Have been reading and posting (when I have something to contribute)
here for about three years. I realize that camcorders are WAY off
topic, but I have searched the NGs every way I can think of and can
not find an NG that covers the subject. In addition, I respect the
experience and common sense of most of the people who frequently
post here.

Wife and I want to buy a camcorder (not a Christmas gift) for our
use. Intended use is to record inventory of house for insurance
purpose, record grandkids (10 regular and one great granddaughter),
pets, deer in the yards, etc. There are a number of different
features available in camcorders, and frankly, we are confused.
Money is an object - we are not looking at HD, but some other
features can also be expensive.

We believe that card storage in desirable over an internal HD; less
mechanical means less trouble.
- cards come in various sizes, but we are thinking of a 4 Gigabyte,
which we are told records about 80 minutes.

Camcorders come with various optical zoom sizes, from 10 X to 60 X.
For our intended use, what would be a good zoom size?

I think most brands have a program, either built into the camera or
that can be installed on the computer, that will download videos
from the camcorder to the computer, or to view on a TV. I assume we
would need to purchase another piece of software to edit videos;
splice vids, insert, delete sections, improve quality, etc.
-We would like a suggestion on some good editing program - nothing
professional, just home use that an old man could learn to use.

Currently, I am looking a Sony model DCR SX40. It has 4 Gigabytes
storage card, and 60 X zoom. Cost is $215 + 8.5% tax. It has a one
year warranty, but if there is a problem, the camcorder must be
mailed into the company. (To me, this is a big problem with several
potential pitfalls). By purchasing a $35 three year warranty, the
camcorder can be taken to the company and they provide a loaner and
handle the repair. I don't know if this warranty includes battery
life, but if it does, it seems like that alone would make it worth
the cost. I realize that an extended warranty depends on the
company staying in business and in your city. This deal is a FRY's,
and they have been here for several years, so probably pretty safe
that way.

Anyway, this is our thoughts at this time, and all comments will be
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob-tx

"Bob-tx" wrote in message
. ..
Have been reading and posting (when I have something to contribute) here
for about three years. I realize that camcorders are WAY off topic, but
I have searched the NGs every way I can think of and can not find an NG
that covers the subject. In addition, I respect the experience and common
sense of most of the people who frequently post here.

Wife and I want to buy a camcorder (not a Christmas gift) for our use.
Intended use is to record inventory of house for insurance purpose, record
grandkids (10 regular and one great granddaughter), pets, deer in the
yards, etc. There are a number of different features available in
camcorders, and frankly, we are confused. Money is an object - we are not
looking at HD, but some other features can also be expensive.

We believe that card storage in desirable over an internal HD; less
mechanical means less trouble.
- cards come in various sizes, but we are thinking of a 4 Gigabyte, which
we are told records about 80 minutes.

Camcorders come with various optical zoom sizes, from 10 X to 60 X. For
our intended use, what would be a good zoom size?

I think most brands have a program, either built into the camera or that
can be installed on the computer, that will download videos from the
camcorder to the computer, or to view on a TV. I assume we would need to
purchase another piece of software to edit videos; splice vids, insert,
delete sections, improve quality, etc.
-We would like a suggestion on some good editing program - nothing
professional, just home use that an old man could learn to use.

Currently, I am looking a Sony model DCR SX40. It has 4 Gigabytes
storage card, and 60 X zoom. Cost is $215 + 8.5% tax. It has a one year
warranty, but if there is a problem, the camcorder must be mailed into the
company. (To me, this is a big problem with several potential pitfalls).
By purchasing a $35 three year warranty, the camcorder can be taken to the
company and they provide a loaner and handle the repair. I don't know if
this warranty includes battery life, but if it does, it seems like that
alone would make it worth the cost. I realize that an extended warranty
depends on the company staying in business and in your city. This deal is
a FRY's, and they have been here for several years, so probably pretty
safe that way.

