I'm currently looking to purchase a digital camcorder, and need some advice. Budget would be around $1000. Preferably Sony products... This is my first, so I really don't know what to look for.

I have my eye set on the Sony DCR-TRV17. Anyone have any experience with this camcorder?

 

I bought that exact Sony Camcorder for Christmas and used it this past weekend at the track. Excellent picture and sound quality. Easy to mount in the car and use.

 

Cool.... how is the nighttime recordings?
Does it take still pictures too? How is the quality on those?

Whats the difference between these camcorders and Digital8 camcorders??? Can the Digital8's make mpeg videos too?

 

Aren't the Sony's Digital 8, not Mini DV? You should decide what it is you want to do with the camera, then decide what you'll need... you can start by looking here http://www.camcorderinfo.com

 

The Sony DCR-TRV17 is a great camera. Can't go wrong. But for a few more bucks you should look at the DCR-TRV30. About 1300 mail order.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by HeNeSSeY
[B]Cool.... how is the nighttime recordings?
Does it take still pictures too?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PDX S2000
[B]Aren't the Sony's Digital 8, not Mini DV?

 

You can regularly pick these up on ebay for under 700.00.

 

Thanks for all the info....

I'm looking to purchase at Circuit City. I have a $300 gift certificate to use there.

 

For our purposes, would the TRV530 be a better choice (I say "our purposes" assuming you may wish to tape your laps...)? It's a few hundred cheaper and it has digital stabilization which is rated more highly by Consumer Reports.

However, I'm planning on putting this on my Mac for editing in iMovie, so I'd need to be able to make that connection via FireWire or USB. Anyone?