Need help with camcorder selection!

[ringram]

I'm looking to get my first camcorder, with the impending birth of our first child in ~ 1 month.

Two key points:
1)the budget is around $400-$450 tops, so HD is out (but we don't have an HDTV now anyways).
2)ease of archiving data.

Now, I'm trying to figure out which format I'd like and from everything I've read, there are good and bad of some, which has been leading me in circles.

Flash memory (some have removable, some is built in -- not sure which is better): it's less taxing on the batteries, so you'll get more recording time in between recharges.

miniDV: At first glance, it looked like the ancient tape-format that people used in the 80s/90s, but it appears that this has better picture quality than miniDVD, hard disk drive (HDD) and flash. I'm also not sure why that is, but the bigger point is, why would I want a tape that I have no other way of playing except through the camcorder (won't have this camcorder forever), as opposed to DVD or transfer to computer (USB or Firewire) for archiving on CD/DVD.

miniDVD: Do these even play in regular DVD players? It also seems like it would make editing next to impossible.

hard disk drive (HDD): I suppose these are the ones with internal harddrives that allow you to transfer to your computer via USB or Firewire. I've heard some people say that the image is compromised due to compression (compared to miniDV or possibly others).

Can anyone offer some assistance or suggestions here?
I'd like to place the order asap, so I can practice with it for a couple weeks.

Here is a potential camcorder I found on newegg:

Canon FS100 ($399): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830120243
**This is EXACTLY the same in every regard to the Canon FS10 and FS11, except those are $100 and $200 more, respectively (for 8 GB and 16GB internal flash memory, respectively, compared to regular flash memory on the FS100).

8 GB SDHC flash memory ($31.99): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820178151
*What about using this for extra memory, instead of paying the extra $100 for 8 GB internal flash?

Tripod ($32.99):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830997254
*This one sounded decent for light and medium duty work. It's not like I'll be throwing it around and abusing it.

Do all cameras and camcorders fit on any tripod? I couldn't find anything in the tripod specs that referenced certain makes/models of cameras/camcorders.

Camera bag ($23.99):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830997133
**Just a simple bag to keep everything in.

-Ryan

[Natty]

Get what I have, Sony DCR-SR300

Thats what I have, its old though so there should be anewer model out there.

It's HD and I love it because its easy to transport stuff to your computer and edit it if you want. I hate stuff that records to a dvd or something.

[ringram]

Yeah, it looks like that one is in the $700-$800 range. I was hoping to keep it under $500.
Also, doesn't Sony use all proprietary parts? Not sure how many other companies do this, but someone told me that Sony does.

[Natty]

Originally Posted by ringram

Yeah, it looks like that one is in the $700-$800 range. I was hoping to keep it under $500.
Also, doesn't Sony use all proprietary parts? Not sure how many other companies do this, but someone told me that Sony does.

What...I bought mines new for $600 and that was like a year ago.

My coworker found one for $500. Have you shopped around? I have it and I really like it a lot, it even has night vision. Many people say its not much of a difference between the Sony HDs either and I have to agree unless you want to go pro on it, you'll like it.

I found some on ebay

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...R300&category0=

That's where I got my deal from along time ago. Its the 6.1mp one.

[ringram]

Hey, just in case anyone's interested, I ended up getting a Canon HG10 camcorder. So far, we love it! It records in HD and even has things like sepia, black/white and you can adjust the aperature and shutter...so many other things -- it'll take a while to learn it all.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...&modelid=15617

I got it for cheaper than that though. LOL
I didn't want to worry about accumulation of media (CDs, DVDs, tapes), so I opted for one with an internal HD. The quality of the tape camcorders is supposed to be better (raw video), but tapes seem so old fashioned to me.
I would highly recommend this camcorder. Got it with a matching bag and tripod to boot!

So yeah, Natty, I took your advice to go with HD, but I decided on a Canon instead. I'm sure Sony's good too, but we already have a Canon camera and it's great.

-Ryan

[chaznsc]

Thats really great. Soooooooooo.....when can we expect to see some Ringram YouTube Planted Tank Vids?

[ringram]

There's a definite possibility there. Maybe a feeding once I restock the tank?
All that I have in there right now are corys, ottos, shrimp and two small clown loaches.

I'll be setting up a ADA 60P tank that's been sitting around for a few months....hmm, edited footage of planting a new tank? Maybe I'll do it.

[fishsandwitch]

Are you planning on recording childbirth?? Thats kinda nasty

[ringram]

Nah, not going to record the childbirth -- not even sure I actually want to see it "happening". I may have to stay up near my wife's head, we'll see.
It's our first and she's going to be induced in 4 days.
So, the countdown is on.
The sex of the baby will be a surprise.