Best Cheap Camcorder?

EoghanMcDowell · Post by **EoghanMcDowell** » 05 Dec 2007 13:23

Does anybody here have any input on what would be a really good Camcorder for footbag videos and anything else. I looked on circuit city's website, but I'm not well educated in camera technology. So if anybodies got opinions about what the best would be, i would appreciate it. Nothing thats like 4,000 bucks, though, thats just overdoing it.

Eoghan

Post by **Zac Miley** » 05 Dec 2007 14:10

There are a few topics on this.

http://modified.in/footbag/viewtopic.ph ... ght=camera

EoghanMcDowell · Post by **EoghanMcDowell** » 05 Dec 2007 14:40

Thanks for the link, but all the cameras discussed in that thread are way beyond my price range. I can't look into anything like 500 and up. I know they don't make super good cameras for such a low price, but i want one better then the horrible crappy digital one i have now. So any suggestions?

Muffinman · Post by **Muffinman** » 05 Dec 2007 15:15

It's wicked to do research before making a purchase like this, even if it is just a couple hundred dollars. I researched for, like, a month straight for a camcorder I wanted (and haven't even got yet).

You want to stick with a big name, like, Sony, JVC, Canon, etc.
My experience with Canon is weak. I have a camcorder from the ZR series and have had many problems with it. The camcorder I was looking to get with all of that research was also Canon and was reported to have the exact same tape-mechanism flaw. For this reason I would suggest staying away from Canon.

Sam Colclough has had good experience with Sony, and I always wanted to get one. And Eli Piltz (professional video..grapher?) suggested JVC, I think.

You can probably get a decent digital camcorder from one of these companies for about $300-$500 for sure. Do a bit of online research. Read multiple reviews of each camcorder you are considering. Usually a review will have related product reviews -- check those out too. Compare. CNET reviews are WIIIICKED. There is another website too, but I forget. Maybe, like camcorderreviews.com or something? I'm sure that's wrong, but, like, do a Google search.

Good luck.
Feel free to PM me or whatever if you have questions or anything.

EDIT: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ is that other review site

Pengu · Post by **Pengu** » 05 Dec 2007 15:55

Basic miniDV camcorders are going for about $199 these days if the higher-end ones are out of your budget. Or buy used or refurbished.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/prod ... lid=566643

I don't know anything about camcorders though.

Too bad you missed black Friday. There were some pretty crazy electronics deals that weekend.

EoghanMcDowell · Post by **EoghanMcDowell** » 05 Dec 2007 16:14

Thanks for the info, heres another question. Whats better? Should i try going for something with a HD? Or is MiniDV good? I have experiance with miniDV cameras, and i know it's a pretty decent recording format, but i keep hearing it's going to be obsolete in a few years, but then again what isn't? I just want to make the best decision. One that will last and stay good throughout. I want something with a good enough video capture quality to catch the really fast tricks in footbag, as every other camera I've used blurs out on one legged double dex's like DATW and double pickup.

Eoghan

Muffinman · Post by **Muffinman** » 05 Dec 2007 17:02

Unless you're looking to spend thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, MiniDV is great. What the heck is your price range?

EDIT: Plus I don't think MiniDV is going to be outdated in the near future. I think most consumer level camcorders, even the higher-class HD ones still support MiniDV tapes (they record on HD MiniDV and regular MiniDV, I think... something like that). I would recommend staying away from DVD or harddrive camcorders. MiniDV is the most reliable consumer recording medium on the market right now, because it is the most common. DVD and harddrive are still kind of experimental from what I understand. They are new. Plus, I wouldn't suggest a harddrive camcorder if you plan on filming at footbag events, unless you have a laptop of external harddrive with you all the time, or some crap.

I'm not an expert, but Buying HD because you think MiniDV will be gone soon seems silly. I would personally choose functionality over quality. Are you a point-and-shooter? Have you used a camcorder before extensively? I suggest reading some reviews and doing research. Reviews will have ratings based on functions of a camcorder and what a specific user may be looking for.

EoghanMcDowell · Post by **EoghanMcDowell** » 05 Dec 2007 17:25

Thanks Erik, I'll check out that website. I have a camera in my sights right now, so we'll see what happens. If anyones got any more input on a specific camera, would like to hear that to. Anyways thanks to everybody for the info, it's greatly appreciated. I'll post again if i find out what I'm gonna do. i guess it's fair to tell yall, but I'm not buying this camera myself, I'm gonna ask my dad for it for a christmas present. I'm only 15, and can't really afford anything like that myself just yet. Again thanks for the input. Cheers

Eoghan