Anyway, this is our thoughts at this time, and all comments will be
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob-tx

if you're only going to use it once, then rent/borrow one. if not, decide
what you want it for and look for features that can do what you want.

try http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ for reviews.

On Dec 14, 10:50*am, "Bob-tx" wrote:
Have been reading and posting (when I have something to contribute)
here for about three years. * I realize that camcorders are WAY off
topic, but I have searched the NGs every way I can think of and can
not find an NG that covers the subject. *In addition, I respect the
experience and common sense of most of the people who frequently
post here.

Wife and I want to buy a camcorder (not a Christmas gift) for our
use. *Intended use is to record inventory of house for insurance
purpose, record grandkids (10 regular and one great granddaughter),
pets, deer in the yards, etc. * There are a number of different
features available in camcorders, and frankly, we are confused.
Money is an object - we are not looking at HD, but some other
features can also be expensive.

We believe that card storage in desirable over an internal HD; less
mechanical means less trouble.
- cards come in various sizes, but we are thinking of a 4 Gigabyte,
which we are told records about 80 minutes.

Camcorders come with various optical zoom sizes, from 10 X to 60 X.
For our intended use, what would be a good zoom size?

I think most brands have a program, either built into the camera or
that can be installed on the computer, that will download videos
from the camcorder to the computer, or to view on a TV. *I assume we
would need to purchase another piece of software to edit videos;
splice vids, insert, delete sections, improve quality, etc.
-We would like a suggestion on some good editing program - nothing
professional, just home use that an old man could learn to use.

Currently, I am looking a Sony model *DCR SX40. *It has 4 Gigabytes
storage card, and 60 X zoom. *Cost is $215 + 8.5% tax. *It has a one
year warranty, but if there is a problem, the camcorder must be
mailed into the company. *(To me, this is a big problem with several
potential pitfalls). *By purchasing a $35 three year warranty, the
camcorder can be taken to the company and they provide a *loaner and
handle the repair. *I don't know if this warranty includes battery
life, but if it does, it seems like that alone would make it worth
the cost. * I realize that an extended warranty depends on the
company staying in business and in your city. *This deal is a FRY's,
and they have been here for several years, so probably pretty safe
that way.

Anyway, this is our thoughts at this time, and all comments will be
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob-tx

Bob-

My son bought an Aiptek digital video camcorder on a whim a few years
ago. He has since bought his young cousin one (but a different model
since camera tech is not stationary). The kid uses it to make all
sorts of utube videos.

Aiptek;s are reasonably priced and several models are available.

But I would suggest a camera that also shoots video. My son gave me
his old Canon Power Shot SD1000 Digital ELPH. It can take stills or
video....I use it document projects or to record dis-assembly
processes.

With an empty 2 gig memory card it can take about 20 minutes of
video. Downloads to my Mac are quick & easy via a camera's mini USB
cable.

imo the Canon is the best of both worlds.... a decent pocket sized
camera that also takes video

the one he gave me was used for a couple years so I know that they are
durable, I've had it & heavily used it for ~6 months now

You can probably get one on ebay for $75 to $100. Try to buy one that
comes with a small slip-in foam padded case, these things are little
and get dropped. The case makes provides great drop protection

cheers
Bob

On Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:50:01 -0600, "Bob-tx"
wrote:

Have been reading and posting (when I have something to contribute)
here for about three years. I realize that camcorders are WAY off
topic, but I have searched the NGs every way I can think of and can
not find an NG that covers the subject. In addition, I respect the
experience and common sense of most of the people who frequently
post here.

Wife and I want to buy a camcorder (not a Christmas gift) for our
use. Intended use is to record inventory of house for insurance
purpose, record grandkids (10 regular and one great granddaughter),
pets, deer in the yards, etc. There are a number of different
features available in camcorders, and frankly, we are confused.
Money is an object - we are not looking at HD, but some other
features can also be expensive.

