dv camcorders

[Scarlett]

I really want to get up to date with film making, and be able to video edit using my computer. I currently have a 5 year old Hi-8 camera but realise this is now very out of date. Can anyone advise me of a suitable DV camcorder, which isn't too expensive, but that I can use with my computer? THANKS

[Dave Ewart]

Panasonic do a good range of mini DV camcorders. I bought the NV-DS65 about a year ago and love it. It was affordable and was middle of the range at the time.

If you want to do home video editing these cameras work very well with AVID express, although you will need some form of compatible capture card. I use FireWire.

I work in a sixth form college and we have a good range of panasonics in the media dept which take quite a thrashing. The resulting footage is broadcast quality in my mind, but then is only as good as your filming skills!

 

Hope this helps.

[Scarlett]

Thanks for that- I read that it might be better to get DV 8 so I can use and edit my old Hi-8 and 8mm tapes on the new camera. Any thoughts on that? Thanks!