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Thread ID: 90911	2008-06-20 00:09:00	Sony or Panasonic Video Camera?	Lizard (2409)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
680425	2008-06-27 05:32:00	I have a few hundred tapes here, Hi-8, Digital-8, MiniDV, I have cameras that can play any I need to edit old stuff if I ever have to. I have tapes going back to 1984. A couple of times I have recorded back to tape (but a new blank tape of course, not overwriting anything) Just to keep an extra backup of what I had done. I normally keep a text file of my tapes and that shows what is on each tape by number and a timestamp of where things are on them so I can find anything reasonably quickly if needed. I also lock the tabs on the tapes once I have all I want on them.	Bantu (52)
680426	2008-07-01 10:30:00	Just to close things off on this thread: Thanks for all the info guys - in the end, I took your advice and got the Sony HDR-HC5E Hi-Def MiniDV. In short, it's brilliant. Though I spent more than I thought I would, I've got a camera that's pretty good with low light, has an abundance of connectivity options, and has a really sturdy feel to it. I haven't yet tried the supplied software (though I'm not expecting much), and once I've had a chance to experiment with it, I'll probably look into a full fledged editing program. I've had a look on trademe at MiniDV tapes, and they're about half price compared to retail stores, which is good. I also googled local stores for batteries - there are some third-party batteries and chargers which look to be much cheaper than the Sony branded batteries. I'll probably look into this in the next few weeks, as it's a hassle having to charge the battery on the camera, though $300 for a sony-branded charger seems pretty steep. All in all, I'm pretty happy. Thanks guys.	Lizard (2409)
680427	2008-07-01 19:41:00	Just to close things off on this thread: Thanks for all the info guys - in the end, I took your advice and got the Sony HDR-HC5E Hi-Def MiniDV. In short, it's brilliant. Though I spent more than I thought I would, I've got a camera that's pretty good with low light, has an abundance of connectivity options, and has a really sturdy feel to it. I haven't yet tried the supplied software (though I'm not expecting much), and once I've had a chance to experiment with it, I'll probably look into a full fledged editing program. I've had a look on trademe at MiniDV tapes, and they're about half price compared to retail stores, which is good. I also googled local stores for batteries - there are some third-party batteries and chargers which look to be much cheaper than the Sony branded batteries. I'll probably look into this in the next few weeks, as it's a hassle having to charge the battery on the camera, though $300 for a sony-branded charger seems pretty steep. All in all, I'm pretty happy. Thanks guys. Just a thought... I have had a bad run with non Sony batteries. I was told they are OK if you buy a compatible charger and don't use the cam to charge them. I would go Sony batteries as I did with my HC3. A good investment is a mic and small light for the dedicated hotshoe. The mic helps in windy conditions and the light is a boon at odd times. Have fun with your new baby.. Ken	kenj (9738)
680428	2008-07-01 20:28:00	Just to close things off on this thread: Thanks for all the info guys - in the end, I took your advice and got the Sony HDR-HC5E Hi-Def MiniDV. In short, it's brilliant. Though I spent more than I thought I would, I've got a camera that's pretty good with low light, has an abundance of connectivity options, and has a really sturdy feel to it. I haven't yet tried the supplied software (though I'm not expecting much), and once I've had a chance to experiment with it, I'll probably look into a full fledged editing program. I've had a look on trademe at MiniDV tapes, and they're about half price compared to retail stores, which is good. I also googled local stores for batteries - there are some third-party batteries and chargers which look to be much cheaper than the Sony branded batteries. I'll probably look into this in the next few weeks, as it's a hassle having to charge the battery on the camera, though $300 for a sony-branded charger seems pretty steep. All in all, I'm pretty happy. Thanks guys. I've been using a Sony DCR-TRV740E for a few years now.Bought it so I can play back older tapes,it uses Digital 8's. Have decided that the next one will also be a tape machine as I have saved all my master tapes. As kenj says, I also would stick with the Sony batteries.Have two heavier duty ones that last over an hour each.And I charge them on the camera which can be a pain but I have manged so far!! Also can use the camcorder to feed VCR/VHS tapes through as it digitizes the signal for the pc. Sounds like you've picked a camcorder I'd be happy with.	Neil McC (178)
680429	2008-07-02 08:02:00	Just a thought... I have had a bad run with non Sony batteries. I was told they are OK if you buy a compatible charger and don't use the cam to charge them. I would go Sony batteries as I did with my HC3. A good investment is a mic and small light for the dedicated hotshoe. The mic helps in windy conditions and the light is a boon at odd times. Have fun with your new baby.. Ken I've seen that Sony make a 3W video light which is compatible with the HC5E. How bright would 3W be?	Lizard (2409)
680430	2008-07-02 10:23:00	Not very bright at all. I just use it for pushing a wee bit of light into a face from close up. They do make a standalone one which has an on/off switch and is powered by AA batteries but I think they are quite expensive. Clamps on to the tripod screw on the base of the camcorder. I think 10W? Ken	kenj (9738)
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