We believe that card storage in desirable over an internal HD; less
mechanical means less trouble.
- cards come in various sizes, but we are thinking of a 4 Gigabyte,
which we are told records about 80 minutes.

Camcorders come with various optical zoom sizes, from 10 X to 60 X.
For our intended use, what would be a good zoom size?

I think most brands have a program, either built into the camera or
that can be installed on the computer, that will download videos
from the camcorder to the computer, or to view on a TV. I assume we
would need to purchase another piece of software to edit videos;
splice vids, insert, delete sections, improve quality, etc.
-We would like a suggestion on some good editing program - nothing
professional, just home use that an old man could learn to use.

Currently, I am looking a Sony model DCR SX40. It has 4 Gigabytes
storage card, and 60 X zoom. Cost is $215 + 8.5% tax. It has a one
year warranty, but if there is a problem, the camcorder must be
mailed into the company. (To me, this is a big problem with several
potential pitfalls). By purchasing a $35 three year warranty, the
camcorder can be taken to the company and they provide a loaner and
handle the repair. I don't know if this warranty includes battery
life, but if it does, it seems like that alone would make it worth
the cost. I realize that an extended warranty depends on the
company staying in business and in your city. This deal is a FRY's,
and they have been here for several years, so probably pretty safe
that way.

Anyway, this is our thoughts at this time, and all comments will be
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob-tx


Here's a 4 Star review on CNet about the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video
Camera. User reviews are also 4 Star

Video:

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camc....html?tag=rnav

Click on the Specifications tab and take a look at the features.

I do have a Kodak printer and digital camera. I'm happy with both
items.

On Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:23:24 -0800, Oren wrote:


Anyway, this is our thoughts at this time, and all comments will be
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob-tx


Here's a 4 Star review on CNet about the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video
Camera. User reviews are also 4 Star

Video:

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camc....html?tag=rnav

Click on the Specifications tab and take a look at the features.

I do have a Kodak printer and digital camera. I'm happy with both
items.

P.S. (bundled software) "The ArcSoft MediaImpression software
includes the usual shortcut upload to YouTube, as well as some editing
features that allow you to trim your clips, adjust contrast, color,
and brightness, and splice you clips into a cohesive "movie," complete
with customized background music and titles. As we said, this software
is Windows only. If you own a Mac, you can copy your video and still
images to your computer by dragging and dropping the files from the
camcorder as you would with any USB storage device (and upload them to
YouTube easily enough) and then edit your videos using iMovie. "

"Bob-tx" wrote:

-snip-

Wife and I want to buy a camcorder (not a Christmas gift) for our
use. Intended use is to record inventory of house for insurance
purpose, record grandkids (10 regular and one great granddaughter),
pets, deer in the yards, etc. There are a number of different
features available in camcorders, and frankly, we are confused.
Money is an object - we are not looking at HD, but some other
features can also be expensive.

You've got too many grandkids.g For me- I'd be looking at a
camera that also takes video. I've got a Canon A650 that compare
favorably with my old 35mm for still pics-- and takes decent video,
besides.


We believe that card storage in desirable over an internal HD; less
mechanical means less trouble.
- cards come in various sizes, but we are thinking of a 4 Gigabyte,
which we are told records about 80 minutes.

32 & 64Gb cards are common now. but I use a 4Gb just because it is the
largest size my CHDK program will use. I've never felt pressure
into moving them to my computer because of lack of space.

If you're going to take any nature shots you might be interested in
time lapse photography, bracketing or motion detection. If you get a
Canon point & shoot check out this site;
http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK
It sounds *way* more complicated than it is. You put some software on
your memory card- and you've unleashed 100's of new things you can do
with your Powershot.


Camcorders come with various optical zoom sizes, from 10 X to 60 X.
For our intended use, what would be a good zoom size?

