bella4103

I have wanted to buy a new camcorder for a while now, but just recently started to actually shop around for one. I have been thinking about the sony handycam dcr sr42, but the reviews i read about it are not very promising. I do not know very much about cameras in general, so I was hoping someone could suggest a good camcorder that they have used before and really liked. I'll probably only use mine for stuff like home movies (vacations, recitals, etc.). I would like it to be a good size (not very large, easy to carry around) and take high quality footage that ca nbe easily transferred to a PC to be edited. I would also like to know which you think is more conveniant and easy to work with: tape, dvd, or hard drive based?Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

haslanros

Hello! Nice to share my hobby with you.I have evolve from using camera starting from Hi-8, Digital 8, MiniDV, DVD and now Hard Disc base and of more than 8 years using various model and brand.SONY cameras and CANON are most my preferred brand. Most cameras have pro and cons. But I assume that you are just a hobbyist and not taking picture professionally. You will learn to adapt and familiarized and learn to master the camcorder.Go for 3 CCD cameras or the CMOS camera. Don’t even consider single CCD.Go for High Definition Camcorder.As for media, consider seriously Hard Disc Base camera. I have unpleasant experience using Tape and DVD. DVD base camera has a short recording time (about 20 Minutes per DVD). Hard Disc will have longer recording time and generally the hard disc camcorder is smaller in size.As for Ease of editing, hard disc base Camcorder is the easiest. DVD second. Tape a bit of a hassle.Only problem travelling with Hard Disc base Camcorder is that you need to have access to a PC on your journey as you need to download and save the clips captured on your camcorder hard disc to a PC or external hard storage before your hard disc space ran out.As for my suggestion, get these accessories too. They are essential to you. 1. Additional Spare batteries 2. Desktop charger. 3. Good Carrying bag 4. Good Tripod 5. Lighting AccessoriesBest Regards.

zombi86

I wouldn't reccomend a hard-drive camera. Get a mini dv.