Camcorders!

[jam8086]

Recording is an incredible help to any pianist...but what camcorder should that pianist buy?  Does anyone know of any affordable camcorders (I suppose around $200 US or less, or 300 MAX!!! if nothing around 200 is decent, which I can't really imagine) that can be useful for recording practicing piano?  Please list any features, such as VHS, DVD, or mini DVD recorder, and I would like it to somehow be PC compatible (they probably all are now, but I don't really know much about camcorders).

Basically I'm just looking for a decent camcorder for a relatively low price.

Thank you!

[Waldszenen]

Get a DVD camcorder if you're planning to upload your videos, as it's much easier than using cables and stuff.

Otherwise, MiniDV cameras are cheap and generally have better picture than DVD cameras.

High-definition cameras are almost broadcast-quality but they're expensive.


To be very honest, for US $200 you won't get anything superb, so can't help you there.

[liszt-essence]

Make sure the audio recording device is of superb quality. The visuals aren't that important when recording music.

I suggest you buy one secon handed. But make sure you bring a friend along who is technical enough to descern wether or not it's a good buy.

I wouldn't buy one in a store unless you want to spend a lot of money and you're gonna use it A LOT.

Just my 2 cents.

[quantum]

For a lot of consumer grade camcorders, I find that the video is usually of higher quality than the audio. 

You can get really good video these days.  I've used mini DV a few times (although I don't own one).  mini DV is capable of high quality sound at 16 bit, 48 kHz - just that the built in mics on the cameras are a bit lacking. 

You may want to look into getting a separate mic for your camcorder or even hooking up an external audio system to the camera. 

[mariocast]

We recently purchased a Canon ZR500 for $299.  That sounds like it falls in your price range.

It's miniDV, has firewire to transfer the video to your computer for editing if necessary.