Quest for a Digital Camcorder - I need help

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From: Dr. Indera (dr.indera.bugoff_at_cant.spam.me)
Date: 10/07/04

  • Next message: Jerry: "Re: Video drivers" 
    Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 16:41:37 -0400

    hello,

    i have started my search for a digital camcorder with picture taking
    abilities.

    i came across some models that have 3CCD.
    i read reviews of this, but really didn't understand anything other than
    3CCD is better than 1 because each ccd is for a different color which makes
    the color more realistic and accurate.
    what did i miss?

    the majority of the models i looked at only had 1CCD.
    does the CCD size matter?

    i know that i need a model that supports an external video light.

    i've come to the conclusion that lines of resolution is important and that
    you need a minimum of 500.
    the problem i'm having is that the specs don't seem to list this feature.

    digital zoom vs optical zoom - i read a few articles on this feature.
    this is what i understand - digital zoom enlarges part of the image to fill
    the screen, but leads to grainy video/pictures.
    optical zoom is better. i don't know though, what optical zoom does. can
    someone tell me?

    i would like to be able to take pictures that can be printed in 8x10.

    i went the store today to see the models below, but realized that i needed
    more information first, which is the reason for this email - i want to get
    advise from people that actually own a camcorder.

    canon elura 65 or 70
    sony hc40
    panasonic pv-gs200 - expensive

    what do you think of these models?

    the sales people said that sony is better than either of these brands, but
    the reviews of sony models that i've read, aren't so good.
    before reading the reviews, i was learning towards a sony because they make
    the cameras that the news cameramen use - don't ask <smile>

    i held one or two models, sony i think, that saved the movies to a dvd. for
    me, they were somewhat awkward to hold.
    it could be because i have the hands of the average 12 year old.

    which brands and/or models should i stay clear of?

    which 3 are the best in the $500-650 range?

    what are the top 5 features that i "need" to have?

    my concerns are:

    - night time video - i have a digital camera that does video and the video i
    take at night or even indoors is terrible.
    apparently, i am really a night person as 90% of the video that i've taken
    is at night or outside at night.

    - relatively easy to use. i have a phd, but don't want to use it to take
    video - LOL

    - battery life. i'd like the battery to last as long as the tape does.

    i know this email is long and i'm sorry, but i wanted to explain the little
    that i know about what is apparently going to be an expensive purchase.
    <smile>

    thank you. 

    -- 
Indera
* * * * * * * * * *
Don't just live life.
Live life well.
  • Next message: Jerry: "Re: Video drivers"

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