There are numerous choices to make everyday, especially when it comes to purchasing new electronics. Once you think you have something figured out, there are new developments and twists. This lesson was re-learned by me when I set out to buy a video camera.
The major types are DVD, mini DVD, and hard drive, and all are available in high definition, if desired. All have numerous pros and cons favoring one over the other. I have narrowed out the desire to buy one that requires a DVD. I remember the old video cassette camcorders, which always seemed to run out of tape once you got to the action. Having a limited recording time is not a restriction I choose to worry about.
For this reason, I am getting a hard drive or HDD camcorder to film all of life’s precious moments. A 60 GB HDD camcorder will allow roughly 70 hours of recording time. I pray I am never involved in a dance recital that lasts up to 70 hours. Then I can go home, load the footage onto my computer and edit out all of the pointless stuff. From there I can create a DVD with only the footage I choose.
Afterward, I can delete the old footage and start fresh. The next issue is whether or not to go high definition. Obviously, the quality of the picture is outstanding, but the price is one major deterrent. However, if the 1920 X 1080 pixel capture is worth the extra cash, HD is the way to go. For those of us who can stomach the mere 340 X 340, then HD is not a necessity.
The camera I have been able to narrow my choice down to is the JVC Everio. It is a digital camcorder with a 60 GB hard drive. All of the reviews have been positive, and there have been very few criticisms brought up in all of the online reviews that I have read. People seem to like the JVC better than many others because it is easy to use and the quality is a great bang for the buck.
Any other thoughts?
