Which DV camcorder do you own?

coolhandpete · February 17, 2002 6:45PM

Canon just released the ZR50MC and sounds pretty nice, and for under $1000. Apple seems to support the Sony DCR-PC9 palmcorder (sell it on their website) as well as the higher-end Canon.

I'm looking for a mid-range "good" "compact" "light" "intuitive" "simple" camcorder to use with a TiBook for FCP editing.

What do you own? What do you recommend?

-- PEte

[edited for specificity of model #'s)

[ 02-17-2002: Message edited by: CoolHandPete ]

eugene · February 17, 2002 7:06PM

I own a Sony DCR-TRV17, but I lust after the VX2000. The TRV17 is Sony's entry level MiniDV camera. It's a traditional camcorder, not a palmcorder, but it has decent features.

i have questions · February 17, 2002 11:44PM

For people like you - that is, people who describe what they want to do like you did - I heartily recommend the Sony DCR-PC9. You may be able to find a DCR-PC5 for a little less, and it is essentially the same camera.

I have not used the new Canon that you talk about, but based on past cameras, I would avoid the Canon ZR line at all costs. You can get a much better picture out of other, similarly priced cameras.

YMMV.

jeffyboy · February 17, 2002 11:52PM

I have the Canon ZR 10, and like it, but I won't make any reccomendations since it's the only one I've ever used.

Jeff

super · February 18, 2002 1:36AM

I own a Canon XL1. Great camera and now even better with the XL1s. I would recommend the VX2000. It's an awesome camera. My next camera will be a PD-150A the VX-2000's big brother.

adam11 · February 18, 2002 3:29AM

Hitachi DZ-MV100 DVDram Cam......cool.

Cheers

adam

thoth2 · February 18, 2002 9:06AM

Sony DCR-TRV730. Its not mini-DV, its Digital 8. We got this one instead of the mini-DV format b/c it was Megapixel, cheaper tapes, still digital, had the same features (or more) as the new mini-DV ones, but was several hundred dollars less. Its a bit heavier and a little bigger, but I think its worth it. Tapes are easier to find too.

Thoth

crusader · February 18, 2002 9:32AM

TRV17, I passed up a PC9 because it was slightly more expensive, and I hate the walkman with a lens form-factor.

i have questions · February 18, 2002 1:44PM

[quote]Originally posted by jhtrih:

TRV17, I passed up a PC9 because it was slightly more expensive, and I hate the walkman with a lens form-factor.<hr></blockquote>

CoolHand Pete - Just so you know, Super does not actually have a XL1, because anyone who does wouldn't post in this thread and tell you about it.

jhtrith makes an excellent point above --

He doesn't like the way the Sony PC series "feels". You should really make an effort to spend as much time as possible with the actual cameras you're considering in your hands. Find out which one fits your hand, has the controls in the right place for you, etc. The PC9 is a great camera, but if it doesn't feel right in your hand (like jhtrith) then you won't be happy.

ghost_user_name · February 18, 2002 1:56PM

[quote]Originally posted by I Have Questions:



CoolHand Pete - Just so you know, Super does not actually have a XL1, because anyone who does wouldn't post in this thread and tell you about it.

jhtrith makes an excellent point above --

He doesn't like the way the Sony PC series "feels". You should really make an effort to spend as much time as possible with the actual cameras you're considering in your hands. Find out which one fits your hand, has the controls in the right place for you, etc. The PC9 is a great camera, but if it doesn't feel right in your hand (like jhtrith) then you won't be happy.<hr></blockquote>

What do you mean he wouldnt tell anyone about it?

mac guru · February 18, 2002 4:01PM

Sony DCR-TRV240

i have questions · February 18, 2002 10:41PM

[quote]Originally posted by Macintosh:



What do you mean he wouldnt tell anyone about it?<hr></blockquote>

The XL1 and XL1s have absolutey nothing to do with the question originally asked. Only professionals own this camera (I own a small production company doing mostly corporate work and we have 2 of these cameras), and professionals wouldn't come here and just comment on the XL1 out of the blue in a thread asking about a sub-$1000 consumer cam. For example, if someone asked what mac they should get to do some light graphic design or 3D modeling (just as a hobby), and you were a high-end 3D pro, would you post, "I have a SGI Workstation, and it's great!"? Um.... no. You'd offer some real advice based on your experience with a G4 Mac system. That's my point.

