Buying a Camcorder confused!

[matheran1]

Hello friends

I want to buy camcorder next week preferably BUT very confused.Will be using it for holidays and family parties etc. I need following features:
Budget : £250-£275
Real wide screed
MiniDV/ HDD ( if it fits my budget)
Should be able to transfer old VHS tapes to dVD
NOT interested in taking still pictures
Should be MAC compatible

Is it true mini dv are on the way out.? so I will be wasting my money.

I would appreciate your views/suggestions.
Thanking you all

[redsox_mark]

Is it true mini dv are on the way out.? so I will be wasting my money

Yes it is true, we are seeing and will continue to see fewer DV models and more models of other formats. But unless you are buying it as a fashion accessory, if it gives you the best quality for the money (which it does) is that a waste of money? The tapes are also used on HDV camcorders, there is a huge base of DV camcorders out there; it's not like you won't be able to get tapes or anything.

The problem is this:
Should be able to transfer old VHS tapes to dVD
There are no current models in this price range (of any format) with this feature. If you can find last year's Canon MV960 still it does it, true widescreen, in your budget.

Otherwise Canon MD101 or MD160 are good, current widescreen DV cams... but neither has the "AV in" you need for the VHS transfer.

[matheran1]

Thanks Mark
What is the difference in101 & 160? Since 101 is available for £154 and 160 £239. I wonder why that diff. Are they good decent quality.

I have been reading your views you strongly support 101.

Thanks again

[matheran1]

Sorry forgot are they ok for MAC?
If I am ready to spend £300/- would I get HDD?

[redsox_mark]

Any DV camcorder is OK for a Mac.

The difference between the MD160 and MD101 is MD160 has a memory card slot for stills, and higher resolution stills. MD101 has an external mic input. Video performance is more or less the same.

£300 will get you a HDD cam, but quality won't be as good as a DV cam in this price range. £450 will get you a good HDD cam.

[matheran1]

Thanks Mark

Last clarification : Will I be able to edit full fledge with Cannon 101 ?

Regards
Neral1

[redsox_mark]

Sure - you can edit with iMovie, or Final Cut if you want more advanced features.