Need Advice on MiniDV Camera

JonS · 01-05-2004, 08:09 PM

I am in the process of looking for a new camcorder. I will use it to make short films with my friends and family, basically my own personal film school since I cant go to the real thing. I want to be able to film something, transfer it to my computer, edit it and then burn it to DVD or transfer back to tape. I have always been scared of using digital or even transferring video to my computer to edit because of pixelization/dropped frames/out of sync audio/etc. I would appreciate any explanations of this stuff, I have read a million websites on this stuff so far, so I am really just looking for personal opinions and advice.

I know NOTHING about digital. All I have ever used was 8mm tape cameras. But, I have learned that MiniDV is what I am looking for.

The camera that looks the best to me for my price range is the Sony DCRTRV19, then again I really have no idea about this stuff.

Any advice on cameras, video cards, or anything else would be greatly appreciated.

Scott Merryfield · 01-06-2004, 08:49 AM

I cannot help regarding the camera to PC issues, but I do own the next model up (TRV22) from the one you are considering. One feature missing in the TRV19 that I really like in the TRV22 is the color viewfinder. This is the first camcorder I've owned with this feature, after owning 8mm and Hi8mm models with b&w viewfinders for many years. It's much easier to see what you are recording with the color viewfinder, and I generally prefer using it over the pull-out LCD screen.

Jack Fanning · 01-06-2004, 10:14 AM

Jon, I have some of the same questions as you.

I did just purchase a new mini-dv camcorder however, and so far I like it:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000088USX/qid=1073405574/br=1-2/ref=br_lf_p_2//104-7307101-4211932?v=glance&s=photo&n=754484

ClintS · 01-06-2004, 10:14 AM

I am doing what you ask, taking MiniDV to pc and burning to DVD. I am still trying several software packages. Nero Suite seems fairly easy but basic. I also am having trouble with losing frames during the transfer. I have used the microsoft moviemaker with windows xp it is easy and worked flawlessly. I then took this movie and authored it to DVD using nero.

I use a panasonic camera, so far its been really nice, very small and cheaper than the sony by a couple hundred dollars with most of the same features. Its the PV-GS50

Randy Tennison · 01-06-2004, 10:31 AM

I do quite a bit of video work. I use a Canon GL-1 (which you might look at on the resale market. It has been replaced by the GL-2, so you might be able to get a used on pretty cheap). I use Adobe Premier for video editing, although in the beginning I used Pinnacle Studio DV 7 (now replaced by Studio 8). I would highly recommend Studio DV for starting movie makers. It's very easy to use.

If you have a good computer system (up to date), with lots of ram (it's cheap, so definately spend the money), a defragged hard drive (or even better, a 2nd hard drive just for raw video footage, to seperate the operating system from the video footage), and a firewire card, you shouldn't have problems with dropped frames. Your computer needs to be as "clean" as possible (with few running processes, such as virus protection, etc.).

Here is a great website, with lots of articles and forums for videomakers.

www.computervideomaker.com

Enjoy your new hobby!

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Leila Dougan · 01-06-2004, 10:51 AM

I have the next step up from Scott's...the TRV33. Great camera! I love it. The camera is small and light, yet takes excellent video and decent stills. It does well under low-light conditions which is more than Canon's similarly priced cameras can say.

I did the bulk of my research at www.camcorderinfo.com. It's a very informative site with not only reviews, but plenty of articles explaining different aspects of the camcorders.

If you decide to purchase online, beware of grey-market retailers. While they have cheap prices, avoid them at all costs. I bought my camera from B&H Photo (www.bhphotovideo.com) and these guys were awesome. Not only was the camera much much cheaper than anybody else (online or off, save for the aforementioned grey-market), I also got a $50 gift card for more accessories. Wherever you decide to purchase, check out resellerratings.com.

Scott Merryfield · 01-06-2004, 11:54 AM

I'll second Leila's recommendation on bhphotovideo.com. I didn't purchase my Sony TRV22 from them (I got it at OneCall.com), but I have purchased other camera equipment from them and had very good experiences.

I was initially drawn to the Canon's because of the more powerful optical zoom lens, but the better performance in low light and better lens was what sold me on the Sony. The image quality is great. I have not really bothered with the digital still photo feature, since I have a very good Canon PowerShot G3 digital camera already.

JonS · 01-06-2004, 12:06 PM

Thanks for all the help.

It's a hard and frustrating process researching what camera to buy.

I'm sure I'll have more questions in the coming days. Thanks again.

Drew Bethel · 01-06-2004, 03:37 PM

I'm not sure if this is in your budget but I just bought the PV-GS70 the Xmas and I'm thrilled with this camcorder. I got it fron onecall.com for $637 shipped afer a small rebate. Go to your nearest Circuit City and it will cost you $1k!

Seth--L · 01-06-2004, 03:57 PM

Quote:

I want to be able to film something, transfer it to my computer, edit it and then burn it to DVD or transfer back to tape.