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DV cameras?

ask on 2002-09-05T09:32:31

Recommendations on DV cameras would be appreciated.

Consumerish; I have a huge digital photo camera already, don't want a huge digital video camera too. So size is a factor.

Image and sound quality is too. You see, I try to make up for lack of skill with technical quality. :-) The GL2 looks fun, but huge. Huge not good.

"Value for money" is important too too, but price not too much.

I've looked at the Canon cameras, but I just get really confused. What's cool? What should I look for?

Sony

Matts on 2002-09-05T11:16:56

I've heard good things about the Sony 120.

Buying Advice

VSarkiss on 2002-09-05T15:03:35

I have a Panasonic I'm very happy with, though I can't remember the model number (it's at home, I'm at work).

I bought it after looking through Consumer Reports (the print edition). You have to pay for the actual product ratings, but they have free "Buying advice" that lists major vendors, features to look for, and so on.

My experience

acme on 2002-09-06T11:28:52

Just after OSCON2002 I bought myself a Canon Elura 40MC which I'm very impressed with. (Disclaimer: I work for Canon). My key reason for choosing it was its size: it is smaller than my old Kodak still digital camera! I chose Canon as they're generally good at hardware, and have good image stabilisation (much more important than you think). The 40MC has DV in, which is also dead useful: hard disk is still quite expensive so it's good to move everything back to tape. The zoom is pretty good. I haven't actually taken any photos with it (why? ;-) and basically I'm very happy with it. Oh, it doesn't have a built-in light, which could be a problem but I've been ok so far. iMovie rocks.

Of course, I haven't had much experience with other cameras. I recommend you play with one in real life first.

Re:My experience

ask on 2002-09-06T11:51:58

The Elura is what I've had most eyes on so far too. I'll try finding a store where I can play with them a bit.

The Optura models look attractive too. I can't quite figure out what the big difference is; they look very comparable. Grrh.