Hi

I've never even used a camcorder before but I'm looking to buy a budget one in the region of £150-£200 and would appreciate some advice!

Looking for a good allrounder for outdoor and indoor use, would like to download to DVD and PC for editing if possible. I understand that mini-dv is what we're after? How does that work?!

At the moment looking at a Canon MD101 or Panasonic NV-GS60EB - any thoughts on this?

Any help at all would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Andy98765]

To download to a PC for editing/DVD's it must have a DV output on it. This is a Firewire connection and also means the PC has to have a Firewire input, if your PC does not have one they are very cheap to buy as a PCI card assuming you have a spare PCI slot.
USB is often available from a Camcorder not will not give the same results as Firewire.
You will then require some software to do the editing with.
Simple editing can be done with Nero ROM burning software to produce a DVD or I found Adobe Premiere very good (not cheap though)
One thing I looked out for in a camcorder is its ability to record in widescreen, looks so much better on your TV (No black bars leaft anf right?)

That was quick!! Thanks for that.

Just one quick question - how do I find out if my PC has a firewire input?

Cheers

[Andy98765]

Click Start, Control Panel, Network connections and look for an icon 1394 Connection. IEEE 1394 = Firewire = DV Link.

PCI cards are cheap http://www.ebuyer.com/search/?strSea...olShowAll=true and once you have got the camcorder check exactly what cable you require to connect it to the PC.
Firewire cables come in a few flavours of connection. But the normal one to buy is 4pin to 6pin.

[redsox_mark]

At the moment looking at a Canon MD101 or Panasonic NV-GS60EB - any thoughts on this?

Those are both decent choices in this price range. I like the MD101 better for video quality, though some models seem to have reports of excessive motor noise.

Thanks Andy and Mark

Can't find the firewire input so will need a card. What would you get in that price range?

Cheers for the advice.

[redsox_mark]

I would get the Canon MD101.

[DpM]

Here is another option if you can go £4 over budget. The Sony HC47. I have one and am very impressed with it. I paid £260 2 months ago, a real bargain for £204.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-DCR-HC4...1929809&sr=8-1

[Andy98765]

The Sony does look good, natural widescreen and DV out. I have the model 39 a few years old now but excellent results.