eugene · February 19, 2002 5:16AM

Yeah, I tried out the vertical handhelds too, and they just don't feel right. The fact that the strap has to be extended with a swing out plastic piece just to fit your hands...it's just not natural. I can keep a steadier hand with the traditionally held camcorders.

imacfan · February 19, 2002 9:03AM

I have a PC100 (more than a year now), which is great. The PC110 should be even better, as it has a flash and USB connectivity for downloading megapixel stills. I know that it might be a bit out of your price range, but it is very good quality, and I think that a new model should be due soon (has it been replaced already?) - then you could buy an old model for less - that's what I did with the PC100.

Hope this helps,

David

gordy · February 19, 2002 9:19AM

I have the Canon ZR10 also. I would not recommend it for low light and indoor use. Come to think of it, even overcast outdoor use is kinda crappy. Color accuracy is poor also, everything is bluish. It's a great firewire webcam, which is all I use it for now.

I'd hope that these shortcomings are atypical for the mini-DV standard, so stay away from the ZR series. I have seen the ZR20 ans ZR30, both were just as bad as the ZR10.

duals · February 19, 2002 10:52AM

I have the Sony DCR-TRV17 and love it. I read an earlier post that called it "Sony's entry level MiniDV camcorder", while I agree in fact, I certainly don't agree in principle. For the price and quality, I would hardly call it entry level. Great camera and works great with iMovie. Does crappy stills, but that's not why I got it. I wanted good video at a decent price, and that's exactly what I got with this camcorder.

edit: misspelling all over the place

[ 02-19-2002: Message edited by: Duals ]

sizzle chest · February 19, 2002 11:02AM

I bought a really really really cheap Sharp DV cam, primarily intending to use it as an analog-to-DV converter for some Hi8 and SVHS tapes. But it's actually a decent camcorder too, so I'm really happy with what I got for $349! I almost paid that much for a Sony analog-DV converter box alone.

bill m · February 19, 2002 11:02AM

SONY DCR-TRV17 is one of the best out there in price and features. Got it for my wife this Xmas and she loves it. Great video, sound.... nice big 3.5" LCD screen... awesome battery life. Optical zoom at 10x is a bit low, but still useful. The Digital8 camcorders offer better optical zoom (20+).

bodhi · February 19, 2002 1:29PM

I have been considering the TRV-17. The smaller Aony camcorders are not intuitive at all. When you need to zoom in or out the zoom button is not located in a good place to where your hand is while holding it so therefore you get a lot of movement when you do things like that.

The TRV-17 seems like a great deal.

thegelding · February 19, 2002 3:31PM

TRV-17...very nice little camcorder...works great with X and iApps.....not very good still pictures (best in full daylight or outdoors), but other than that i can't complain...all the photos on my website where taken with the still mode of the TRV-17, so it is usable....but will soon get a digital still camera and use the TRV for movies only....g

super · February 20, 2002 1:08AM

[quote] The XL1 and XL1s have absolutey nothing to do with the question originally asked. Only professionals own this camera (I own a small production company doing mostly corporate work and we have 2 of these cameras), and professionals wouldn't come here and just comment on the XL1 out of the blue in a thread asking about a sub-$1000 consumer cam. For example, if someone asked what mac they should get to do some light graphic design or 3D modeling (just as a hobby), and you were a high-end 3D pro, would you post, "I have a SGI Workstation, and it's great!"? Um.... no. You'd offer some real advice based on your experience with a G4 Mac system. That's my point.

<hr></blockquote>

I believe the title of the thread is "which camcorder do you own ?" I answered the question. Your little self indulgent spiel about your production company was far less relevant than anything i posted. I do in fact do commercial work (inc show opens, corporate videos, bumpers, general motion graphics etc) and i don't need you telling me what i can and can't post.

Which DV camcorder do you own?

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