I’m looking to replace my 7 year old MiniDV camera and need some help. Here are my needs:
- More indoor / low-light filming of family events
- Small size is preferred
- Want something I can edit on a PC now, that will work with Apple iMovie in the future
- Open to an HD format – I have an HD 1080i plasma TV
- Would like to pay less than 0, but am open to a bit more if I’m getting something that is "future proof" for at least a bit
I’d love pointers to great cameras / camera brands, reliable review sites (I just found camcorderinfo.com – others?), and some guidance on hard disk vs. DVD vs. MiniDV and some guidance on new HD formats I’m seeing mentioned including AVHCD.
Thanks!
Even though you have a HD tv keep in mind unless you plan on watching your HD content that you recorded threw the camera every time I would stick to the regular ones unles you want to buy a Blu-ray burner and Player. As for the low light I would look into the JVC GZMG255, it has a 2.18 lens that works well in low light.
formats – mini dv = cameras can eat them and have to buy
mini dvd = have to buy media and finalize disc
hard drive = no media to buy, have to transfer.
Future proof is tough but the rest i can summarize for you…
The most future proof would be a Sony mini DV. It has the longest storage capacity, and in my opinion the safest. I know i have dropped just about everything i own. My cell phone the most.lol
But The Sony and Canon Mini dv camcorders are the best out. Sony has better pics in indoor settings though… the quality is excellent and you really don’t need high def for home video. MiniDv is Excellent quality.
Mini-DVD format is tougher to edit… where MiniDv is a "raw" format ready to edit….
any other questions, we are happy to help
For editing stick with Mini-DV
HD is over $1,000 as a general rule
There is the Canon TX-1 (or is it XT-1)
That is worth looking into
The problem with HD is you need paid software and you can’t burn HD dvd disks yet!
So you have to render as common SD files
Something from iMovie HD help that will interest you.
About Importing video and audio
You can create movies and import video in many different video and audio formats. iMovie HD supports importing video in common formats, such as standard digital video formats like NTSC and PAL, high definition video formats (HDV 720p and 1080i), and MPEG-4, 16:9 widescreen format, and clips from Apple’s iSight camera. Audio files must be in a format that works with QuickTime. In most cases, you won’t need to worry about the differences in video formats.
iMovie HD also allows you to export your movie in the most commonly used video formats for playing or editing on other video devices. So if you have a video project that has a special need, you can check the list of export formats you can use. Choose File > Share command , click QuickTime, and choose Expert Settings from the "Compress movie for" pop-up menu, and click Share. Open the Export pop-up menu to see a list of export formats you might select.