But I might have found the one...How about a Canon MVx4i...Very small, both microphone input and headphone output.....Here is a review http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/i...m?reviewid=207

Jean Paul,

The links and suggestions are very helpful. The canon looks the most likely.

I really appreciate the help and advice it would have taken me months to find the ones you suggest.

Very much appreciated.

[dejongj]

That's ok! I've learned something in the process as well, like there are smaller models and the Canon looks indeed a good candidate....

Have fun and spoil your daughter, mine is only three so she is not quite ready for those kind of gifts yet I just buy them for us to play with and use her as the subject

We purchased a Canon mxv 30i today. Its an older model than the suggested one but had all the functions we needed.
Your advice put us into the right area and she is really happy with the choice.

Got a good deal on it . Paid 440 pounds which i felt was excellent when viewing the quality of the camera. If you hadnt suggested themxv50 we would never have seen it.

She has usedit all day today and seems delighted.

Enjoy your daughter, mine is 21 but its seems like days ago that she was 3!!

thanks you are indeed a star.

sorry mistype i meant your suggestion of the mxv4i

nightmare!! i mean mvx !!!!!!!

[dejongj]

Excellent! Great when forums do work...Enjoy...