OK I hope this is OK to post here, I am looking for people recomendations on the best small video camera to buy keeping in mind one major point. I do plan on not only doing a lot of filming of cars in motion but also plan on adding a lipstick camera and recording my track days with my honda. My fear is if I go with the new mini DVD models could that DVD actually skip while the car is rolling and taking sharp corners etc... where I know a MINI DV tape would not while recording. I would ideally like to spend 350 dollars (aware MINI DVD cameras are closer to starting at 5oo) I could spend 500 just want a compelling reason to do so. Is the mini DVD format the wave of the future, have they been out long enough to have the kinks worked out, if I buy Mini DV will I be looking for a mini dvd video camera in 2-3 years? help... best bang for the buck and again one that films things in motion quite well and of course compact... thanks one again.
Steve

 

Hey I'm in the exact same situation. I'm hoping someone will chime in here. Anyway, the unit I'm most interested in is the Sony mini DV that retails for between 350 and 399. Past that I don't have much to offer.

 

Mini DV is older technology but I love mine. On the other hand if you plan on editing video, you need to have a firewire card in the computer with mini DV versus a basic dvd drive in the computer for the mini dvd models. I dunno. It probably boils down to capacity and clarity; but also i'd bet that mini dv camcorders will pack more features for the price than mini dvd camcorders.


I was just thinking out loud, but if I had to do it over again, and it was for recording inside a car, i'd use mini DV.

 

I have had good luck with the mini dv cameras and have used the sony TRV series extensively with no failures, I would be concerned abour mini dvd cameras because of vibrations, Sony has a new line of cameras in the ( HC) series that are very reasonable and we purchased them through Nextag.com for price comparison.
I just set this car up for the Australian Targa Tasmanian Rally and my friend Stuart was driving - It was a four camera setup with 4 Sony HC cameras operating independant of each other and will be edited and used for promotional material for Lamborghini - You can see the 2 exterior cameras in this pic! what ever you get make sure it has recording capability (camera/VCR) mode and a Lanc input for a remote control.
NZ

 

Say what? Mini DV is older technology?! Evolving technology, perhaps, but far from out of date. At the moment, Mini DV is the best all-around video technology available to the average consumer. And the best compact consumer Mini DV camcorder on the market, in my opinion (and I've shot with most of the best of them) is the Sony TRV-950. Not cheap! Another good one is the Sony DCR HC-1000 which lists for about $1500, I think. A good cheap candidate would be the Panasonic PV-GS120 which retails for around $600. All are 3-chip (CCD) camcorders; settle for nothing less! Also look for glass lens. BTW, a good used buy would be the Sony TRV-900, the 950's predecessor, which has been out of production for about 3 years and can be bought (caveat emptor!!) cheaply on ebay or wherever. Vibration will be a problem for any camcorder but can be mitigated somewhat for not a lot of money and almost completely for a lot. Happy shooting!

 

i have a sony trv mini dv and i paid $1000 for it like 2.5 years ago. It has an upgraded Carl Zeis lens and i have absolutely no complaints about it. I have made many videos with it using a bunch of different programs. I would go with the mini dv especially with they way prices are right now.

 

Im using a Sony miniDV also, the DCR-HC21 to be exact and it work awesome. This was 350 on special at Frys, normally is like 399 or so. The only thing I complain about is no external mic jack is available on this unit

 

I would definately go MiniDV. I can't imagine the DVD tolerating the vibrations. Look for external mic jack which is nice if you will be mounting in the windscreen location. You will get a lot of wind noise there and with the external jack you can run a mic to the footwell net. Also get a camera with an analog video input for using a remote/bumper mount bullitt camera.

 

try a Canon GL2...

it's pretty much popular in the filming industry.

i'm also selling mine too...

time to upgrade.

 

Check out the www.stickypod.com

I use a Sony DCR-HC85 with a cheap ($60) wide angle and haven't had any complaints yet. If your intention is to publish your video to the Internet, and keep a lower resolution, the camera will not make a difference. Video Cameras like to eat batteries, so try to pick an extra one up. I can get about an hour of filming (without stopping) on mine

My DSC-F717 Camera can go weeks without needing a recharge and that includes putting some video on it.