Handycam/camcoder

[skghosh44]

I wish to purchase a camcoder for home use preferably SONY Handycam below 15K. As I have now idea about camcoder, what feature/point to keep in mind to purchase the same. Please point out the feature in serial order.
thanks.

 

[VideoEditingIndia]

1. No & size of CCDs & Pixel Count
2. Recording Format/ Compression
3. Recording Media
4. Manual Controls
5. Fstop, Min Lux & Focal distance
6. OPtical Zoom Size
7. Still Photo Resolution
8. PC connectivity (USB/Firewire)
9. Optical Image Stabilization
10. Sound Recording Bitdepth & Frequency

Also look for Flash/Shoe, Still Photo Recording Media, Webcom Mode, LCD Size & Pixels, Battery Life, Viewfinder, NTSC/PAL mode, Filter Diameter, Video In/Out, Audio Out & Mic In etc...

Why Sony? Can't you find a good Panasonic camera like GS320 or GS400(???)

 

[skghosh44]

Why Sony? Can't you find a good Panasonic camera like GS320 or GS400(???)

OK I have to keep this points to purchase the same. Will u please point out the config of these 10 points as stated by you. As I have no idea hence I shall be glad to know nominal config with normal PC as I do not want to face any dificullty to play and edit in PC.

Also the panasonic model u have mentioned by u is suitable for home use and below 15K ?

Please go through this link and suggest is it a good decision to purchase the same
*shopping.sify.com/Electronics_Dura...andycam_HC38_E-_item_13174058___14211342.html

 

[VideoEditingIndia]

<15k

Try for a Single CCD camera with MiniDV format with USB(Firewire is better), maximum optical zoom (never mind digital zoom) and image stabilization (you may not get optical).

Why don't you save some money to buy this: *shopping.sify.com/Electronics_Durables/Camcorders/Panasonic_Camcorder_GS_230-_item_33027___14211352.html

And confirm its NVGS(PAL) and not PVGS (NTSC).
*panasonic.com.au/products/specifications.cfm?objectID=3696

If possible save some more money, and buy GS320 if you don't need Mic Input

And I am sorry, there is no NTSC version for GS230. Just go for it....(But the price is very low, and it may be a grey market product!!!)

 

[skghosh44]

Thanks for the suggestion. About recording media which one is good MiniDV or DVD ? One of my friends say that now DVD Camcoder is good as it is directly playable at PC. What is your comment about this. If you support this, please review this camcoder.

 

[GeekyBoy]

The quality of MiniDV is better than DVD, but it takes a lot of Hard Disk(15gb approx) space whereas DVD takes about one fifth the space.

And also, DVD's are much more portable than MiniDV tapes.

 

[skghosh44]

The quality of MiniDV is better than DVD, but it takes a lot of Hard Disk(15gb approx) space whereas DVD takes about one fifth the space.

And also, DVD's are much more portable than MiniDV tapes.

Now what u will suggest MiniDV or DVD ?

 

[GeekyBoy]

You should go for DVD(its pros overshadow the cons), but DVD camcorders are a bit expensive....the lowest model(sony) is about Rs 19000,

but considering your budget of Rs 15000, there is no DVD camcorder at this price and you have to go for a MiniDV one.

Check the Sony DCR-HC28E which retails for just under Rs 15000 here:

*www.sony.co.in/product/dcr-hc28e?site=hp_en_IN_i

 

[VideoEditingIndia]

No, never go for any DVD camcorder. DVD Camcorder uses MPEG/MPEG2 format for recording the video which is a delivery codec with bi-directional frames.

And MPEG is 8Mbps where DV is 25Mbps

If you really want a "DVD" camera, buy AVCHD(H.264) based SONY Camcorders which is 18Mbps.

And Editing MPEG video is like Hell. There is no Good MPEG editors in the world.

And Yes, if you are not going to edit your Videos, If you are not looking for Quaity other than Quantity, buy DVD Camcorders and SONY is the best DVD based camcorder makers. For MINIDV/DVCPro Panasonic is the best. For HDV/HDCAM Again sony IS THE Best. For AVCHD Canon is the Best.

