[mistergoof]

I'm looking to replace my aged HI-8 camcorder and have been looking at the SOny DCR-HC96/4.

I have a couple of questions for you hopfully knowlwdgabe ones.

1. The difference between the two is the 96 has a number of AV inputs. Would I be likely to use these (I dont think so), sice I'll be editing on PC and my DVD record.
2. Another technical difference is the 96 supports "Signal Convert Function". Is that liinked to the AV inputs on the 96
3. What additional accessories will I likely require. Battery? Case? others?
4. Will I need a memory stick to record still images or are the put on tape as well
5. I havn't been to the shops for a touch feely session yet, but the camera appears not to have a strap to put your had through whilst using it. Is this likely to be an issue.
6. Any reccomendations for similar spec'd cameras
   phew !!

Thanks

MG

[redsox_mark]

1. The difference between the two is the 96 has a number of AV inputs. Would I be likely to use these (I dont think so), sice I'll be editing on PC and my DVD record.

You are right, the differences are that the 96 has DV and AV in. You might find AV-in useful if you wanted to convert your old Hi8 footage to digital format. The DV-in is useful if you want to save your edited footage back out to DV tape.

2. Another technical difference is the 96 supports "Signal Convert Function". Is that linked to the AV inputs on the 96

Yes, exactly. It will take an analogue input and convert it to DV.

3. What additional accessories will I likely require. Battery? Case? others?

You’ll want at least 1 additional battery, and yes some sort of case. You may want to consider a tripod and/or monopod, a video light, or an external microphone. And of course tapes.

4. Will I need a memory stick to record still images or are the put on tape as well

For taking higher quality stills you need this.

5. I havn't been to the shops for a touch feely session yet, but the camera appears not to have a strap to put your had through whilst using it. Is this likely to be an issue.

It does have such a strap.

6. Any reccomendations for similar spec'd cameras

Panasonic GS300 or Canon MVX4i. These, as well as the 94/96 are all nice camcorders. This recent thread debates the Canon vs. Sony.
Help me to decide - Sony DCR-HC96 v Cannon MVX4i
Panasonic has 3 CCDs and Optical Image Stabilization, but not “true widescreen. The Panasonic doesn’t have AV or DV in.