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Thread ID: 60152 2005-07-24 06:51:00 Digital Video Camera - Buying Advice Please Tukapa (62) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
374821 2005-07-24 06:51:00 Hi

I am just after some advice about buying a digital video camera from anybody who has the knowledge or uses one regularly.

First - is the 3CCD technology worth the extra money?
Second - is it worth paying the little bit extra for the ability to attach external lighting and microphones?
Third - what makes and models do you use (or have used) and recommend (or despise)?

I have looked at the follwoing three models:

Canon MV850i www.canon.co.nz

Canon MVX330i
www.canon.co.nz

Panasonic NV-GS150
panasonic.com.au

Panasonic NV-GS75
panasonic.com.au

I don't need the ability for good quality stills as I have a good still digital camera already.

Any thoughts/recommendations/advice gratefully accepted.

Thanks in advance
Tukapa (62)
374822 2005-07-24 07:28:00 I have the Panasonic NV-DS30A cam . Might be a bit old now, but it does what I want . I only brought it coz it has firewire onboard, and a com port which can be used for still pics .

BUT in XP, once connected, it can take pics anyway . Just by using the firewire .

If u want to edit the video, xfer / burn it to dvd later make sure it has firewire on it .

A lot easier to xfer . USB 2 is OK, but not as fast as firewire for this .

It may also depend on what version of Windows you're using .

As some cams may not get detected in other OS's but XP .

Like the cam I use, XP detects it no prob at all . However, Windows 2000 didnt look at it at all . (BUT Windows 2000 detected the firewire card) .

All you need (if u get a cam with firewire), is a firewire PCI card (If firewire isnt onboard the computer) .
Speedy Gonzales (78)
374823 2005-07-24 07:39:00 First - is the 3CCD technology worth the extra money?
Second - is it worth paying the little bit extra for the ability to attach external lighting and microphones?
Third - what makes and models do you use (or have used) and recommend (or despise)?


1) For an average home user, no.
2) For an average home user, no.
3) I have used both the small Panasonic miniDV cameras (NV something), and also a new 3CCD Panasonic camera. They are both great, compact, excellent battery life (esp. with the high-capacity batteries), and image quality is great. Unless you want to go semi-pro, there's no point getting external lights/mics, or 3CCD - it's money which would be better spent elsewhere. I'd say you could get one which would do the job you want well under $1000

Personally, I'd say something like panasonic.com.au would be fine for an average user.
somebody (208)
374824 2005-07-24 09:17:00 I have the canonMV600i which is a few years old now, had no problems, only bad point is battery power is a bit sucky..
I choose it for the fact it has analogue to digital converter built, without going through tape...Shop around for an end of line model and you can pick them up for a bargain
To get a Sony that did the A-D conversion was a xtra $500....
plod (107)
374825 2005-07-24 11:42:00 Thanks

I am currently awaiting delivery of a USB 2.0/Firewire 400 combo PCI card so have all the connection bases covered.

According to Pricespy I can get the Panasonic NV-GS150 for $1394. I don't know whether that is overkill for what I want but I tend to try and 'future-proof' to a certain extent when I purchase.

Thanks for all your thoughts.
Tukapa (62)
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