BS: Digital camcorder info

Subject: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: gnu
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 03:27 PM

I had trouble with my Sony mini tape whatsit. "If you download this software from Sony, your PC could fry now or in the future."

I use an HP with Win XP. If I get a new hard drive camcorder, what should I get? Anything "seamless" with MS XP? Panasonic or ... ?

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: Joe Offer
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 04:20 PM

I used a friend's camcorder (now about 2 years old), and was a bit disappointed. The USB connection and SD card worked only for still photos. Movies had to be recorded on tape and then transferred to computer by firewire cable. The video quality was excellent, however.

Have these shortcomings been resolved in newer camcorders?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: gnu
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 12:29 PM

Oh. I must add that another 'Catter said he had no problems with the Sony software... worked a treat. But, I earn my living on my PC so when I read a warning like that I back off.

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: M.Ted
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 01:54 PM

Consider Sanyo Dual --It doesn't have a Hard Drive, but puts everything on an SD card, and has USB connection, though I have found it easier just pop the SD into a card reader and copy it to the computer (I have a Mac, and don't need any additional software to upload or view the video files)--

I like it because it is very small, and I can carry it everywhere--the quality is excellent, you can shoot in HD, and you can shoot stills as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: M.Ted
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 02:41 PM

Here's a linkSanyo Dual

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: open mike
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 03:33 PM

I have have had good luck with Panasonic although it is a mini d v tape unit and i do not know much about hard drive units...
but fire wire is the way to go for transfers..

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 05:52 PM

I just tried the video facility on my digital camera, Fuji Finepix, for the first time (a 1Gb xD card gave 15 mins recording time). Recorded fine, and replayed OK on the camera. I thought I was going to be stuck unable to transfer the video to my Mac for lack of a firewire connection (the camera comes with a mini-USB to USB-A lead), but the USB lead brought up the camera as an icon on the desktop. The folder contained an AVI-type file which I duplicated to the desktop and thence to a CD-R. Took about six or seven minuted for a five-minute video clip. The clip plays off the desktop in Quicktime. I was expecting to be able to use iMovie to edit the clip, but the package seems to have disappeared from my desktop, leaving only its name and a question-mark icon.

I guess the resolution may leave something to be desired compared with a dedicated video camera, but I was very happy with the result.

Ross

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: Micca
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 07:12 PM

I have and am using a Panasonic HDC-HS9 and am really happy with it. it has a 60Gb hard drive and uses SDHC cards. It records HD video into the AVCHD format and (with the proper editor, I am using Pinnacle 12)it produces a HD image (which is Broadcast quality on my TV) and full surround stereo due to the built in 5 channel mics which seem to to be very effective.

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: gnu
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 07:17 PM

Micca... easy to use it on a PC?

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: DMcG
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 02:51 AM

I used a Fuji Finepix for years, as well, without problems. Here's a You-tube'd example. Now I use a Samsung VP-MX10 which was a birthday present and no problems on that either.

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: DMcG
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 02:57 AM

Much of the grain in that image comes from reducing the quality to fit on you-tube, by the way. The original is much sharper.

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: olddude
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 02:24 PM

Gary
PM DWDITTY, I forget what he is using but it was really inexpensive and it amazing at the video and sound quality, he just got it about 6 months ago

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: gnu
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 03:11 PM

"really inexpensive"... you know me like a brother! Hahahahaa.

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: Micca
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 04:58 PM

Gnu, you need the Editor to handle the HD video but it is a doddle to edit with it and to produce very professional looking films with fades and wipes like the pros use.

Subject: RE: BS: Digital camcorder info
From: gnu
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 05:05 PM

Ahhh... I need the "Editor"???

Okay... so, what digital camcorder will work with MS out of the box?