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I've obviously waited until the last minute to do this... I've never owned a camcorder before. Since I just started researching, I've come up with more questions than answers and have very little time to figure everything out.Which camcorders have you guys had good experiences with? Reliability, optics, and video quality are priorities, features are not. Though, an external mic input would be cool.
Also, got to get the tape on to DVDs, but really don't know where to begin with all that. I guess I'd like a computer-based DVD burner. I can't seem to find a consensus from any online reviews. What's the skinny on these? ALso, What's up with all the differnt formats of DVD media - DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+-R, RW, etc?
Thanks in advance!
Follow Ups:
DVD writer: Plextor PX-716A (comes with PlexTools Professional software)DVD media: DVD+R and/or DVD+R dual-layer, they will play on computer drives and +R compatible stand-alone DVD players and by using the bit-setting/book-type feature it can be written as a DVD-ROM and be read on all +R stand-alone players and nearly all -R stand-alone DVD players (DVD-R doesn't have this feature)
camcorder: get a digital one with a 3-CCD sensor for better color and more realism from your videos (no make/model recommendation due to your ommission of a budget)
editing software: Pinnacle Studio 9 (you can later upgrade to Studio Plus)
I'm a big fan of JVC VHS-C camcorders. You could get an adapter that would enable you to play the compact tape in your VCR. Then all you'd have to do is plug in to your own, or a friend's, DVD recorder. Do you already have a camcorder? There are DVD camcorders available but I've not played with any of those. Perhaps a local camera or electronics store would have some models you could rent. As for discs I'd say DVD-R is the way to go. I'm just getting into it but my research showed me that DVD-R discs will play without any problems on most of the DVD players out there. As I understand it DVD+R is a Sony format. I'd suggest capturing your special moment on tape and putting it on disc later when you've decided what's best.
...and am very happy.
About four years ago purchased a Sony HI-8 with a 20X optical lens. Taped dozens of ny kids soccer games. Then just put the cam on edit, and then used an S video cable and rca for audio straight into a Toshiba DVD recorder. Only have used DVD-R.I keep the original Hi8, and make copies for parents that wanted them.
I actually got terrific results from the games I taped on a trip to Italy with my son's team.
I think the HI 8 cam cost me around $ 249.00 , and the DVD recorder $ 225.00. Anytime you don't want something from the tape , you just press pause.
If I was buying a camcorder now, I would go digital, but at the time a 20X optical digital was much more $$$. 10 X was standard, not good enough for games.
The question is:Do you want to spend the next 15 years of your life hustling for the camcorder, the battery, the tape cassettes/discs, trying to be a videographer, while you miss whatever your tyke is actually getting up to, in the expectation that you may live to be too old to have any memories, and yet somehow capable enough to have saved those tapes and be able to operate a player (assuming whatever format you choose to store the memories is still supported in 2060) and that, although you mind will be crumbling, the video images will somehow bring those all-important emotions and perhaps tears of joy to your eyes that simple snapshots could not, and somehow make your otherwise excrutiating remaining days bearable, OR...
...don't you think it's a better idea to watch your family grow with your own eyes, and maybe even engage in the lives of those around you, using an old-fashioned still camera to record the times for prosperity?
You can see where my bias is! I spent a year with a camcorder. Darn heavy thing gave me a headache. (Tip: By taking lots of still shots in a row, you can create the illusion of moving pictures.)
My advice is to can the camcorder, take a roll of film on occasion, when the child is relaxed and cute. Use a tape recorder to record his voice.
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