buy a Mini DV camcorder is like buying a car as the more expensive models cost eight times as much as the cheapest, they all have essentially the same parties and cooking similar to the uninitiated. So why spring $ 4,995 for a JVC GY-DV500U when a Samsung SCD67 has an MSRP of $ 600?
Or, to go, why not just a nice analog camcorder for $ 300 on the street? The short answer is, unless you plan to copy or change your tires, go right ahead: the quality of Hi8 camcorders is quite good. Otherwise, Mini-DV format is mainly higher because you can make exact digital copies, you can make changes without loss of quality (with some maintenance) you can make your precious video forever. Moreover, the ability to connect to a single cable and digital image editing with a desktop computer up to date is incredibly powerful, even with software that can
learning in one hour.
Then do a quick poll of the Mini DV format, so you can decide which camera to buy and how much to pay.
For the casual shooter
Today, you can find many DV penalty to $ 1,000 or less, all chock-block with useful features. Models like the Panasonic PV-DV101, RCA and many others use the CC9360 chip imaging (CCD), with a generous 680,000 pixels, high quality video images to produce.
A few entry-level cameras lack some useful features that can be found in more expensive
camera. If you just want to point and push, you can not miss the lack of manual shutter speed, aperture, focus and white balance, but you can control the camera without them. Many models lack analog (S-video or composite) inputs, which means you can not copy your old tapes to the camera to convert them to DV for archiving.
The Canon ZR20 is one of several models with a color viewfinder, which is better than black and white because it shows a truer picture of what you get (external displays are no longer accurate
Internal applicants. )
Finally, a few cameras in the category-S1000, like the Sharp VL-WD450U still images on a memory stick that can be inserted into card readers and loaded into the computer. Models with photos only tape record each frame as a freeze a few seconds, which should be located and
transferred like any other video recording, and this process is much less useful.
For the serious hobbyist
And what do you get when you go up to $ 1,000 to $ 2,000 price range? Part of the answer is
simple: all the desirable characteristics mentioned above, which are often missing from low-end camcorders. If you look at the array, you will see that these models are loaded.
Since most accessories will be used at this level, you want a shoe accessory to a light film or an external microphone to keep. Sony DCR-TRV17 and the Canon 10 elura both have this desirable feature. A headset is essential for every serious sound: think of headphones as a viewfinder for your ears. Most models in this series have them, but some omit this basic accessory.
In the range of $ 1,000 to $ 2,000, look for two very useful editing functions: remote controls and
docking station. JVC GR-DVM55 has both. In the second half, a distance is useful for nature photography and other special applications. In the editing is essential, because you can set the camera to a safe place and carry out his commands from the remote.
A docking station works just like an animal on a laptop. Instead of combating small spaghetti of wires and plugs and sockets every time you whip your rig changes, just plug everything permanently situated in docking and close the camera when you’re ready to edit.
For the professional turf
Camcorders between $ 2,000 and $ 5,000 are for the dedicated amateur, educational and government and business applications, including transmission.
The image quality of many of these cameras comes from a three-chip design. Directing each primary color of white light around her dedicated CCD, get better colors and higher resolution than a CCD camcorders.
High-end cameras also add significant professional characteristics. The Canon XL1S for example, offers interchangeable lenses professional level, including some designed for, in particular.
Another important improvement is the professional XLR microphone, which is much more amateur mini-plugs for many reasons. Moreover, a model, the JVC JY VS200U includes an integrated sound level meter directly in sight.
Finally, some high-end models use optical image stabilization instead of electronic. Although both
systems work well, the approach generally results in high optical resolution and image quality.
Last, but certainly not least, the best Mini DV camcorders are designed and constructed to the satisfaction of robustness and precision. To return to our metaphor automotive controls work with the refined style of a good BMW or Jaguar – with what the French like “accuracy” call.
How (and where) to buy
Like car shopping, the purchase of a camcorder to involve judicious test drive, but how do you do this? Most local camera stores camera completely dropped, but if you live in a megalopolis, you could easily get.
Mini DV More information at http://www. DV-rod. com
More Mini DV information at http://www.dv-auction.com
