Info on digital video cameras, please!?

[Plough]

Hi all

After info and\or recommendations on digital video cameras.

We're looking at purchasing a video camera to replace our vintage one that has died, but just need to know what features to look for and if anyone recommends certain brands, etc.

Mainly after one for family footage and outings, nothing fancy. Possibly one that takes stills too, maybe.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

MRS PLOUGH

[DrDivad]

if you have $9k.........Canon XL1, getitgetitgetitgetitgeti *1million

Sony 3chips are also sweet,

hell any 3ccd camera = good
but they cost, liek $5k and more, roughly

otherwsie the standard single chip sony DV's are pretty rockin.....

but thats the extend of my knowledge,

my reccomendation would be a midrange Sony 3CCD camera though

[Retrofitter]

<Jaz> Buy a sony. Only ever buy a sony. I have used multiple Panasonic and JVC camerasm and they are easier to use, but sony is the no bullshit solution.

[Plough]

So many Sony's to choose from.
Anyone here own a Sony?
What model and what do they think of it?
We are looking at the
SONY DCRTRV19 $1,009.95 and
SONY DCRTRV22 $1,194.95
v19 info (http://www.sony.com.au/product_detail_content.asp?CCod=18130&CCod2=16667&ProdCod=DCRTRV19) v22 info (http://www.sony.com.au/product_detail_content.asp?CCod=18130&CCod2=16667&ProdCod=DCRTRV22)

Any advice would be appreciated before she spends my money.

[Jaz]

I have the TRV50. My friend has the TRV18. He reckons mine is built more solid than his. The man in the shop says sonys have better build than other brands which I believe.

The video quality of all sony cameras is the same, however the higher models have extra features. Some are useful, some are luxury.

You will see the diff between 19 and 22 is the memory stick stuff. If it was me I would go the 22, since I use the still pic function a lot. (looks like 19 doesnt even give you a small stick to start with which is odd for a sony product)

Ooh: 19/22 - B&W/colour viewfinder. Professionals prefer the B&W, but colour is easier for point and shoot purposes.