[morsey]

My 8 year old Sony DCR-PC100E mini dv has just packed up and I'm looking for a replacement.

I'm after a camera that is light and small. I've had a look at the Panasonic SD9 and Sony TG3E. I'm confused by the flash memory cards. Do these cameras needed a specific type of card or is any type of SDHC or memory stick pro duo compatible - there seems to be a massive difference in cost between makes and models of cards?

Do I need to purchase a fistful of flash cards or can I just buy a few and download the files straight to a laptop without the immediate need for video capture software, much like copying files from a usb device to a PC?

At present I haven’t got a HD TV, but plan to get one in a few years time. So my other alternative – can anyone recommend a standard definition flash camera – will the picture quality be as good as my old mini dv, or is it not worth considering a standard definition camera and go straight for HD?

Any advice much appreciated.

[redsox_mark]

I'm confused by the flash memory cards. Do these cameras needed a specific type of card or is any type of SDHC or memory stick pro duo compatible

There are different classes of card (which relate to the speeds they can support). It depends on the camcorder and quality setting used (and will be clearly specificed in the manual), typically you need class 4 or better.

Do I need to purchase a fistful of flash cards or can I just buy a few and download the files straight to a laptop without the immediate need for video capture software, much like copying files from a usb device to a PC?

You can just copy the files to a laptop.

At present I haven’t got a HD TV, but plan to get one in a few years time. So my other alternative – can anyone recommend a standard definition flash camera – will the picture quality be as good as my old mini dv, or is it not worth considering a standard definition camera and go straight for HD?

I would go straight for HD if you can afford it. Even if you can't see the full HD effect now, might as well shoot the best quality you can.

[glesgaguyav]

Originally Posted by morsey

At present I haven’t got a HD TV, but plan to get one in a few years time. So my other alternative – can anyone recommend a standard definition flash camera – will the picture quality be as good as my old mini dv, or is it not worth considering a standard definition camera and go straight for HD?

Any advice much appreciated.

Go for an HD cam if you can afford it, if you can't afford a new one buy a 2nd hand one.

HD TV will be standard in most homes in the future and it would be a pity if you have to watch your old footage in SD.

Shoot HD now, store it and watch it in it's full glory when you upgrade