AVForums

Our philosophy in our forums, reviews, podcasts and feature videos is to promote audio and visual excellence by gathering and sharing the best information and resources available.

Help

To begin please visit our help section »

Not a Member Yet?

It only takes a minute to start enjoying the benefits of AVForums membership, and it's free!

Member Log in

buying first video camera? advice pls/

Post Reply
Old 07-04-2008, 2:16 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Ewan154's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2005
Experience Points:
14,663, Level: 29
Points: 14,663, Level: 29 Points: 14,663, Level: 29 Points: 14,663, Level: 29
Activity: 1.1%
Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1%
Thanks: Gave 415, Got 47
Posts: 1,617
Question buying first video camera? advice pls/

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
  Quote
Old 07-04-2008, 2:49 PM   #2
Veteran Member
 
redsox_mark's Avatar
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Bath, England
Experience Points:
22,297, Level: 36
Points: 22,297, Level: 36 Points: 22,297, Level: 36 Points: 22,297, Level: 36
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 90, Got 749
Posts: 6,512
Re: buying first video camera? advice pls/

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).
  Quote
Old 07-04-2008, 3:11 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Ewan154's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2005
Experience Points:
14,663, Level: 29
Points: 14,663, Level: 29 Points: 14,663, Level: 29 Points: 14,663, Level: 29
Activity: 1.1%
Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1%
Thanks: Gave 415, Got 47
Posts: 1,617
Re: buying first video camera? advice pls/

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?
  Quote
Old 07-04-2008, 3:30 PM   #4
Veteran Member
 
redsox_mark's Avatar
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Bath, England
Experience Points:
22,297, Level: 36
Points: 22,297, Level: 36 Points: 22,297, Level: 36 Points: 22,297, Level: 36
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 90, Got 749
Posts: 6,512
Re: buying first video camera? advice pls/

Yes, you can simply connect the camcorder to the TV. And yes, the HC51 is a decent camcorder for the price.
  Quote
Thanks from:
Ewan154 (07-04-2008)
Old 07-04-2008, 8:49 PM   #5
Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillingdon /Hayes, Middx
Experience Points:
47,154, Level: 53
Points: 47,154, Level: 53 Points: 47,154, Level: 53 Points: 47,154, Level: 53
Activity: 2.7%
Activity: 2.7% Activity: 2.7% Activity: 2.7%
Thanks: Gave 1,052, Got 2,970
Posts: 19,311
Re: buying first video camera? advice pls/

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

Powered by  
 Latest popular product prices
Kodak PlaySport Zx5 
7 prices from
 £79.99 Click to show/hide the offers

Sony DCR-SX45E 
4 prices from
 £189.99 Click to show/hide the offers

Toshiba Camileo H30 
1 price
 £107.00 Click to show/hide the offers

Samsung SMX-F50BN 
4 prices from
 £119.99 Click to show/hide the offers

Panasonic SDR-S70 
7 prices from
 £116.00 Click to show/hide the offers

Panasonic HX-DC1 
7 prices from
 £123.95 Click to show/hide the offers

JVC GZ-HM30 
7 prices from
 £144.99 Click to show/hide the offers

Sony DCR-SX21E 
2 prices from
 £149.99 Click to show/hide the offers

 Updated February 11th at 2:30pm. Prices include delivery.


Thread information and display options
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off