comparing these 2 digital camcorders

scooter · Addict Joined: 15 Jul 2003 Posts: 633

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Quick-Review-Camcorders--Panasonic-PV-GS14.htm

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-Announces-ZR400-Optura-40-and-Optura-60-for-PMA.htm
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im talkin bout the zr400 and how much better do you think it is then the others like zr80 and 200 and stuff?

what are some key things to look at in a digi. camcorder? whats a good enough optical zoom? and whats good quality? I am used to digital cameras and the megapixel rating how would the resolutions with the digi. camcorders compare to the digi. camera megapixel?

TY
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BALI RECIPES

ryanprouty · Newbie Joined: 16 Dec 2004 Posts: 36 City: San Francisco

Digital Video in the (standard def - not hi def) in the consumer range is always gonna use 720x486, regardless of what resolution the ccd claims to be. A higher res CCD is just gonna offer hgher still photo clarity, just like on a digital camera. The photo capabilities and video capabilities use the same CCD, but the video just used the center 720x486 (.349 megapixel) of it.

Canon's are pretty solid, Sony's also. At this price range, there's not exactly gonna be any feature that one product has over the other. I would just check out the ergonomics and optical zoom. When you're ready to upgrade, go for a low end 3CCD, which will strongly increase image detail and color saturation, look into the Sony TRV 950, VX2100, and Canon's GL2. Also, DV.com is a great forum (free) for any questions about anything, and it has a very good moderator that knows EVERYTHING.

pud78821 · Newbie Joined: 24 Aug 2003 Posts: 32

ided just go with a basic kodak disposable camera. it does a great job and u really get ur money's worth... but if ur looking for an instant look at ur photos and dont want to go digital, ided say that u should go with a poloroid

garveyj · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 877 City: Savage, MN

pud78821, did you read at his post?

And seriously Kodak or polaroid? Have you joined the 21st century yet? Those cameras are extreme, extreme low end.....Most people who are posting in this area about camera gear are looking to spend a little bit more than 5 dollars!

scooter, How much are you looking at spending? I bought a Panasonic PV-GS120 Mini DV camera last year for about $600 (and they have dropped in price). It is a great mini dv camera with 3 CCD's so the color and saturation of the video looks really good. I am really impressed with the video that I have gotten out of it. You may want to check it out.

Also ryanprouty gave you some really good advice to look into.

scooter · Addict Joined: 15 Jul 2003 Posts: 633

Thanks for your respnses and pud78821, are you kidding me? They make special homes for people like you dont they?

GARVEYJ, yea I have been looking at those and with 3ccds it looks like a good deal, and i am look to spend around 500 or so. I have done some research on the gs120 and people have said that it has bad image stabilization? And i am wondeirng if you have any video you can show me using you camera.

Another question how much optical zoom is enough?

ryanprouty, is there a big difference between between 1/6 ccd and 1/4 or something like that? And is 3ccd considered to be alot because its a pretty big difference compared to a 1/6 or something.

One more question for now! How much more money will I be having to spend after I buy a digitcal video camera? Like extras batteries, tapes lenses? Is that neccesary
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Glass Pipe Pictures

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

pud78821, I agree 100%. Who needs all these crappy new fangled whatchamajiggers... it's a waste of money if you ask me

pud78821 · Newbie Joined: 24 Aug 2003 Posts: 32

alright that may be low end... but i heard that kodac is coming out with this new water proof disposable camera. I think you may be able to take it under water but im not excat on that. If ur looking to do some prosfeeional shots and looking to pay in the 40-60 dollar range, that would be the one for you!

garveyj · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 877 City: Savage, MN

pud78821, Seriously - if you do not have anything constructive to say in this forum, then don't say anything at all. As I said above he is not looking for a still camera...Let alone a disposable one. He is looking for a CAMCORDER...As in something that shoots video.

scooter, The difference between the 1/6" and 1/4" CCD is just the size of the CCD....The bigger the CCD the better. As for optical zoom, the more you can get the better...I have the digital zoom on my camcorder turned off so that I can get clean video.

As for the 3CCD system - it is the best you can get...This is the way that it works. The light comes in the lense and then breaks down into the 3 colors (red, green and blue). There is one CCD to process each color, and then it gets put on the film in the correct sequence, so the 3 CCD system will get you a cleaner looking video than the 1 CCD system, as the 1 CCD system does all of the color processing on the one chip.

After you by your camera you will pretty much level off on spending...Just depends on how much you want to invest at first...Here is what you should get. The camera, tapes, an extra battery, a carry case is always nice. Then you may have to invest in editing materials such as software and a firewire card if you are going that far.

As for video....Here is a video that I put together with footage from that camera:
http://photos.wakeboarder.com/showphoto.php?photo=7740&sort=1&cat=500&page=1
I have more videos, just not posted, so if you want more let me know and I will see what I can get up there for you!

hope this answers your questions.

garveyj · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 877 City: Savage, MN

pud78821, Seriously - if you do not have anything constructive to say in this forum, then don't say anything at all. As I said above he is not looking for a still camera...Let alone a disposable one. He is looking for a CAMCORDER...As in something that shoots video.

scooter, The difference between the 1/6" and 1/4" CCD is just the size of the CCD....The bigger the CCD the better. As for optical zoom, the more you can get the better...I have the digital zoom on my camcorder turned off so that I can get clean video.

As for the 3CCD system - it is the best you can get...This is the way that it works. The light comes in the lense and then breaks down into the 3 colors (red, green and blue). There is one CCD to process each color, and then it gets put on the film in the correct sequence, so the 3 CCD system will get you a cleaner looking video than the 1 CCD system, as the 1 CCD system does all of the color processing on the one chip.

After you by your camera you will pretty much level off on spending...Just depends on how much you want to invest at first...Here is what you should get. The camera, tapes, an extra battery, a carry case is always nice. Then you may have to invest in editing materials such as software and a firewire card if you are going that far.

As for video....Here is a video that I put together with footage from that camera:
http://photos.wakeboarder.com/showphoto.php?photo=7740&sort=1&cat=500&page=1
I have more videos, just not posted, so if you want more let me know and I will see what I can get up there for you!

hope this answers your questions.

PimpinD · Addict Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 785 City: Orlando, FL

check out www.pana3ccduser.com for info on the gs120 and gs400 and all the other 3ccd models panasonic has put out. Also any of the new videos in my wakeboard gallery on wakepics has been shot with a gs400 (3x 1/4.7" ccds) i am extremly happy with it and its manual controls. Though its price range is a little out of your range (~$1400) its a great camera.