Mini DV

[crazyinjun]

Ive been looking at reviews between 3 different digital camcorders. I cant seem to make a decision,

My Choices

1.) Sharp Sharp Viewcam VL-WD450U

2.) Canon Optura 200MC

3.) Canon Elura 40MC

Which one should i go for. Can you help a brother out please?....

*Note - between the three im not looking at the price tag, I just want the better performing one out of the three in majority of significant catagories.

Links to cnet reviews:

Sharp - http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-6342639-1304-6949931.html?tag=dir
Canon Optura - http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-6342639-1304-20261707.html?tag=byline
Canon Elura - http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-6342639-1304-9873615.html?tag=byline

 

[LethalWolfe]

Honestly I'd check out the Canon Optura 100MC. I know the 200MC is the "replacement" for the 100MC, but 100MC is still a better video camera, IMO. The 200 seems to have more options for taking stills, but the 100MC has a better CCD, lens, and it has a "hot shoe" (so you can attach a better light, or mic to the top of the camera). Not to mention that the 100MC is lighter, and less expensive.


Lethal

 

[Greenwald]

You should hop over to the DV.com website. You'll get lots of help and answers over there by a lot of experts. The smaller cams you're looking at are difficult to hold steady when shooting compared to a typical video camera. My first camera was a viewcam (8mm). While it took ok pictures for it's format, my shooting was all over the place. With my sony, I can get much more steady shots which translate into more usable footage.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Originally posted by: Greenwald
You should hop over to the DV.com website. You'll get lots of help and answers over there by a lot of experts. The smaller cams you're looking at are difficult to hold steady when shooting compared to a typical video camera. My first camera was a viewcam (8mm). While it took ok pictures for it's format, my shooting was all over the place. With my sony, I can get much more steady shots which translate into more usable footage.

You can also use a tripod.


Lethal

 

[crazyinjun]

Um...DV.com doesnt have any reviews over any of thos camcorders... but anyways doesnt the optical stabalization on, i think all the camcorders, eliminate camera shake pretty much?....

Does anyone know where i can buy an Optura 100MC for cheap...I might wait untill after christmas.

 

[rbV5]

Take a look at the Panasonic PV-DV952 also, but its a little bit more expensive than the models you are looking at. I'm looking at DV cams also, and if you are looking at Optura 200MC, you might look at the panasonic for a littler more.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Originally posted by: crazyinjun
Um...DV.com doesnt have any reviews over any of thos camcorders... but anyways doesnt the optical stabalization on, i think all the camcorders, eliminate camera shake pretty much?....

Does anyone know where i can buy an Optura 100MC for cheap...I might wait untill after christmas.

Most cosumer cameras have digital image stabalization (which degrades image quality) only the newer and/or more expensive cameras have optical. As for places to buy thre is always amazon.com and also look atbhphotovideo.com. Also, most hi-end camera shops carry a nice variety of good MiniDV cameras (at least around here they do).


Lethal

 

[rbV5]

only the newer and/or more expensive cameras have optical.

That one of the reasons why I'm looking at that panansonic, its seems to bring alot to the table and to be quite a deal for just over $1300 shipped at BuyDig? I just can't quite pull the trigger yet feeling I'm missing something important...O, sorry to hijack your thread I'm looking at the same models as you are.

 

[crazyinjun]

Well, i know the Optura and the Elura have optical stabalization, but im not sure about the sharp... I have also looked at the Panasonic Palmcorder PV-DV901 which seems great for its price $612, I havent looked into the DV952 but I will give it consideration (I am reluctant to spend that much money on a camcorder). There are so many good camcorders! I cant chose which one to buy!

I am guessing the best price/performance camcorder would be the Panasonic Palmcorder PV-DV901....but I want the best under 1000 (Atleast I think.)

O, sorry to hijack your thread I'm looking at the same models as you are. -RB V5

I dont mind

 

[rbV5]

I am reluctant to spend that much money on a camcorder

Me too, hence my fence sitting. It seems that there is always something a bit better for a little more, but the 3CCD's of the panasonic seem to set it apart from the models immediately below it. I'm looking at a $1000 budget (actually $2000 for digicam + dvcam) Right now, I'm really leaning toward the PV-DV952 + the Canon G2 and I can just scrape under.