video camera help

[O-SEA-D]

Hey guys, need some help with a video camera.

I am thinking about buying one for fishing or anything else I decide to use it for.

Can you guys suggest a good one that will do the job for me?

I can't decide between the Mini DV, DVD or Hard drive models.

Thanks

[flatbottom]

look at the format the camera records. I say this because the editing software you use will need to be compatible......Both mini DV and hard drive give good results. The edge going to mini DV for compatibility with most off the shelf editing software. Raw data or AVI format is the most compatible format. Sony is what I use in the mini DV.

[shoefish]

For ease of use and economical reasons (both for the camera and for the media), go with miniDV. They are cheap, you can re-record over them, and like flat said they are supported by tons of software. The others are good, but can be a pain- the hard drive will fill up which means you then have to dump it onto your hard drive (lots of space) or burn it to disk for storage. The disks themselves are interesting, but I believe have a fairly limited storage capacity, record into a different format that may or may not be supported by the editing software, and once they are burned can no longer be used.

In terms of cameras I have a Panasonic and love it, but you can't go wrong with Sonys either.

Whichever you get, spend a little extra and get a spare battery, a UV filter, and a polarizing lens- it will be a bit more on the front end, but it will make all the difference.

[O-SEA-D]

look at the format the camera records. I say this because the editing software you use will need to be compatible......Both mini DV and hard drive give good results. The edge going to mini DV for compatibility with most off the shelf editing software. Raw data or AVI format is the most compatible format. Sony is what I use in the mini DV.

Thanks guys

Flat....which Sony do you have?

[captcl]

I have a pnasonic palmcorder that works great but it may be old tech.
My digital camera which is a kodak (pretty high end) takes some really good video plus you get all the features(zoom etc...) that are in the camera and can still take some really good pics!

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the more i type the worser i spell

[gradywhite273]

im using the everio hard drive, its a great camera, the problem lay its a mod format, not all movie makers recognize it, and the files coming out of it, while the definition is great, are huge. if you got alot of space on your computer i would recommend it, otherwise, i agree with flat, sony is the way to go.

[flatbottom]

all great tips here.....this site is awesome

HC 21... the cam is 3 years old technology. they are cheap....so buy 2 and get a better angle on the movie....three angle is cinema quality

[shoefish]

all great tips here.....this site is awesome

HC 21... the cam is 3 years old technology. they are cheap....so buy 2 and get a better angle on the movie....three angle is cinema quality

I think that HC21 is a model that you can get a waterproof underwater case for pretty cheaply. I was looking into this for the Panasonics and there wasn't squat. Pick up one of these and you could put together some bad ass movies with underwater harpoon and gaff shots.....

[clt_capt]

Sanyo just came out with a really cool Waterproof palm type camera. It uses flash memory and the format is MP4 - You can read the files directly on your computer...

It does have a mounting screw that will fit a standard camera mount and is very light. I'v only had mine for a week, but looks good so far...

http://www.sanyodigital.com/e1.aspx

[gottaflylee]

John, My suggestion would be to go inexpensive with what camera you by.I know that box has been through a box full ( no pun intended ) as well as Lou and my self. For about $300.00 you can get a good Sony, DCR-TRV 280 digital 8 is the one that Box, Lou and my self have, you can get a good wide angle lens for and when the salt gets to the camera...buy another one.
While I'm at it check out this camera mount I use on the "Predator" boat.Its a "Manfratto 3265". Works like a charm and is just under a $100.00. I made the rail mount I use out of star board and I think the camera screws to a standard 3/8" bolt. It was easy to make and I did it in about an hour.

The swivel pistol grip mount


With camera



Star board mount


Sorry John, not trying to steel this thread, just trying to throw out some additional information...that some may find useful.

One more thing, Get a good Pelican case for it, I think it will last longer and you can store your accessories in it as well as your still camera. It will stay dry and a more constant temperature in it.
This is the one I use but I have a D80 still and zoom lens in it...you may not need one so large.