For the household stuff you will want wide angle- not zoom. For the
nature stuff the more zoom, the merrier. My 6x optical is pretty
good-- but a 12x was be nice if I was shooting off a tripod. [note my
6x is 7.4-44.4. another 6x might be 6-36, or 10-60- so pay attention
to those numbers. 7.4 mm is bordering on not being wide enough for
family shots in a small room]

Check out Steve's digicams for reviews. I've been reading them for 10
years or so & think he is pretty thorough - and fair.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/

I think most brands have a program, either built into the camera or
that can be installed on the computer, that will download videos
from the camcorder to the computer, or to view on a TV. I assume we
would need to purchase another piece of software to edit videos;
splice vids, insert, delete sections, improve quality, etc.

I bought a program for $100 or so. Then when I tried to find out how
to rotate the video 90degrees because my aunt shot it all sideways I
found a reference to Windows Movie Maker. It comes for free with
Windows XP- and I assume the later versions. I like it for ease of
use and versatility. I don't even remember the name of the one I
paid for. [that wouldn't rotate the video]

-snip-

See if you have it at;
C:\Program Files\Movie Maker\moviemk.exe

Jim

On Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:50:01 -0600, "Bob-tx"
wrote:

Have been reading and posting (when I have something to contribute)
here for about three years. I realize that camcorders are WAY off
topic, but I have searched the NGs every way I can think of and can
not find an NG that covers the subject. In addition, I respect the
experience and common sense of most of the people who frequently
post here.

Wife and I want to buy a camcorder (not a Christmas gift) for our
use. Intended use is to record inventory of house for insurance
purpose, record grandkids (10 regular and one great granddaughter),
pets, deer in the yards, etc. There are a number of different
features available in camcorders, and frankly, we are confused.
Money is an object - we are not looking at HD, but some other
features can also be expensive.

We believe that card storage in desirable over an internal HD; less
mechanical means less trouble.
- cards come in various sizes, but we are thinking of a 4 Gigabyte,
which we are told records about 80 minutes.

Camcorders come with various optical zoom sizes, from 10 X to 60 X.
For our intended use, what would be a good zoom size?

I think most brands have a program, either built into the camera or
that can be installed on the computer, that will download videos
from the camcorder to the computer, or to view on a TV. I assume we
would need to purchase another piece of software to edit videos;
splice vids, insert, delete sections, improve quality, etc.
-We would like a suggestion on some good editing program - nothing
professional, just home use that an old man could learn to use.

Currently, I am looking a Sony model DCR SX40. It has 4 Gigabytes
storage card, and 60 X zoom. Cost is $215 + 8.5% tax. It has a one
year warranty, but if there is a problem, the camcorder must be
mailed into the company. (To me, this is a big problem with several
potential pitfalls). By purchasing a $35 three year warranty, the
camcorder can be taken to the company and they provide a loaner and
handle the repair. I don't know if this warranty includes battery
life, but if it does, it seems like that alone would make it worth
the cost. I realize that an extended warranty depends on the
company staying in business and in your city. This deal is a FRY's,
and they have been here for several years, so probably pretty safe
that way.

Anyway, this is our thoughts at this time, and all comments will be
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob-tx

The Sony is a good camera.

80 minutes with a 4gb card probably represents the low quality video
setting of that camera. Check how many minutes you can get with the
high quality video setting. You may want to get bigger cards than 4gb.

"Bob-tx" wrote in message
. ..
Have been reading and posting (when I have something to contribute) here
for about three years. I realize that camcorders are WAY off topic, but
I have searched the NGs every way I can think of and can not find an NG
that covers the subject. In addition, I respect the experience and common
sense of most of the people who frequently post here.

Wife and I want to buy a camcorder (not a Christmas gift) for our use.
Intended use is to record inventory of house for insurance purpose, record
grandkids (10 regular and one great granddaughter), pets, deer in the
yards, etc. There are a number of different features available in
camcorders, and frankly, we are confused. Money is an object - we are not
looking at HD, but some other features can also be expensive.

