Hey guys and gals, i am looking right now for a video camera. I will be using it for taping in my stand as well as taping from long distances away during summer scouting and also on rifle hunts. Now i would eventually like to load the vids onto the web and link them up on this site for my friends here to see. I am pretty dumb when it comes to video lingo so what should i be looking at. I was thinkin something with a 25 zoom would be nice but as for dvc dv, dvd, what is all that about. If i get a camera that takes those little tapes am i still able to get those vids up on the wb somehow? I will probably use it once i start teaching school also for my sports teams, could take games and then make a highlight dvd with music for each player at the end of the season. I see Christmasflyers loaded with them here so i am going out on an iformation seeking day tomorrow to the shops but i value the advice i get here more. So lets have it. I am looking around the 500 dollar max range. What y'all suggest thanxs

I would probably go with the mini dv model. Get a reputable brand with a lot of optical zoom, in my opinion digital zoom is pretty much worthless unless its high noon and you have the camera mounted on a tripod. I would suggest talking to one of the salespersons at a local store and see what they recommned, but be sure to pick the video camera up and hold it in your hand and buy one that has all the record buttons and such that are located convenientlyfor ease of operation. I am a loyal Sony consumer and their cameras seem to take a fair amount of abuse considering they are not really manufactured to do so. Hope this info helps you out somewhat.

Thanxs, staples have on a Canon for 319. its the ZR500 Dv Camcorder
25 optical zoom, 800x digital zoom, widdescreen vary angle 2.7#LCD and they claim to have an easy to use menu system. Hows this sound? Also how much of a pain in the cutlery is it to get this onto a dvd or onto the web?

www.videomaker.com
The new issue has an article review concerning new video cameras from cost to efficieny to compatibility.
I recommend you subscribe to it hard copy also as it explains video in laymans' terms from A to Z from camera work to audio to editing.
Rule 1. Buy the best you can afford. Don't be in a rush to just 'get a camera'. Study, research, read, compare, play with them at the dealers.
Rule 2. NEVER USE A DIGITAL ZOOM. Forget it's there. Disable it a user function if at all possible. If you want more 'distance'....learn about Depth of Field and use a mulitiplier or extender which usually can be bought as a screw on lens attachment.
Rule 3. Buy BALANCED audio. Learn what it is before you buy anything for your camera to record it.
Rule 4. Make sure your CAMERA is compatible with your COMPUTER PROGRAM for pictures, editing, cables, video capture cards, etc. etc.
A professional shop can help you get set up with that.

Research the camera, the format, the computer systems, the video signal transfer, the audio, the HUNDREDS of ACCESSORIES etc etc. before you turn loose of your hard earned dollars.

Good luck and have fun once you get started.