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Question about Mini DV Camcorders
bulky, and cannot plug into my computers without a Video Capture device, which can be hard to find these days. I played with some of the newer Mini DV and DVD-RAM (Sony and Panasonic under $1000) camcorders, and was impressed with the size, however was not impressed with the writing speed of the DVD-RAM Camcorders, and was not impressed with the camcorders ability to record in low light conditions. It seemed to me, that when the light was on, my hand movement got slow. Why is this? The Salesguy at Fry's said that this is just a issue with digital camcorders. I told him that my old honker VHS-C camcorder does not have this problem. Recording with the light on is fine, and things do not slow down. Maybe one day I might get a new camcorder that will work with my ibook, and uses Mini DV tapes (as I was not impressed with this DVD-RAM format). DVD-RAM Camcorders take too long to write to the discs. Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks, John <johnw_c***@yahoo.com> wrote in message
Show quoteHide quote news:1166892735.012957.149560@h40g2000cwb.googlegroups.com... The newer digital cameras in the consumer range has small, densely-packed >I have a old hunker JVC VHS-C Camcorder. It does the job, however its > bulky, and cannot plug into my computers without a Video Capture > device, which can be hard to find these days. > > I played with some of the newer Mini DV and DVD-RAM (Sony and Panasonic > under $1000) camcorders, and was impressed with the size, however was > not impressed with the writing speed of the DVD-RAM Camcorders, and was > not impressed with the camcorders ability to record in low light > conditions. It seemed to me, that when the light was on, my hand > movement got slow. Why is this? The Salesguy at Fry's said that this is > just a issue with digital camcorders. I told him that my old honker > VHS-C camcorder does not have this problem. Recording with the light on > is fine, and things dono not slow down. > > Maybe one day I might get a new camcorder that will work with my ibook, > and uses Mini DV tapes (as I was not impressed with this DVD-RAM > format). DVD-RAM Camcorders take too long to write to the discs. > > Anyone have any recommendations? > sensors. This is done to cut down on weight and size, and to facilitate still imaging. However, it has a very detrimental effect on low-light sensitivity. Look for a camcorder with at least 1/4" sensors, and 1/3" sensors are better. To get really good low-light response, you'll have to buy a prosumer model, which costs twice your budget. Though video quality is as much a function of lens and electronics quality as it is digital format, all things being equal, a miniDV camcorder will produce noticeably better video than a DVD camcorder. Show quoteHide quote > > Thanks, > > > John > Why is it that my old VHS-C Camcorder (which cost about $700 in 2001)
and still costs about $200 (at Walmart) today records well in low light? Its just strange why a older one can do better. I guess the small size is not always better. John PTravel wrote: Show quoteHide quote > <johnw_c***@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:1166892735.012957.149560@h40g2000cwb.googlegroups.com... > >I have a old hunker JVC VHS-C Camcorder. It does the job, however its > > bulky, and cannot plug into my computers without a Video Capture > > device, which can be hard to find these days. > > > > I played with some of the newer Mini DV and DVD-RAM (Sony and Panasonic > > under $1000) camcorders, and was impressed with the size, however was > > not impressed with the writing speed of the DVD-RAM Camcorders, and was > > not impressed with the camcorders ability to record in low light > > conditions. It seemed to me, that when the light was on, my hand > > movement got slow. Why is this? The Salesguy at Fry's said that this is > > just a issue with digital camcorders. I told him that my old honker > > VHS-C camcorder does not have this problem. Recording with the light on > > is fine, and things dono not slow down. > > > > Maybe one day I might get a new camcorder that will work with my ibook, > > and uses Mini DV tapes (as I was not impressed with this DVD-RAM > > format). DVD-RAM Camcorders take too long to write to the discs. > > > > Anyone have any recommendations? > > > > The newer digital cameras in the consumer range has small, densely-packed > sensors. This is done to cut down on weight and size, and to facilitate > still imaging. However, it has a very detrimental effect on low-light > sensitivity. Look for a camcorder with at least 1/4" sensors, and 1/3" > sensors are better. To get really good low-light response, you'll have to > buy a prosumer model, which costs twice your budget. > > Though video quality is as much a function of lens and electronics quality > as it is digital format, all things being equal, a miniDV camcorder will > produce noticeably better video than a DVD camcorder. > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > John > > <johnw_c***@yahoo.com> wrote ...