We believe that card storage in desirable over an internal HD; less
mechanical means less trouble.
- cards come in various sizes, but we are thinking of a 4 Gigabyte, which
we are told records about 80 minutes.

Camcorders come with various optical zoom sizes, from 10 X to 60 X. For
our intended use, what would be a good zoom size?

I think most brands have a program, either built into the camera or that
can be installed on the computer, that will download videos from the
camcorder to the computer, or to view on a TV. I assume we would need to
purchase another piece of software to edit videos; splice vids, insert,
delete sections, improve quality, etc.
-We would like a suggestion on some good editing program - nothing
professional, just home use that an old man could learn to use.

Currently, I am looking a Sony model DCR SX40. It has 4 Gigabytes
storage card, and 60 X zoom. Cost is $215 + 8.5% tax. It has a one year
warranty, but if there is a problem, the camcorder must be mailed into the
company. (To me, this is a big problem with several potential pitfalls).
By purchasing a $35 three year warranty, the camcorder can be taken to the
company and they provide a loaner and handle the repair. I don't know if
this warranty includes battery life, but if it does, it seems like that
alone would make it worth the cost. I realize that an extended warranty
depends on the company staying in business and in your city. This deal is
a FRY's, and they have been here for several years, so probably pretty
safe that way.

Anyway, this is our thoughts at this time, and all comments will be
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob-tx

Google Steve's Digicams. There's a section for camcorders. Lots and lots
of info from people who aren't trying to sell you anything.

Steve

On Dec 14, 12:50*pm, "Bob-tx" wrote:
Have been reading and posting (when I have something to contribute)
here for about three years. * I realize that camcorders are WAY off
topic, but I have searched the NGs every way I can think of and can
not find an NG that covers the subject. *In addition, I respect the
experience and common sense of most of the people who frequently
post here.

Wife and I want to buy a camcorder (not a Christmas gift) for our
use. *Intended use is to record inventory of house for insurance
purpose, record grandkids (10 regular and one great granddaughter),
pets, deer in the yards, etc. * There are a number of different
features available in camcorders, and frankly, we are confused.
Money is an object - we are not looking at HD, but some other
features can also be expensive.

We believe that card storage in desirable over an internal HD; less
mechanical means less trouble.
- cards come in various sizes, but we are thinking of a 4 Gigabyte,
which we are told records about 80 minutes.

Camcorders come with various optical zoom sizes, from 10 X to 60 X.
For our intended use, what would be a good zoom size?

I think most brands have a program, either built into the camera or
that can be installed on the computer, that will download videos
from the camcorder to the computer, or to view on a TV. *I assume we
would need to purchase another piece of software to edit videos;
splice vids, insert, delete sections, improve quality, etc.
-We would like a suggestion on some good editing program - nothing
professional, just home use that an old man could learn to use.

Currently, I am looking a Sony model *DCR SX40. *It has 4 Gigabytes
storage card, and 60 X zoom. *Cost is $215 + 8.5% tax. *It has a one
year warranty, but if there is a problem, the camcorder must be
mailed into the company. *(To me, this is a big problem with several
potential pitfalls). *By purchasing a $35 three year warranty, the
camcorder can be taken to the company and they provide a *loaner and
handle the repair. *I don't know if this warranty includes battery
life, but if it does, it seems like that alone would make it worth
the cost. * I realize that an extended warranty depends on the
company staying in business and in your city. *This deal is a FRY's,
and they have been here for several years, so probably pretty safe
that way.

Anyway, this is our thoughts at this time, and all comments will be
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob-tx

4 gb isnt going to do much video on quality setting and cards are
expensive. Consumers reports did a good basic comparison. 4 years ago
I got a digital trv460 sony that uses Hi8 tape and is dvd quality,
about 490 lines resolution, it was near 200$ a few years ago. For a
DVD quality unit it should be real cheap, Tape is not obsolete and
would be the cheapest, memory card I think you will regret. Consumer
reports does offer help in group comparisons. I think most reviews now
wont cover what you want.