So I'm off to Canada in a couple of weeks, and I fancy taking a video camera. I have no idea what makes good or bad video camera, so any suggestions ?

• Make / Model
  
• Features to look out for
  
• Anything to avoid
  
• Where is best to buy them.
  

Thanks

I bought mine a few years back now, but here are my thoughts My budget was around 500-600 quid and I got the TVR-33 after trying out a few in Currys. I ruled out the Canon and one other one as, although they had similar specs, didn't feel as good to hold.

I went for Mini-DV over DVD as I wanted to do post-processing on the video and wasn't fussed about watching it there and then (although an S-Video cable lets you hook up the camera to a TV). Like stills cameras, ignore quoted digital zoom figures and concentrate on the optical ones. Battery life will be a big deal if you're out for long periods shooting and you may also want to think about the practicalities of touch-screen playback controls if you're going to be using it in sunlight or you don't have tiny-childlike fingers!

I'd recommend popping into your local Jessops as they've always been quite happy to show me all my options and talk honestly about the pro's and cons of each They'll also price match places like Amazon....

Chris

I have looked at quite a few, there are a lot that are very similar.But being a gadget freek I like having the latest / greatest.

I've found this one that I like the look of, although it is perhaps a little more than I was thinking of paying.... but then again

Amazon Camcorder

Seems to get a good review here. JVC was the other one I tried and I didn't rate it as highly as the Sony. Worth trying them out in a shop though

Chris

Was going to suggest ordering one to buy at the airport at Dixons Tax Free here, but it seems the Amazon price is much better!

Looks like you found yourself a good deal!

Seems to get a good review here. JVC was the other one I tried and I didn't rate it as highly as the Sony. Worth trying them out in a shop though

Chris

Yes a good review, would always want to try it out before spending that sort of money.

Still it should give me soom good stuff to play with on the iMac

This place is quite good with their prices...PIXMANIA, SWMBO was living in Guernsey and he priced them over there for me...Pixmania were a lot more competitive.

Battery life is a big thing, I think Sony have this one well covered. I wouldn't normally be a big Sony person but if I was getting a Camcorder I'd definitely go Sony. A friend had a JVC (I think) DV camera before and the battery was absolutely rubbish.