Digital Camcorders

[Matt D.]

I'm looking at digital camcorders and was just wondering what everyone thought of this one: Canon ZR60 (http://www.canondv.com/zr60/)

Any opinions and suggestions would be appreciated. I'd prefer a MiniDV one for less than $400. If you think I don't necessarily need MiniDV and could survive with Hi8/Digital8 then say so and why.

Only reason I'm asking is that one is on sale at Target through this Saturday ($80 off) and I also get a discount on top of it.

[Jakey]

Well I've been working with the Canon ZR70 for a school project and I really like it. I believe the ZR60 is just a couple of steps down from it. So I say go for it :bounce:

[1QUICK4]

I have a SONY Digital-8 camcorder and it has worked great for me. I bought it for $399 and the only thing I don't like is that there is no memory card for digital pictures.

There is a newer version on sale at Best Buy for $399 and it comes with a memory card slot.

[v8klla]

I work at circuit city, so maybe I could help you out. As far as difference between digital 8 and mini dv there is supposedly no difference in video quality. The last years sony models did not have a memory card for stills like he said, but even with one the still images are only 640 x 480 or .4 megapixels, rather low. For online use they would be fine I guess, but not for printing purposes.

I have a friend that has a similar canon and he loves it. the best part about the canons is the optical zoom, 20x is far better than any other brand in that price range. The sony's are nice though, only 10x zoom but they have the carl zeiss lense which is fast focusing and awesome in low light situations.

Basically here is what I would do, if you want the zoom at a low price go canon, otherwise if you could live with 10x I would go sony as i have heard good things about them and low light conditions, plus the lense rocks. We have the Son dcrtrv19 on sale for $449 this week with a free bag and tripod, which is down from 599 since the new models are in. No difference in features really, just new styling. This model does not have a memory card slot, but may not be needed depending on your application.

I work at the circuit in woodbury, stop in and see me if you are interested!

Chris Carey

[Matt D.]

I'll settle for the Canon ZR60 at $370 plus my 10% discount at Target, thanks. ;)

[1QUICK4]

Originally posted by v8klla@Feb 21 2004, 01:03 PM


the best part about the canons is the optical zoom, 20x is far better than any other brand in that price range. The sony's are nice though, only 10x zoom but they have the carl zeiss lense which is fast focusing and awesome in low light situations.


My SONY has a 20X zoom and a 700X digital zoom

[v8klla]

yep the digital 8's have the 20x zoom but no zeiss lens...All of the mini dv's have 10x.

Chris

[95gs?tcrush]

I also have a digital 8 But I have a memory card and a few other things. Plus I am workin on a fish eye and I am very happy with it. I wouldn't settle for anything less.

[MustGoFaster]

I have a JVC GR-DVL 120U. Picked it up new two years ago for $600 with two spare batterys and 4 tapes. Has 16X optical, 700X digital, MiniDV, firewire out, and still pics to tape. I like it, it's not as small as the cannons but it works good. Although the "NIGHT ALIVE" feature seems to slow it down a lot and not work the greatest.

[JET]

Do any of the camcorders have decent resolution for still pics? I would like one that can do both. Anything over 1 meg pix would probably work.