Well, after my last European trip--where it seemed everyone had one, I've decided to buy one of those mini camcorders. My question is which one?? My main concerns are weight (since I only do 'carry on') and ease of use (I am not a computer wizard, by any means)--I just thought it would be great to get some video shots of sights rather than stills. If anyone has any suggestions, I sure would appreciate it

I had a small jvc model, about the size of a paperback book. Picture quality was wonderful, though the sound through the stereo external mic was so awful that I returned it. I've been happy with every sony I've owned, if that's any help.

My wife has a new digi JVC. Works fine, good picture, etc in bright and dark; have to be transfered to regular tape.

Get a number of tapes(at least 6)

Get a couple of "4 hour" batteries. They seem to last about 2 hrs, which is close to her daily video attention span.

Don't set it down, carry it in a backpack or something.

If you don't paying the price, camcorders that record directly to DVD's are starting to come to market. Hitachi has one and Sony is supposed to have one soon.

[This message has been edited by BillMorrow (edited 06-01-2001).]

I have been told on 3 occasions that Panasonic mini-DVs are the best available. I tested a couple before making my purchase.

Sony was very dim and dull, although it works very well in near to complete darkness. You do get some shadows as opposed to nothing on the other brands - IF you need to film in darkness and appreciate seeing shadows instead of nothingness. JVC mechanisms wear out really fast.

I bought my Panasonic NV-DS33 about a year ago, it's works very satisfactorily. The only function it does not afford is the memory stick capability - to store still images. So I store all my still images on the DV cassette along with the video. They download easily through FireWire anyway. It's the size of a mini semi-cuboid traveller's dictionary, and weighs as light as a normal automatic camera. But remember that with DVs you probably have to lug along the charger, plugs, connectors, spare batteries (lots of), cassettes, etc. I bought a wide angle lens so that takes up space too.

There must be more improved models lying around now. I would suggest you try out a Panasonic or two before making your purchase. Also, the memory stick option would be a great plus if you intend to take lots of still images - they download a lot easier. But then again, I have managed to get great still images from DVs for web-use (using the Progressive mode), but forget about printing them even on the best printer-film paper combination. You have to get a good digital camera if you ever want to print out good stuff. Or you could print using pictures from your DV - but small 3.5" ones.

A word of warning: most DVs come with softwares to download only still images. If you want to download your videos, they usually sell additional original software that cost a lot more. I know it doesn't make sense, but that's how it works.

I got around it by getting a new desktop with Pyro Digital Firewire, as well as the ATI All-In-Wonder package. They work marvellously well. Also remember to get a CDRW to burn burn burn those videos and send them along with your Christmas cards this year!

I've got to say that pictures taken on my Sony PC-100 DV (stored to the memory stick that you talk about) print out quite well at 5x7. I even have a landscape shot of my wife and I printed on 8x10 on my desk. If you look closely you can tell it was not film, but some of the guys I work with were quite surprised by the quality.

Having said that, if you want high quality prints you need to buy a dedicated digital camera rather than rely on a DV to produce them. That's my next purchase--to replace my Sony Mavica!