Help Choosing A Camcorder...

[Stinger]

I'm looking at buying a camcorder to get some riding, wakeboarding, racing, etc. videos that I can post online.

 

The 1st feature I'm trying to find is a very compact (easy to carry around) camcorder that is still affordable. By compact I'm talking approx 4"x2"x4.5" or so and weigh a pound or so.

 

Secondly, I'd like for it to use USB to tranfer files to my PC if possible. My sister had a camcorder that transferred via firewire (IEEE 1394 connector) and it was a PITA. I hated it.

 

I'd like to spend ~250-350 or so. I've been looking at some of the new JVC's (GR-DX77US, GR-D295US, GR-D270US, etc.) but from the reviews, I think they use the IEEE 1394 for video upload to a PC.

 

What are you guys using?

 

Do you know of any that transfer video (not just pictures) via USB?

 

Any other info you think might be helpful?

 

Thanks

[Gargamel]

i got the Sony Handycam dvd and it rocks

 

even the nightvision works well. It's a bit more then your stated budget but thought I'd share how his is the coolest camcorder I've had

 

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-DVD-Ha...roductDetail.do

 

[Stinger]

That does look badass...

 

Unfortunately, 900 bux is a bit out of my price range...

[FasterThanU90]

hah i was gonna make a post askin what kinda digital camera i should get my ole lady lookin for a $200 dollar range

[RNBRAD]

I have the Sony MiniDv handycam and it has just about every hook-up option available. I went with the MiniDv for 2 reasons, record time and editing options. The mini DVD discs are more expensive than the tapes and have half the recording time of the MiniDv. The MiniDv records at a higher frame per second as well which gives you greater editing options. The MinidDVD does have more conveniece though, when your done just slap it into your dvd player and that's it. So it's a choice of convenience v/s better quality and editing control/options.

[RNBRAD]

hah i was gonna make a post askin what kinda digital camera i should get my ole lady lookin for a $200 dollar range

450134[/snapback]

 

Kodak Z760, 6.1mp at Wal-mart for around 200 dollars, awesome camera!!!

[Wallrat]

I really like the Canon's for both vid and stills. The base model camcorder hasn't changed much in the past couple years. I got one from a couple years ago brand new off ebay for $120 or so. As far as I know, all the camcorders out there use firewire for video, and USB for stills (if they have still picture capability). Not sure what the PITA part of firewire was for you, it works just like USB.

[Stinger]

Well, after a couple weeks of research, I ended up getting the Panasonic P-GS35 Mini DV Camcorder. After mail in rebate it was ~375.00 and it has more zoom than any other in it's class (30x optical, 1000x digital) and best of all, it can transfer videos via USB.