> Why is it that my old VHS-C Camcorder (which cost about $700 in 2001) Ptravel explained that larger imaging chips generally do> and still costs about $200 (at Walmart) today records well in low > light? better in low light. You likely have at least a 1/3 inch chip in that old VHS-C camcorder. > Its just strange why a older one can do better. Your definition of "better" appears to be good low-lightperformance. Alas few (if any?) vendors of consumer camcorders agree with that. Easier/cheaper to offer "features" like black & white, "sepiatone", fancy transitions, and still image functionality. None of which contribute to the ability to make good video in any way. :-( > I guess the small size is not always better. At least not for the imaging chips.Thanks so much. I guess I'll have to bit the bullet on that feature if
I get a new Camcorder. For know my VHS-C JVC works, but I would not mind getting a smaller and far more compact model one day. I am also running out of room for those old hunker VHS-C tapes. The quality on most of the mini DV camcorders is far superior anyways (just not in low light). It also would be nice to be able to connect my camcorder to my computers and export a video. Can I export them to web friendly videos? Take a look at my video page. http://www.cerm.info/movies.htm Most of these videos were captured with digital cameras, but a few were captured with my Palm Pilot. The Kodak Digital camera outputs about 20MB a minute videos which are large downloads for most users. But the Palm Pilot outputs I think 2MB a minute videos. The quality is tons crappier, but the videos look as nice as any Camera phone. If I bought a new Camcorder could I set the conversion settings to output web friendly videos? John Richard Crowley wrote: Show quoteHide quote > <johnw_c***@yahoo.com> wrote ... > > Why is it that my old VHS-C Camcorder (which cost about $700 in 2001) > > and still costs about $200 (at Walmart) today records well in low > > light? > > Ptravel explained that larger imaging chips generally do > better in low light. You likely have at least a 1/3 inch > chip in that old VHS-C camcorder. > > > Its just strange why a older one can do better. > > Your definition of "better" appears to be good low-light > performance. Alas few (if any?) vendors of consumer > camcorders agree with that. Easier/cheaper to offer > "features" like black & white, "sepiatone", fancy transitions, > and still image functionality. None of which contribute to > the ability to make good video in any way. :-( > > > I guess the small size is not always better. > > At least not for the imaging chips. On 23 Dec 2006 11:38:23 -0800, johnw_c***@yahoo.com wrote:
Show quoteHide quote >Thanks so much. I guess I'll have to bit the bullet on that feature if With a mini-DV camera, you'll download the video to your computer>I get a new Camcorder. For know my VHS-C JVC works, but I would not >mind getting a smaller and far more compact model one day. I am also >running out of room for those old hunker VHS-C tapes. > >The quality on most of the mini DV camcorders is far superior anyways >(just not in low light). > >It also would be nice to be able to connect my camcorder to my >computers and export a video. Can I export them to web friendly videos? > >Take a look at my video page. > >http://www.cerm.info/movies.htm > >Most of these videos were captured with digital cameras, but a few were >captured with my Palm Pilot. The Kodak Digital camera outputs about >20MB a minute videos which are large downloads for most users. > >But the Palm Pilot outputs I think 2MB a minute videos. The quality is >tons crappier, but the videos look as nice as any Camera phone. > >If I bought a new Camcorder could I set the conversion settings to >output web friendly videos? > > >John using a Firewire port, using a video editing application; there's usually one included with the camera. In the editor, you can easily set the output quality. Here's a clip from several years back using Pinnacle Studio: http://www.pippina.com/images/f117-1.wmv Studio will let you set the output from full frame (720x480) down to some small file sizes that, of course, will make for smaller videos and poorer quality. -- Bill Funk replace "g" with "a" <johnw_c***@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1166893292.173592.315940@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com... It has a larger sensor (probably much larger) than the current crop of > Why is it that my old VHS-C Camcorder (which cost about $700 in 2001) > and still costs about $200 (at Walmart) today records well in low > light? consumer camcorders. > Definitely not in this case.