Anyone know about camcorders?

[Mr .44 Spl]

I'm starting to look around for a new camcorder. I'm not making documentaries or major motion pictures, I'm just a Dad with a couple of kids. SO I'm looking for an easy to use camcorder which will give me good picture quality without spending $1000. Cheaper is of course better, but I want these videos to last a lifetime, and be enjoyable to watch.

A camcorder/software system that makes basic editing simple would be a real plus. I'm fairly competent around computers, but haven't done any sort of editing of video.

Any suggestions? If you ask me any quesitons, I'll try to answer them, but I'm very much a neophyte when it comes to this sort of thing.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Millhouse]

First of all, decide whether you need high definition (HD) or not. HD is the future, but it will add to the cost.

Stick to a decent brand such as Canon, Sony, Panasonic etc. You may see some no name brands that offer a good specification, but picture and sound quality is usually bad.

Most camcorders will have a full auto mode so you don't need to worry about complexity.

Try to get a camcorder that uses memory cards, rather than tape etc. These are usually more durable and make connection to your PC much easier (use the USB cable or just insert the card). Even if you don't intend to edit too much, you can use the PC to store and make backup copies of your video.

 

[storl]

I have a relatively expensive HD camcorder for making marketing and review videos, but I wouldn't recommend something like that for casual use.

From what you are saying, I would start out with a Flip or a comparable offering from another company. They are dirt cheap (~$100-150), can be had in HD for a bit more, and generally get solid reviews for basic stuff like you will be doing. They have the 80% of features that you will need, are super easy to use, and the quality is actually pretty good for the amount of money you spend. They do not have stellar optics and are not great in low light situations, but most camcorders under $500 are not anyway.

The Flip is like the netbook of camcorders. For the vast majority of people, it will do everything you need at a much lower price than its big brother competitors. Just like the original netbook from Asus or whoever was first, every major manufacturer saw how ridiculously well the original Flip did and now has a competing product. Last time I was in Best Buy, then had 6-7 choices under $200

If you decide to step up to a better camcorder later, then the Flip would make a good toy for your kids. Maybe one of them will be the next Spielberg...

 

[wildmanh]

I have a relatively expensive HD camcorder for making marketing and review videos, but I wouldn't recommend something like that for casual use.

From what you are saying, I would start out with a Flip or a comparable offering from another company. They are dirt cheap (~$100-150), can be had in HD for a bit more, and generally get solid reviews for basic stuff like you will be doing. They have the 80% of features that you will need, are super easy to use, and the quality is actually pretty good for the amount of money you spend. They do not have stellar optics and are not great in low light situations, but most camcorders under $500 are not anyway.

The Flip is like the netbook of camcorders. For the vast majority of people, it will do everything you need at a much lower price than its big brother competitors. Just like the original netbook from Asus or whoever was first, every major manufacturer saw how ridiculously well the original Flip did and now has a competing product. Last time I was in Best Buy, then had 6-7 choices under $200

If you decide to step up to a better camcorder later, then the Flip would make a good toy for your kids. Maybe one of them will be the next Spielberg...

The Flip style camcorders are pretty cool. Sony, Kodak and others also make them. Great Starter camera IMO and the good brands seems to take good quality images. The Flip style camcorders are Very simple, easy to use and small..

If you want something with more bells and wistles check out the Flash Memory based camcorders. They can be had from between about $250 and $450 with most nice ones around $300 to $350. You can get them with between 4GB and 8GB that also take more Flash Memory or you can get ones with out built in memory. Those will be the least expencive ones in their class.

Heber