Thinking about buying. I'm not clear on the difference between digital8 and miniDV. Can anyone give me a basic rundown, and maybe a couple of pros/cons? I'm kinda looking at the sony dcrtrv27 miniDV unit. I've seen it online for under $1K.

Any recommendations appreciated. I'll be using this camera for in-car video at track days (and family stuff), so I'd like something with image stabilization, and the ability to plug in a remote microphone so I can get sound from in the cabin, rather than just wind noise. A remote control would be nice too, but not essential. btw, would like to stay below $800, but may go higher if some feature makes it worthwhile.

Thanks!!!

 

I just went through this whole dance myself. I'm looking for a camcorder for on-board footage with my racing kart and maybe a helmet cam. I agonized over all the various models and prices and read evey website review. Blah Blah Blah. I ended up going with the Sony DCR-PC101. The Canon Elura MC40 is very similar for less cash but a lot of people have complained about the lowlight performance of it. Pretty tough to go wrong with Sony. Do a websearch on camcorder reviews and you should turn up lots of websites with more info than you can shake astick at. Try CNET.com for starters.

Digital 8 is an older technology than miniDV. Sort of cassette to CDs analogy. Digital 8 works just fine but it is a dying breed as more and more support switchs to miniDV and microDV.

The Sony DCR-PC101 retails for $1300 but you can get them on EBay for the low $800's. I got mine brand new in the box for $831 on EBay.

Best o'luck.

 

I just bought a Sony DCR-TRV840. top of the line digital8 camcorder from sony. found it really cheap online (way under $800, about $624 at a site) its good enough for me.

Quality of digital8 to miniDV is the same. miniDV allows manufactures to make smaller cameras. Don't go for microMV. It's a lot harder/tiresome to edit video on the computer.

I looked into the DCR-PC101 as well as many others. digital8 usually have a better optical zoom on them too. I didn't really want to hold onto a tiny camera while I was filming so I decided to go with the form factor of the 840. Price made it really nice and it perfect for the uses I have. With the extra hundred dollars, go and buy a light and possibly a filter.

 

I meant to include a link but forgot. Here it is http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-...html?tag=subnav

 

Thanks, this is helpful. I'll spend the next couple days reading everything I can, then buy myself a x-mas gift.

 

Thanks for that cnet link, they have some great reviews and info.