platinumtlc
01-02-2009, 01:20 AM
Hey all, I need some help deciding on a digital camcorder. I haven't recorded video other than on my regular still-cameras, which are only good for web video and they are pretty blocky/pixely. I have a budget of around $400 for a good quality and reliable digital camcorder. I have tried researching and I feel overwhelmed by all the options/alternatives that I have.
Here is what I want:
I want to be able to upload the video on my laptop to edit it, and then burn it onto a DVD afterwards.
I would also like high-definition, but I read that to play it back, you would have to connect the camera directly to the HDTV, or burn it and play it on a Blu-Ray disc. I do not have a blu-ray player and I don't like to just connect the camera to the TV to play it, I would like to edit it on my laptop and then burn it and play it through a DVD.
I want a battery life of at least 1 hour. A lot of the cameras I've read said they are like 30 mins - 45 mins of battery life, which to me sounds crazy, I do not want to be on a trip somewhere and have to sit and wait for it to charge after 30 mins of use.
I don't have a need for any stills, I have a good digital camera. I won't be making professional movies with this, probably mainly family type events or trips that I go on, but I don't want crappy quality video, which is why I want HD because I figure as time goes on that would be the best value for my money.
I'm pretty much completely at a loss as to what I should get, and for $400 give or take, I do not want to make a bad decision. Any help would be appreciated.
Here is what I want:
I want to be able to upload the video on my laptop to edit it, and then burn it onto a DVD afterwards.
I would also like high-definition, but I read that to play it back, you would have to connect the camera directly to the HDTV, or burn it and play it on a Blu-Ray disc. I do not have a blu-ray player and I don't like to just connect the camera to the TV to play it, I would like to edit it on my laptop and then burn it and play it through a DVD.
I want a battery life of at least 1 hour. A lot of the cameras I've read said they are like 30 mins - 45 mins of battery life, which to me sounds crazy, I do not want to be on a trip somewhere and have to sit and wait for it to charge after 30 mins of use.
I don't have a need for any stills, I have a good digital camera. I won't be making professional movies with this, probably mainly family type events or trips that I go on, but I don't want crappy quality video, which is why I want HD because I figure as time goes on that would be the best value for my money.
I'm pretty much completely at a loss as to what I should get, and for $400 give or take, I do not want to make a bad decision. Any help would be appreciated.