buying first video camera? advice pls/

[Ewan154]

Hi,
Looking to buy my first video camera soon. I wantsomething that would be easy to use. What should I be look for when buying my first cam?



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-DCR-HC5...7577275&sr=1-6

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-DCR-DVD...7577275&sr=1-6

[redsox_mark]

By the links you gave, I assume you are looking at an entry level type (sub £200) model.

Any consumer camcorder is easy to use. If you want to watch your video from DVDs, then the DVD models have the one advantage that you can shoot, finalise the dics, and play them. But that is offset by some limitations and possible issues if the disc fails, see here DVD vs MiniDV

In this pricerange, miniDV tape models give the best quality, and are reliable and easy to use. To create a DVD you then need to use a PC (plus software, and DVD buner), or use a set top DVD recorder (the easier way).

[Ewan154]

Thanks for the reply I really fancy the Sony DCR-HC51E Mini DV Handycam. Would this be ok?


Would I be able to put plug this into my telly?

[redsox_mark]

Yes, you can simply connect the camcorder to the TV. And yes, the HC51 is a decent camcorder for the price.

[senu]

Hmm.. let someone else buy the DVD model ... *coughs and hurrys out of room*