Which mini-DV FireWire Camcorder?
Any recommendations for a good mini-DV FireWire camcorder based on the following set of objectives?
(1) I have used a Sony DCR-PC101 mini-DV for the past 5 years and so compatibility with these recorded tapes is important.
(2) I ONLY do family/occassions/travel kind of video. Nothing professional. So, plug-nplay is important to me. The ability to do it in a time-efficient manner is very very important to us.
(3) At some point I will upgrade to Leopard but NOT NOW. Also, I intend to keep using iMovie HD 6.0 as i like its feature set more than iMovie 8.0. Also, at some point in the near future I see myself upgrading to Final Cut Express from iMovie.
(4) The old Sony DCR-PC101 camcorder is on the brink and i need to buy a new one. *MONEY IS NOT THE LIMIT*. I am willing to spend what it takes to get a good camcorder that can capture good video that is easy to edit.
(5) I use external Firewire hard drives also (for storage etc). Ideally, if possible, i would like to buy a camcorder that offers FW800!
(6) I also need the camcorder to have an ANALOG-IN to have the ability to convert old VHS tapes into Digital (Is there a better solution?).
(7) Capability to attach an external mic is desirable (though not a must if the quality of the built-in is good).
(8) The new camcorder SHOULD be able to read the old mini-DVs i recorded with the Sony DCR-PC101.
(9) Any accessories (lenses, flash light, etc) that you would recommend as well
Thanks
(1) I have used a Sony DCR-PC101 mini-DV for the past 5 years and so compatibility with these recorded tapes is important.
(2) I ONLY do family/occassions/travel kind of video. Nothing professional. So, plug-nplay is important to me. The ability to do it in a time-efficient manner is very very important to us.
(3) At some point I will upgrade to Leopard but NOT NOW. Also, I intend to keep using iMovie HD 6.0 as i like its feature set more than iMovie 8.0. Also, at some point in the near future I see myself upgrading to Final Cut Express from iMovie.
(4) The old Sony DCR-PC101 camcorder is on the brink and i need to buy a new one. *MONEY IS NOT THE LIMIT*. I am willing to spend what it takes to get a good camcorder that can capture good video that is easy to edit.
(5) I use external Firewire hard drives also (for storage etc). Ideally, if possible, i would like to buy a camcorder that offers FW800!
(6) I also need the camcorder to have an ANALOG-IN to have the ability to convert old VHS tapes into Digital (Is there a better solution?).
(7) Capability to attach an external mic is desirable (though not a must if the quality of the built-in is good).
(8) The new camcorder SHOULD be able to read the old mini-DVs i recorded with the Sony DCR-PC101.
(9) Any accessories (lenses, flash light, etc) that you would recommend as well
Thanks
Intel iMac 20", PowerBook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.10)
