Spec me a Camcorders!

[Pheebs]

Hello hello!

I have JUST had my claim through for the rear ending I received last year, setting us back a few bob unexpectedly.

I have been going on and on and on about getting a video camera for AGES. With possibly going away to NY and me just generally being silly and lots of you've-been-framed opportunities with Trio... I really REALLY want to get one and play and store a bank of memories :D And now... I can afford a treat :D

Now... I know noothing... about camcorders! Nothing! But I can tell you what I would like...

Price wise... something that's not going to bust my bank. I know I have had a bit of money come back in but we're not exactly flying with monies at the moment so the more I can save up the better. (I am always VERY concious of lacking in monies so yeh... can't go buying me a £500 camcorder!) Equally I don't know what's reasonable for a camcorder and don't want to buy something that "will do". I would like it to be top notch quality and last me a long time :D

Size wise... something that's not a brick! Albeit I have large lady bags (that sounds wuuude! :o) I don't fancy lugging something about with me and it being a pain in the buttocks!

What will I use it for?.... silly things! Holidays! Occasions! Recording video diaries as such (I want to keep a record of my business on filum. Sounds silly and incredibly boring but I like it!)

Ideally an easy edit proggy on the poota (if I can add music and things that would RULE!) and be able to burn to doovd...

Great battery life, filming time for a good couple of hours...

and that's it!

So BD, what should I be looking out for/any recommendations?! :D

*wubs*

[FakeSnake]

HD cameras have come down HUGELY in price.
and get a damn MAC girl!!

I will show you how easy it is, with the BUILT IN FREE software!

We will catch up this week..

[Matblack]

Hello hello!

I have JUST had my claim through for the rear ending I received last year,


:shocked:

MB

[LeperousDust]

Fakesnake not to start the age old debate, but that "free" built in software generally costs more to own than a standard dell ;). Its not a reason in itself to get a mac, pheebs could do fine with windows movie maker (although it really isnt as great i agree), or we can set here up with whatever software she really wants....

Camera wise, get something HD as its more "future proof" (hate the term :p) also should look nicer on PC and HD TV's :) They're so so so cheap now compared to what they used to be, i'd go shopping try out loads come back and tell us the shortlist of the ones you like the look and feel of, and then we'll see which ones are better than the next and point you somewhere cheap online :)

[Pheebs]

:shocked:

MB

May I add it put me out of work for a good month or two due to severe whiplash and completely wrote off my rear end! I was very sad.

;)

Fakeysnakey - I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get a mac at some point but now we have a media poota and another poota... I cannot justify spending the money on ANOTHER one :) I just don't need it... when I do (maybe when my business is booming) then I will do to ensure business/pleasure doesn't get mingled :D

LD - I figured HD ftw! I just don't know where to start :( I don't even know what price is reasonable! Do I just plod into PC World/Comet/Dixons or somewhere and have a look/play with the ones they have there? I'm worried about being conned/not getting what I want/getting more than what I want!

*wishes the gadget show was still on toovd* :)

[LeperousDust]

DO NO buy from PC world etc... But go play with them, tell us which ones you like :) We'll tell you if they're either:
Any good
Can be had cheaper
Are better equivelents out for the same price
Whatever features you may want etc...

Its best you play with the first i think, but for chirst sake don't buy them there, the sales team generally won't have a clue, and you're right in thinking that ;D;D;D Pickers has taught you well ;) but for playing you can't beat just going to the shops :)

[LeperousDust]

There was also an excellent website i found yesterday for comparing stuff, think i fell across it on lifehacker but i cant for the love of me find it again, when i do i will post back :p

[LeperousDust]

Huzzah! (http://www.reviewgist.com/) Its not totally up-to-date or at least it wasn't with the digital cameras i was looking at, but its very good at collecting lots of reviews from the Internet automatically and roughly totting everything up for you. Help not gospel :)

Also read this (http://crave.cnet.co.uk/camcorders/0,39029423,49291970,00.htm) too :)

[Pheebs]

Wow! Spank you!

I'm in town for sure on Thursday so will go check out some camcorders!

:)