CGTalk - DVD Camcorders

Clondike7

05-25-2004, 07:43 PM

Hi. I hope this is the proper thread for this.

I'm planning to buy a new camcorder since my old one got stolen. I want to get a DVD camcorder but all I see everywhere use 3inch mini-DVDs that only record 30min. And I hear that you have to format the disc and finalize it which requires letting the camera sit still for some periods of time.
I plan on using it to record conferences and make copies for my collegues.

The simple version of this is: Is there a DVD camcorder that records on full-size DVD (4.7GB) at least 1hour of video? Or would I be better off buying a mini-DV/Hi8 camera that allows higher recording time and copy to VHS or burn on DVD? And whats a good DVD prog that allows to play on DVD players.

Oh, price range is $3K and under (lower is better).

Thank you for your time.

Clondike7

05-26-2004, 02:04 AM

anyone? please?

parallax

05-26-2004, 08:40 AM

-DV has better quality, those DVD camcorders record MPEG2
-DV is cheaper
-DV is crossplatform
-DV is abundant
-DV is field proven

You figure it out :)

CgFX

05-26-2004, 05:18 PM

Don't forget...

DV tape mechanisms are FAR more prone to failure than a disc mechanism.

There is no easy answer. All his points are valid about the benefits to DV although I wish tape mechanisms on sub-$2000 cameras were much more robust.

I would focus on image quality. At this point it would be a big mistake not to get a 3-chip (3 x CCD) camera. Especially since you can get some under $1000. With a budget of $2000-3000 there are some great 3 chip cameras with much more robust tape mechanisms. The Canon's immediately jump to mind.

I would also take a look at the Hi-Def (HDTV) units that are coming out now. The format that JVC introduced has been standardized on and I think that camera is sub-$3000.

parallax

05-26-2004, 06:27 PM

Very true, all the moving parts in a tape-based camcorder are bound to break down sometime, and the tear and wear might be bigger in a DV campcorder.
This might be the only thing that speaks for the DVD camcorder IMO, and the fact that you can immediately watch your footage on your DVD player. Of course, this is not really a proven technology, so you won't know for certain that a given DVD will be playable on your deck. Also keep in mind that a laser can't burn for 100 years on end, it might break down as fast as a taperecorder.

Clondike7

05-26-2004, 08:29 PM

thanks for the response guys, i guess im gonna go with the MiniDV. seems more trusting.

Once again, thanks! :beer:

Joel Hooks

05-27-2004, 12:36 PM

The Panasonic DVX-100a is the camera to get in the sub-$3k . We were talking about it yesterday here (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=144858) .

mastermesh

05-28-2004, 01:39 AM

and have no budget... otherwise I'd buy it up myself... anyways... that having been said... froogle is your friend :)
Found this link where it's selling for $1450.00 used instead of the $3k that it's going at most places!!! Hurry if you really think it's legit...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000075AEV/ref%3Dnosim/teijn2-20/%26afsrc%3D1/103-0485234-9121410

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