> Its just strange why a older one can do better. > > I guess the small size is not always better. Show quoteHide quote > > > John > > > PTravel wrote: >> <johnw_c***@yahoo.com> wrote in message >> news:1166892735.012957.149560@h40g2000cwb.googlegroups.com... >> >I have a old hunker JVC VHS-C Camcorder. It does the job, however its >> > bulky, and cannot plug into my computers without a Video Capture >> > device, which can be hard to find these days. >> > >> > I played with some of the newer Mini DV and DVD-RAM (Sony and Panasonic >> > under $1000) camcorders, and was impressed with the size, however was >> > not impressed with the writing speed of the DVD-RAM Camcorders, and was >> > not impressed with the camcorders ability to record in low light >> > conditions. It seemed to me, that when the light was on, my hand >> > movement got slow. Why is this? The Salesguy at Fry's said that this is >> > just a issue with digital camcorders. I told him that my old honker >> > VHS-C camcorder does not have this problem. Recording with the light on >> > is fine, and things dono not slow down. >> > >> > Maybe one day I might get a new camcorder that will work with my ibook, >> > and uses Mini DV tapes (as I was not impressed with this DVD-RAM >> > format). DVD-RAM Camcorders take too long to write to the discs. >> > >> > Anyone have any recommendations? >> > >> >> The newer digital cameras in the consumer range has small, densely-packed >> sensors. This is done to cut down on weight and size, and to facilitate >> still imaging. However, it has a very detrimental effect on low-light >> sensitivity. Look for a camcorder with at least 1/4" sensors, and 1/3" >> sensors are better. To get really good low-light response, you'll have >> to >> buy a prosumer model, which costs twice your budget. >> >> Though video quality is as much a function of lens and electronics >> quality >> as it is digital format, all things being equal, a miniDV camcorder will >> produce noticeably better video than a DVD camcorder. >> >> >> > >> > Thanks, >> > >> > >> > John >> > >
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<johnw_c***@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:1166892735.012957.149560@h40g2000cwb.googlegroups.com... The other responders in the group answered well - but>I have a old hunker JVC VHS-C Camcorder. It does the job, however its > bulky, and cannot plug into my computers without a Video Capture > device, which can be hard to find these days. > > I played with some of the newer Mini DV and DVD-RAM (Sony and Panasonic > under $1000) camcorders, and was impressed with the size, however was > not impressed with the writing speed of the DVD-RAM Camcorders, and was > not impressed with the camcorders ability to record in low light > conditions. It seemed to me, that when the light was on, my hand > movement got slow. Why is this? The Salesguy at Fry's said that this is > just a issue with digital camcorders. I told him that my old honker > VHS-C camcorder does not have this problem. Recording with the light on > is fine, and things do not slow down. > > Maybe one day I might get a new camcorder that will work with my ibook, > and uses Mini DV tapes (as I was not impressed with this DVD-RAM > format). DVD-RAM Camcorders take too long to write to the discs. > > Anyone have any recommendations? I thought I would point out my camcorder articles at www.ferrario.com/ruether/articles.html#video (see particularly www.ferrario.com/ruether/camcorder--comparison.htm for 3-chip vs. 1-chip, and different sized chips in three different light levels). BTW, I have the TRV900 and VX2000 for sale in LN condition, and both are excellent in low light. <johnw_c***@yahoo.com> wrote in message
Show quoteHide quote news:1166892735.012957.149560@h40g2000cwb.googlegroups.com... If you were to ask me, I'm not impressed with the overall quality these >I have a old hunker JVC VHS-C Camcorder. It does the job, however its > bulky, and cannot plug into my computers without a Video Capture > device, which can be hard to find these days. > > I played with some of the newer Mini DV and DVD-RAM (Sony and Panasonic > under $1000) camcorders, and was impressed with the size, however was > not impressed with the writing speed of the DVD-RAM Camcorders, and was > not impressed with the camcorders ability to record in low light > conditions. It seemed to me, that when the light was on, my hand > movement got slow. Why is this? The Salesguy at Fry's said that this is > just a issue with digital camcorders. I told him that my old honker > VHS-C camcorder does not have this problem. Recording with the light on > is fine, and things do not slow down. > > Maybe one day I might get a new camcorder that will work with my ibook, > and uses Mini DV tapes (as I was not impressed with this DVD-RAM > format). DVD-RAM Camcorders take too long to write to the discs. > > Anyone have any recommendations? > > > Thanks, > > > John > little camcorders bring to the table. Check with David about his VX2000. If it's within your budget snap it up. mark_ ? <johnw_c***@yahoo.com> ?????? ??? ??????
