Alright guys, this isn't necessarily MINI specific camera and video, but I'll be using it for the MINI forsure.

I'm looking for a decent mid-range priced MINI DV camera that will do the job. Nothing serious, just casual filming, and some motoring filming.

These are three that I can get a good deal on through a friend, and I wondered if some of you experts out there had some input:

http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/na...=SC-D903%2fXAA

http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/na...=SC-D107%2fXAA

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/con...4&modelid=9738

Thanks guys, any input is appreciated :-D

 

I think it depends on your eventual goal. That is, I wouldn't even consider the first Samsung camcorder model you list here if you are even remotely interested in adding a VacuCam in the future.

The 2nd Samsung and the Canon are more likely to be compatible simply because they support Analog In.

As far as either of these 2 models, I'm not personally familiar with the models, but I would highly recommend going to a store that sells them and trying them out.

One of the "new" camcorder features is a zoom rocker that goes left to right instead of forward and back. I mean how dumb is that? You hold a camcorder, and push the zoom **** forward to zoom in, push it back to zoom back right? That's how it SHOULD work. But even Sony is now selling camcorders that you push the rocker left and right---presumably to conserve space.

The Canon's are this way I believe. I have a Canon ZR10 and the rocker is left and right as well.

One more consideration, and there isn't a cheap solution. Should you decide to use this camcorder in your car, you won't be able to take advantage of a remote start/stop switch which allows you to start and stop recording without touching the camcorder. You need a camcorder with a LANC port and more and more camcorders have replaced them with USB ports.

If you can find a good condition Canon ZR-10, I would highly recommend it. It's got LANC, Analog in, and is very compact. Many people doing extreme sports video--use this camera because of it's size and features. It can be found on eBay ranging from $50 to $200 depending on condition. Heh heh, you'll often find me bidding there as well on them.

Now if adding a VacuCam is out of the question, then any of those camcorders should be fine. The miniDV format is so good that even the least expensive camcorders produce very good footage.

I personally like to stick with Sony simply because every software manufacturer supports it--should you decide to do some video editing. Canon would be my next choice, with Samsung somewhere after.

Just my 2cents.

Richard

 

Thanks Richard! I appreciate the input, as always.

VacuCam is a definite possibility in the future, so thanks for bringing that up. I'm essentially getting this camcorder for free, and those are the three that are available to me. I don't want to get something crappy, but something that will work. I figure if I need something better in the future I can ebay this one and buy a better one, or something like that.

So you'd go with a lower end Canon over a middle of the line Samsung?

Also, the other question I have... I noticed that the Samsungs have different CCD's... one has a 612K CCD, and the other without the analog in has a 1 megapixel CCD. What kind of difference will that make?

Thanks!

 

You're welcome!

I guess I lean towards Canon because I have more experience with them. I like Samsung products. They make feature rich products because as a Korean brand and a slight underdog to the Japanese companies, they need to attract people like me to their products.

I have several Samsung DVD players, but none of their camcorders, so I really can't comment on them.

Again, I would stop by Circuit City, Fry's, or the Good Guys and hold both of them and see how they feel. Look through the viewfinder and see if they are comfortable. See how it feels to zoom and whether the controls are intuitive or not.

Since you are destined to getting one of these 3, you might as well find the easiest to use one. I would also do a search on the forums, or even join the Google List Serve I'm on called DV-L
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/DV-L

Ask the same question there--we're all professionals and eager to help.

Richard

 

Awesome, I'll go do that right now actually :D

 

Hey Richard, I applied to join the group a few days ago, and I haven't been approved yet... Any ideas?

 

Oh the list mod must be on holiday right now. He should be back in by Monday.

Btw, FYI, another NAM member bought a SONY HC-30 from Costco for $479. I have details on the Camcorder suggestions here on this forum. I know it's not an option for you, but thought I'd throw it out. It has LANC and Analog In, though I haven't tested this yet.

Richard

 

Cool... Thanks for the quick reply...

I definitely think I'm going with the Canon at this point.

 

Since the ZR-10 is defunct, Are the Canon ZR-100, 200, 300 also recommended ? Do they have the input ?

 

The best way I know to answer your question is to simply visit www.bhphotovideo.com and navigate to Consumer Video.
http://tinyurl.com/5ph8c

Looking at this page, click the Specifications tab and scroll down to the INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTORS. For the ZR-100 you will see this:

Input/Output Connectors
Line In Recording Yes - analog & digital with pass through
Inputs IEEE-1394 (Firewire) x1
Audio/Video x1 - mini jack
Outputs Same as inputs
Edit Protocol No
Microphone Input No
Headphone Jack No

So yes the ZR-100 has analog in, but notice Edit Protocol says No. This usually refers to whether it has a LANC port or not. That means you cannot use a Remote Start/Stop to control the camcorder. I believe Canon has removed this crucial function on all camcorders under $2,500. I believe their GL series and XL are now the only ones from Canon with this capability.

 

Thank you ..