decent digital camcorder?

[Bob]

I saw the Zoom post.

For around $200.  (Don't post, "Bob you should get this $1,000 camcord instead," please )

$200, give or take a $100, so $300 tops.


I'd never thought about video format and it being difficult to edit it on a computer later.


I'm thinking something handheld, more like a traditional video camera.  All around, general purpose.

[quantum]

You may also wish to consider still cameras with video capability.  The video on these is getting to be quite good. 

I've seen HD webcams for $50 or less.  So if you really are on a budget that may be another option.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Lol I was actually gonna suggest the Canon T3I with a 300-400 dollar fish eye but nevermind...

Iphones have a pretty good camera, if you have one.

[Bob]

Something that's an actual camcorder but would allow video editting.

I have one that uses mini vhs tapes but... My VCR isn't working well anymore.  And those tapes are less reliable than digital I think for keeping things around.  If I pay attention I can keep the digital around for as long as I want.

[oxy60]

I picked up an HD Flip Video for a song because Cisco stopped production. It's great!

[quantum]

You mean you want to do editing in camera?  I'd think it much easier to import the video to your computer and edit that way.  You won't be fumbling with tiny buttons and a tiny screen. 

[Bob]

Editting on the computer but hopefully doable without the problems someone else was recently mentioning on here.

[oxy60]

My Flip came with simple editing software that will run on older (7-10) year old machines but very slow. It all depends on what you want to do and how much time you have to do it.

[Bob]

And something with zoom, like a regular camcorder, but digital.... a digital camcorder... I'm just wondering if there's a decent/standard one out there.

[quantum]

Try to stay away from digital zoom as much as possible.  You want optical zoom.  You can have optical zoom in a camera that stores the data digitally. 

As for video editing programs your camera most likely will come with one.  If you don't like it there are other choices. 

Here are some open source options:
For simple edits
https://avidemux.sourceforge.net

Not released yet, but something to watch out for.  From the creators of VLC.
https://www.videolan.org/vlmc/

NLE with pro features.  Planning to go open source.  Currently a free download.
https://www.lightworksbeta.com

[piano_vs_science]

you like quantum physics???

[Bob]

When I looked before it looked like the high def ones were more in the $5-600 range.  If I wait... maybe they'll come down eventually.