Sony DVD Handycam Camcorder

[penokee]

Has anyone had any experience with the Sony Handycam Camcorder? Looks like a handy outfit because you can record directly on a DVD-R then pop it into your computer to play and or edit. You can also convert your old VHS tapes to DVD and edit them.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

http://www.thegoodguys.com/adtemplate.asp?invky=952598

 

[frank_f15]

i will be following this thread, as i am thinking of upgrading my hi 8 camcorder to a dvd camcorder.

 

[Moon]

I need one of those! That sounds too cool. I'll be watching this thread also.

Moon of Ohio

 

[Gatorboy]

I bought my wife a Sony Handycam DCR-DVD200 in December of 2003 and we love it. It uses a small mini-DVD and records about 20-30 minutes depending on what quality setting select. The picture quality is awesome.

I wouldn't suggest copying your VHS tapes onto the mini-DVD's, instead I would get yourself one of the Digital editing software packages (Companies like Ulead, Pinnacle, and Roxio offer them) and a Digital Video Converter to record the tapes right to your PC.

I take the completed mini-DVDs (and VHS conversions) and edit them on my PC - trimming out dead time, adding Titles, captions, music, etc. -- and then burn them onto a full size DVD. The mini-DVDs are my masters and are stored in a safe place, and then I just make copies of the completed full-size DVDs for other family members, and backups.

 

[Wingnut]

I was interested in replacing my aging Sharp dv camcorder with one o fthe Sonys until I did some research and discovered that all the DVD models (Sony and others) use MPEG compression to get the picture on the disc. I decided to stick with the tape and edit the videos to DVD via the computer.
While I do like Sony's quality, I don't like their predeliction for trying (and too often losing) to force their standards on the rest of the industry. The memory stick and beta comes to mind ...

 

[MossRoad]

Beta VS. VHS... worse than hydro VS. gear. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[MossRoad]

We purchased a Sony DCRTRV460 back in November. It is not the DV-R, it is digital 8MM tape. We purchased that model because it will play back all of our old analog 8MM and HI-8 tapes, as well as record in DIGITAL on HI-8 tapes. Otherwise, we would have purchased one of the DV-R models. What I like about the SONY is you can use it as a media converter, for example, by connecting an old VHS player to the camera and output to the PC via USB2 or FIREWIRE ports. The camera will convert it to DIGITAL format. There is also an option of using the memory stick slot to record directly into MPEG format if you want. SONY has some really nice features. Good luck in your search. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Gatorboy]

<font color="blue"> until I did some research and discovered that all the DVD models (Sony and others) use MPEG compression to get the picture on the disc. </font>

MPG/MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format is pretty standard these days. What format do you think DVD movies you buy/rent are formatted in? I don't think Sony defined it.

Curious, what format would you prefer?

 

[ducati996]

I think the most important feature on the digital Camcorders
is the USB or Firewire port on them. I have a Sony Digital 8mm which gives me an hours worth of recording time. That translates to one full DVD of 4.7gb. Sony offers DV tape, full DVD and Mini DVD as well but they werent the originators. Picture quality is pretty much the same unless its a 3 CCD unit...
The real important aspect is being able to import it on your P.C (USB 2.0 or IEEE1394) and be able to edit/improve and then produce it....I'm sure you can pick up a Digital 8 Sony or Mini DV tape unit real inexpensive, and be making excellent movies in no time at all...

Ducati

 

[Wingnut]

I prefer RAW .... so that I can get the best data to work with before I burn the mpeg'd file to a dvd.
I get enough artifacts on the tapes while filming off the motorcycle ...