Camcorders

[lizw]

Hi -my 12 year old son is wanting a camcorder for Christmas. I know nothing about them! He need something pretty easy to work and not too expensive (!) does anyone have any ideas or could recommend any products?

Many thanks

[Garamond]

Hiya lizw

It's very difficult recommending one particular make or model as it depends very much on choice of functions, look etc. But I think you'll find that the majority of them will be easy to use - virtually just point and fire! Obviously there may be settings which can be tweaked, but for the bog-standard picture, or until you become more experiences, these settings will be adequate.

My other other suggestion is that you visit various websites and compare those in your price range. I would've thought that a decent one would start at about �200. I'd avoid general outlets - Argos and the like, go for the more specialised ones - Misco, Dabs.com, PC World, etc.

A videocam for Christmas eh? Any vacancies in your family?

[Garamond]

Sorry, I forgot to add that the media they produce needs a little consideration as well. There's tape, digital or mini-DVD disc. Each have their own advantages and to explain the them here would take too long. Suggest either google or ask at a reputable shop.

[lizw]

Thanks for this - it's really useful!

The whole family are putting together for one big present for him, granparents etc so actually it works out cheaper for me! Cunning plan you see!

[Garamond]

It's an excellent idea though! It'll give him an interest and you'll be able to memorialise anything you want. AND apart from the initial outlay, it's virtually free.