Video Camera

[The Tiggster]

What should I look for when buying a video camera? Are the ones that record onto DVD better than tape? Can anyone recommend one, looking to pay no more than �500 & want one that's easy to use.

[rojash]

It really depends on what you want to use it for. The ones that record onto DVD are fine and convenient if you want the movie equivalent of family snaps, but if you want good quality and intend to edit your movies you would be better off with tape. The ones that record on DVD use lossy compression which means that if you edit them, the quality will deteriorate further, and you may see artifacts. Those that record onto tape record the "raw" video, with no compression. You should be able to get a fairly decent one for well under �500. Have a look at the Canon range. Personally, I wouldn't recommend Sony as over the years they seem to have lost the quality edge but retained the higher prices.

[The Tiggster]

Thank you rojash, I maybe should have said that it was for taking videos of our baby. The info you have given me is very helpful.