Originally Posted by tokyotraveler
Hello,
I'm looking for everyone's expertise for my next big investment. I'm looking for a digital camera with good quality and that I can hook up to a Mac and burn movies onto DVD. I was originally looking at this:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...onics&n=507846
But that price is just too much.
The second thing is that I need a new computer -- i'm leaning towords a Mac because right now i'm on a PC (Vaio) and its driving me nuts -- I miss my iBook. Bluetooth is very important to me (to cut down on wires) since i'm looking to get a bluetooth printer too and probably a wireless keyboard. If the desktop wasn't TOO pricey I was also thinking to getting a new iBook to serve as a companion to the desktop, whether it be a mac or not.
Any suggestions to either the camera or the computer would be GREATLY appreciated. I'd hate to make a bad decision on a big investment like this. Thanks.
Here's what I would recommend, based on my experience in professional video. Stay away from the Sony HDV (or any HDV) camera for right now...without getting into the technical details, it handles video much differently than conventional DV cameras do, and the professional editing software packages are just starting to work HDV into the mix. In addition, there's no real way to play back your footage in high-def yet...
I would go with the Sony PDX-10 camcorder...I've used one for a couple of years now, and it produces excellent quality video in an easy-to-use package. If you're hell-bent on switching to Macs, go ahead...but keep in mind that you're not the only one going nuts from using a Sony VAIO. The reputation isn't very good, and you'd be better off with a Dell or HP laptop if you want to stay in the PC world. Get the most memory and the biggest hard drive your laptop will hold...it will make the difference between editing your video easily and pulling your hair out waiting on the laptop...
Mark