news:1166892735.012957.149560@h40g2000cwb.googlegroups.com... Do you possibly mean dvd (+-R or +- RW) camcorders?Because I think that the> I have a old hunker JVC VHS-C Camcorder. It does the job, however its > bulky, and cannot plug into my computers without a Video Capture > device, which can be hard to find these days. > > I played with some of the newer Mini DV and DVD-RAM (Sony and Panasonic > under $1000) camcorders, and was impressed with the size, however was > not impressed with the writing speed of the DVD-RAM Camcorders, and was > not impressed with the camcorders ability to record in low light > conditions. > DVD RAM format is discontinued. >It seemed to me, that when the light was on, my hand That sounds strange.I used to have a sony 8mm camcorder and now a sony dcr> movement got slow. Why is this? The Salesguy at Fry's said that this is > just a issue with digital camcorders. I told him that my old honker > VHS-C camcorder does not have this problem. hc 32e mini dv camcorder.The former wouldn't record at all under low light, while the new one shoots excellently under almost any lightning conditions. > Recording with the light on You mean with the built in spot light on?Do you mean with "slow down" that> is fine, and things do not slow down. > frames are dropped, or the camera goes to slow shutter speeds to compensate for low light (I think that sony calls this slow colour shutter mode, alas recording with ambient light in low light conditions)or do you possibly mean that the steady shot engages to compensate for camera movement, due to slow shutter speeds etc.? > Maybe one day I might get a new camcorder that will work with my ibook, What do you mean with that?DVD camcorders record at real time, also 1 X> and uses Mini DV tapes (as I was not impressed with this DVD-RAM > format). DVD-RAM Camcorders take too long to write to the discs. > speed. Digital video is entirely different than analogue.Not only the quality is dramatically increased (not forgetting the sound quality, too).You can edit, add effects, menus at will on your computer. -- Show quoteHide quoteTzortzakakis Dimitrios major in electrical engineering mechanized infantry reservist dimtzort AT otenet DOT gr > Anyone have any recommendations? > > > Thanks, > > > John > In article <1166892735.012957.149***@h40g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>,
johnw_c***@yahoo.com wrote: > I have a old hunker JVC VHS-C Camcorder. It does the job, however its Video capture cards and external analog to DV converters which plug into > bulky, and cannot plug into my computers without a Video Capture > device, which can be hard to find these days. the firewire port are not hard to find at all! In fact, with more and more people wanting to preserve their video tape collection, they are only becoming more and more available. "David Matthew Wood" <nodmwood78@verizonspam.net> wrote in message There are several ways to go using such a camera. I think I'll havenews:nodmwood78-CE8CBE.18201023122006@news.verizon.net... > In article <1166892735.012957.149***@h40g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>, > johnw_c***@yahoo.com wrote: > >> I have a old hunker JVC VHS-C Camcorder. It does the job, however its >> bulky, and cannot plug into my computers without a Video Capture >> device, which can be hard to find these days. > > Video capture cards and external analog to DV converters which plug into > the firewire port are not hard to find at all! In fact, with more and > more people wanting to preserve their video tape collection, they are > only becoming more and more available. www.geeks.com send me one for $99.99. http://www.geeks.com:80/details.asp?invtid=GR-AXM17U-R&cm_mmc=geekmail-_-daily_html-_-23DEC06_YEARENDCLEAR-_-YEARENDCLEARmain I've had pretty good luck with their refurbished items. Think I'll use it mostly to do some green screen work or model table work. That assumes it can be set to run without taping, and output to my capture card(s). It has some pretty useful features (including manual WB), for a $100 camera. I might try setting one up as a surveillance camera, as well. On a powered pan and scan mount and with its 20x optical zoom, you could have performance that exceeds many professional surveillance camera setups costing several thousands of dollars. Is this model anything like your's? GR-AXM17US Luck; Ken johnw_c***@yahoo.com wrote:
Show quoteHide quote > I have a old hunker JVC VHS-C Camcorder. It does the job, however its Depends on the make and model of the MiniDV camera. We have several.> bulky, and cannot plug into my computers without a Video Capture > device, which can be hard to find these days. > > I played with some of the newer Mini DV and DVD-RAM (Sony and Panasonic > under $1000) camcorders, and was impressed with the size, however was > not impressed with the writing speed of the DVD-RAM Camcorders, and was > not impressed with the camcorders ability to record in low light > conditions. It seemed to me, that when the light was on, my hand > movement got slow. Why is this? The Salesguy at Fry's said that this is > just a issue with digital camcorders. I told him that my old honker > VHS-C camcorder does not have this problem. Recording with the light on > is fine, and things do not slow down. > > Maybe one day I might get a new camcorder that will work with my ibook, > and uses Mini DV tapes (as I was not impressed with this DVD-RAM > format). DVD-RAM Camcorders take too long to write to the discs. > > Anyone have any recommendations? > > > Thanks, > > > John A couple are better than any VHS camcorder we have, others are not. We have one MiniDV that indeed is not a very good low light level camera, but has other features we like. As others have pointed out, CCD size is an issue, as is the aperture diameter of the lens (bigger is better - in other words, the low f/#). Generally more expensive cameras have better lenses and larger sensors, but not always. You need to use a lot of resources to really be a wise shopper/purchaser. Read all the reviews you can find. 
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