 

[skghosh44]

VideoEditingIndia

I think u are practical exprience holder. You are recomending Mini DV. Now If I opt for Mini DV, what is the procedure for transfering Video from Mini DV to PC. As I have no Mini DV tape drive in my PC. Whether I have to purchase one or there is option to transfer video directly from Camera to PC. What is the format of video recording ? Is the Mini DV re-recordable ? If so how may times. What is the duration of recording of Mini DV. Cost of Mini DV ? etc.

I contacted with Sony Customer Care about the price of their product between their authorised dealer and Sifymall shopping / indiatimes shopping. I got reply from them as under

Dear Sir,

Greeting From Sony India Customer Care Center.

This has reference to the mail sent by you. We have taken note of your query and hereby inform you that Sony India is not selling its products online. Any product purchased from any web site will not be catered with any kind of warranty.

It is advised to purchase the product from a Sony authorized dealer only. Please do not forget to collect the bill and warranty card.

Also, Sony India is offering 3 Years warranty on all handycam models.
For any assistance you may require please feel free to write us or contact us on our Toll Free number 1800-1111-88

Thanks & Regards,

Sony India
Customer Care Center

I found price difference (less price) of Rs 3000/- to 5000/- for the product range RS.<20000/- from Sify Mall Shopping and IndiaTimes Shopping against Sony India Dealers price.
Will any one clarify why these diferences. Is those reputed online shoppers selling 2nd hands goods or somethings else ?? Any one any idea ??

 

[VideoEditingIndia]

To transfer MiniDV to system you need a Firewire Card which cost around Rs. 450 If your Camera supports USB You can even use the USB Capture, but its not recommended.

Yes, You can Reuse MiniDV 100 Times or till it die, but we don't recommend to use it more than 5 times for home use and more than 2 times for Studio use.

You can buy a MinIDV tape for around Rs.100(I am getting it for Rs.70 in Chennai) which will record 60Mins in SP mode (I dont recommend LP mode)

To capture MINIDV to Computer, you don't need any recorder/device. You can use your Camcorder itself for home use.

MiniDV uses DV Codec which is a 5:1 compression which is rated as the best editing format till date. I recommend you to use Panasonic DV Codec to capture other than SONY/Microsoft DV codec, even if you have Sony/Canon camcorders.

Usually You will get a software to capture. If not, don't worry I will provide some good softwares. You can contact me in Digit Forums or enquiry at videoeditingindia.com

Yes, Dont buy online, Go to the dealer and buy any good Camcorder. And again if you are buying a SONY camcorder, be ready to POST lof of stupid questions in this forum future...

If you can't trust me about Panasonic DV, Visit pana3ccduser.com

 

[skghosh44]

Thanks for lots of pains taken to clear my doubt. Now let me decide to what to do. I will open this thread as soon as I purchased the same. Bye the way are your engaged with videography ?

 

[VideoEditingIndia]

are your engaged with videography

No, I am a Film Editor in Prasad Studio, Chennai

 

[skghosh44]

OK. very fine. I will contact you when as an when required, hope u will help me.
thanks

 

[VideoEditingIndia]

Man, Are you going for a SONY?

 

[skghosh44]

Yet not decided will think after Durga Puja. Now re-search and analysis is going on about price/quality. My choice is sony DCR HC38E.

 

[Kiran.dks]

I have written a detailed article in my website. Here is the link:

Buying Guide to Digital Camcorder

 

[skghosh44]

I have written a detailed article in my website. Here is the link:

Buying Guide to Digital Camcorder

Nice guides for a newbe like me. I copy paste your guides in my PC for future reference. Whqt brands u suggest.

 

[Kiran.dks]

There is no fixed brand dude. It all depends upon which camera you are purchasing and your budget. First decide your budget and then look for features rich camera from either Sony, Canon, Panasonic or JVC. All offer good handycams.

 

[VideoEditingIndia]

get a sony 1 only

May we know why?

get a dvd handycam ......

Again can you provide the reasons why DVD is better than DV

Kiran,

You may find this link interesting?
*www.itportal.org/News/Guides/10_Things_you_should_know_before_buying_a_Camcorder/