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Sony Handycams And Ease Of Use — Parallax Forums

Sony Handycams And Ease Of Use

idbruceidbruce Posts: 6,197
edited 2012-12-18 13:15 in General Discussion
Hello Everyone

I am currently in the market for a used Sony Handycam and I am seriously considering buying one from eBay, however there is such a wide selection to choose from. I am basically looking for a model that is easy to use, has the ability to record sound fairly well, and is quite capable of producing decent videos for youtube. Additionally, I would imagine that the longest video that I would strive for might be 15 minutes long at most. Oh, and of course it should have the ability to easily upload video to the PC and maybe a decent zooming feature.

I really have not messed with cameras too much since the digital era began, so any guidance in this matter would be appreciated.

Bruce

Comments

  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2012-12-18 12:52
    I'm not sure if you know this or not but video recorded to tape isn't nearly as easy to transfer to a PC as those that record to some sort of memory card.

    A lot of the HD quality cameras require a good SD card in order to record without dropping frames.

    I personally like cameras with a video out connection that let you use a TV as a view finder.
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2012-12-18 13:11
    Even my 15 year old Sony mini DV camcorder can connect to the computer via firewire so that the computer does all the recording, but finding one that records to SD card would be a better, easier way.

    Try to find one with mic input so that you can use a lapel mic or something similar for narrating, it can make a big difference in sound quality.

    Don't forget that many digital cameras record video too.
  • dgatelydgately Posts: 1,633
    edited 2012-12-18 13:15
    I recently purchased a JVC Everio GZ-EX250BUS ($399, but discounts can be found). It's slightly better then the less-expensive JVC GZ-EX210 ($329), but comes with internal 16GB storage as well as an SD slot. This camera gives me good-quality HD video with the simplest setup and use. I was quite impressed with its audio recording capability as well. I recorded a 90 minute presentation from the back of a medium-sized auditorium. I had no trouble loading the recording to my computer and editing for a web presentation. My experience with Sony camcorders has not been as fruitful...

    There seems to be an ample supply of either model on eBay for far less than what I paid, at this time ($250-$329)... JVC specs: http://camcorder.jvc.com/product.jsp?pathId=171
    dgately
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