Seeking best value camcorder and digital camera for < $1,000 each (player, laptop)

[beowulf7]

My uncle is looking for a camcorder that costs under $1,000. His only requirements are that it's easy to use, takes great video in the day and night, and, has a relatively small form-factor, and will last for many years.

I recommended to him that a hard drive based camcorder is more convenient since there are not mini DV tapes or mini DVDs that need to be swapped out. I also recommended a high-definition camcorder, but they appear to start at $1k on up. He said he can increase the budget if there's a good case for it.

Also, he recently bought a small 8 MP digital camera that is of the point-and-shoot variety. He's now looking for another camera that is even higher quality that he would use for more formal occasions. I told him Canon's "A" series would be my recommendation.

He's willing to spend a lot of money, but only SLRs cost $1k+, but they're too big for him. So he wants something that is the size of a Canon "A" series that provides very high quality and high optical zoom.

Please provide recommendations for a camcorder and/or digital camera, along with justification if possible. Thanks in advance.

[gallowsCalibrator]

My father just bought me a camcorder... Here's what I picked out:

Sony MiniDV Handycam (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8202964&productCategoryId=abcat0 403005&type=product&tab=2&id=1165610073230#product detail - broken link)

It takes the Mini-DV and a memory stick. I personally like the Mini Dv's because they're cute, adorable, and can be used in any DVD player. If it goes onto a hard-drive, it takes more time/effort to make a DVD later. Personally, I love this thing.

The photos it takes are gorgeous, and the videos are amazing.

Don't forget to check out places like Newegg and TigerDirect - they have some of the best prices.

[beowulf7]

Thanks for the reply, Kuharai. The only problem w/ mini-DVs is that one needs to replace them. BTW, you realize that mini-DV is not the same as mini-DVD?!

Yes, I'll scope Newegg and TD for best prices, as well as PriceGrabber.com, etc.

[gallowsCalibrator]

Originally Posted by beowulf7

Thanks for the reply, Kuharai. The only problem w/ mini-DVs is that one needs to replace them. BTW, you realize that mini-DV is not the same as mini-DVD?!

Yes, I'll scope Newegg and TD for best prices, as well as PriceGrabber.com, etc.

To my knowledge, a mini-dv is a special form of DVD that can be instantly recorded to, re-written to - and plays in a regular DVD player.

But the only problem with internal hard-drive (from my research) is that they tend to overheat at times... that, and the amount of time it takes to get from camcorder to computer isn't the greatest if you don't have USB 2.0 ports.

[beowulf7]

Originally Posted by Kuharai

To my knowledge, a mini-dv is a special form of DVD that can be instantly recorded to, re-written to - and plays in a regular DVD player.

But the only problem with internal hard-drive (from my research) is that they tend to overheat at times... that, and the amount of time it takes to get from camcorder to computer isn't the greatest if you don't have USB 2.0 ports.

My parents have a JVC camcorder they purchased in 2000, which supports mini-DV. It's a digital tape that is smaller than an audio cassette tape.

All new computers and laptops have USB 2.0. But you're right that old ones that only have USB 1.x will take forever to transfer files from the camcorder to the computer. I didn't know that hard drive based camcorders were overheating!

[gallowsCalibrator]

Originally Posted by beowulf7

My parents have a JVC camcorder they purchased in 2000, which supports mini-DV. It's a digital tape that is smaller than an audio cassette tape.

All new computers and laptops have USB 2.0. But you're right that old ones that only have USB 1.x will take forever to transfer files from the camcorder to the computer. I didn't know that hard drive based camcorders were overheating!

The Handycam uses the Mini-DVDs, but the package calls them Mini-DVs. Sorry that I didn't know the difference.

And about the overheating issue, I made sure to look around because I didn't want anything that would not only overheat, but might actually erase all of my data.

I'd say look around at stores and play with them. Then you could go on Ebay or something to try and get it cheaper.

[beowulf7]

No prob., yes, that extra "D" makes a big diff. (mini-DV vs. mini DVD). So it's the mini-DVD you were referring to, which is a different product than what you linked to. I'll continue investigating this for my uncle - he's not in a particular rush to get it, so perhaps I'll find him a good after X-mas deal.

[gallowsCalibrator]

Originally Posted by beowulf7

No prob., yes, that extra "D" makes a big diff. (mini-DV vs. mini DVD). So it's the mini-DVD you were referring to, which is a different product than what you linked to. I'll continue investigating this for my uncle - he's not in a particular rush to get it, so perhaps I'll find him a good after X-mas deal.

Again, I'm sorry - I didn't know the difference

Here's the one for the mini-dvd (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8210447&st=sony+handycam&type=pr oduct&id=1166234894238 - broken link)

[LaoTzuMindFu]

I am also in the market for a nice camcorder. I have always been partial to Sony but there has been a lot of problems with the Sony to MAC transfer with camcorders. Since I use a Mac, I am not considering the Canon hard disk camcorders.

As far as a regular camera I highly recommend the Canon Rebel XTi DSLR. Priced at $700 its a great entry level DSLR. There are many different lenses that can be purchased for whatever type of photography you want to try (portraits, macros, primes, zooms, etc.).

[beowulf7]

Thanks for the input, DaBeez. SLRs might be a little too large for my uncle; he wants something that's pocket size, but not necessarily one of those micro cameras that can fit in an Altoids tin can.