What video camera should I buy?

October 13, 2006 6:24 AM

What video camera should I buy? Just for amateur stuff - regular home movies, clips of events, "getting my feet wet" with video editing.

I'll be using iMovie to edit, not FinalCut. Want the camera to be easy to use, good quality, and delivering the very basics - would rather solid basics than bells & whistles. (I only need video, not static-image shooting - have a good camera already for that.)

I understand from this June post that miniDV is the right format; but which camera, in particular, do people like? Budget is $300-$500 or so. Could reach a bit higher if there's an awesome choice just out of range.

posted by mark7570 to Technology (7 answers total)

Best answer: I've been really enjoying my 3CCD Panasonic PV-GS65. It's a middle of the line camera. Perhaps a bit more "powerful" than your standard handycam (the 3CCDs, manual controls, mic input, etc.) but still not quite a "prosumer" model. I paid roughly $400 for it.

Here's a good rundown of the camera.

Camcorderinfo.com is your friend.
posted by nitsuj at 6:46 AM on October 13, 2006

The panasonic range is quite good, something like this would be great. 3 CCD, a few manual functions (focus ring, makes a big difference when you want to get more creative), firewire for editing and very easy to use.

I have used a model similar and have achieved pretty good results. I shoot a lot with the Panasonic DVX100 so really like their cameras.

On Preview very similar to above.
posted by DOUBLE A SIDE at 6:57 AM on October 13, 2006

i've gotten good mileage out of the sony camcorders. i have an old one (DCRTRV8) and I still use it when i smaller camera and for importing DV tapes. the sound is ok too.

i would avoid the super-tiny ones, since there is a noticable drop in image quality.

3-CCD does make a difference - e.g. better sensitivity in low-light - but the cost starts to go up quickly. (the panasonic DVX100 mentioned above is about $4k.)
posted by kamelhoecker at 9:28 AM on October 13, 2006

I would also reccomend something from the Panasonic 3CCD line. I just got the PVGS180 for under $400, which is the low end for this type of camera.

The good thing about these cameras, is they offer basic manual controls and not a lot of gimmicky crap, and the control is mostly with a small joystick. Most other brands use a touch screen for the controls.
posted by jefbla at 11:42 AM on October 13, 2006

I dont know if you need a digicam too, but a friend of mine is very happy with the video modes of his Canon S2 - the S3 (current model) is supposed to be nicer. I think it can only record about 10 minute clips at highest quality, but if you're only doing clips, that may not be a problem.
posted by Calloused_Foot at 11:46 AM on October 13, 2006

Damn, didn't read carefully - you dont need a still camera. Never mind.
posted by Calloused_Foot at 11:47 AM on October 13, 2006

Response by poster: Thanks, everybody - great help.
posted by mark7570 at 7:40 AM on October 16, 2006