that's possible of such quality that it would look good on dvd's and/or vcd's...

I'm pretty advanced in video editing, converting and other things...

The only thing is, I need a camera that's capable of GOOD quality..

How are minidv's?

30x optical zoom is what's up... digital zoom isn't shit, but has anyone ever taped with a minidv and transferred to their computer, then burned it?

How's the quality?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6988469&type=product&productCategoryId=cat04015&id=1099390045672

I'm thinking of this...

Please...

Don't mention cocks, or any other stupid shit in this thread...

If you don't know anything about the topic, don't post.

I've got a Canon Optura 20. I've been very satisfied with it.

Quality's good. Not "holy shit that's awesome" but good. Awesome is going to be >$1000.

Canon's pretty much the only miniDV camera company that makes their own lenses. I suggest either Canon or Sony. (with JVC in third)

If you're serious about things you're going to want one of the "larger" camera like the optura series. Smaller cameras simply don't have important features like a manual focus ring. (including the one you posted a link to)

You really should mention your budget. MiniDV is the way to go but cameras range for a few hundred to a few thousand or more.

Also, I found maximum optical zoom to be pretty unimportant. I find myself using a wideangle lens a LOT more than I use a signifcant amount of zoom. That and a tripod are my two most used accessories.

I've got a Canon Optura 20. I've been very satisfied with it.

Quality's good. Not "holy shit that's awesome" but good. Awesome is going to be >$1000.

Canon's pretty much the only miniDV camera company that makes their own lenses. I suggest either Canon or Sony. (with JVC in third)

If you're serious about things you're going to want one of the "larger" camera like the optura series. Smaller cameras simply don't have important features like a manual focus ring. (including the one you posted a link to)

You really should mention your budget. MiniDV is the way to go but cameras range for a few hundred to a few thousand or more.

Also, I found maximum optical zoom to be pretty unimportant. I find myself using a wideangle lens a LOT more than I use a signifcant amount of zoom. That and a tripod are my two most used accessories.

no more than $500...

I will buy no sony products.

Optical zoom is great... The type of video I'm going to be making may require to be slightly far away

I also dislike Sony.

http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/canon/optura20-review/index.shtml

It's going for $400
http://www.usaphotonation.com/products.asp?product_id=10187&engine=froogle

id rather pay the extra $50 and get 30x optical zoom...

hmmm... i hope the quality is good when transferred to a pc for editing.

id rather pay the extra $50 and get 30x optical zoom...

hmmm... i hope the quality is good when transferred to a pc for editing.

For me, there are other things to worry about besides maximum optical zoom.

The Panisonic only has a 1/6" CDD (compared to 1/4").
A 2 lux rating (vs 0.5).
Lower still photo resolution (640x480 vs 1280 x 960)
Lens quality (Canon lens vs "panasonic" lens)
Inablity to convert analog video to DV
no focusing ring
2.5" LCD (vs 3.5" for the Canon)
I/O ports hidden behind the battery

http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/panasonic/pv_gs35-review/index.shtml7624583&id_type=M

I suggest you read though both reviews before deciding.

I have (had [don't really know where it is]) a Canon ZR-85. It uses the little tapes; we never attempted to hook it up to the comp. Hell, we hardly ever used it.

It has a pretty good optical zoom, though. However, the battery life BLOWS.

Don't know if I helped much....

My dad just got one for my mom from a site. it was a sony around 600 dollars with all the bells and whistles and kits. i will try to find out what model but its awesome. it does evreything you could want almost.

My main concern is the video quality once it's transferred... If i were to burn it to a dvd..how well would it look?

I have a Panasonic GS120 which I am very happy with. It only has a 10X optical zoom, but it has 3 ccds (R,G,B) so the color is amazing and the low light performance is great (the 2 things I was most concerned about). If you do not have a tripod anything over 10 - 15X zoom is really useless unless you have incredibly stable hands. Check out this site - tons of good info:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

As far as video quality on DVDs - it will not be as good as watching it directly from your camera. DVDs use compression, so you lose some detail. If you have a good encoder you will *probably* not notice though. I have successfully made DVDs where the compression was virtually undetectable, but it can be tricky at times. Especially if there is a lot of fast motion and high contrast.

Looks like I posted a bad link
Here's the right one for that panasonic:

http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/cameraDetail.php?cam=229

What are you going to be shooting that you'll need a 30X zoom for?

Looks like I posted a bad link
Here's the right one for that panasonic:

http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/cameraDetail.php?cam=229

What are you going to be shooting that you'll need a 30X zoom for?

Image quality is more important to me, the 30x zoom just seemed cool...

Nothing perverted or illegal...