| Gear Guy
Do you have any suggestions on a video camera that is good enough to mount to a bike and do some amateur filmmaking? I went to the store and there are like 300 models to choose from. – Jeryl Detmer, Carpinteria, Calif. Workable options: Well, most any compact video camera will "work," so far as that goes. Sony's DCR HC48 MiniDV camcorder ($500) is compact (12 by 14 by 10 inches) and light (3 pounds) and has excellent video quality thanks in part to its superb Zeiss lens. Panasonic's PVGS80 ($279) offers similar dimensions and the same MiniDV tapes for recording, but without some of the bells and whistles of the Sony. Both offer image stabilization. The real problem: It seems to me the trouble is mounting it to your bike and getting any meaningful footage out of it.
Sony debuts new Pro HDV camcorders
Sony Electronics on Wednesday introduced its latest HDV products, including two new camcorders -- the handheld, HDMI-enabled HVR-Z7U and the shoulder-mount HVR-S270U. Due in February of next year, both models feature interchangeable lens systems, 1080/24p/30p native progressive recording, increased sensitivity for low-light conditions, hybrid solid-state recording and a 12x high-quality, multi-purpose Carl Zeiss lens for HD video, with a Vario-Sonnar T coating to reduce reflections. In addition, the company also introduced the HVR-M35U playback and recording deck, expanding Sony�s line-up of HD production technologies, which includes the recently introduced PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX solid-state memory camera and the soon-to-be-available HVR-HD1000U shoulder-mount HDV camcorder. The new i.LINK-equipped camcorders use Sony�s 1/3-inch "3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor" system enhanced by Exmor technology.
Flip Video Camera
" If you're in the market for an ultra-portable, highly affordable camcorder, the Flip Video and slightly improved Flip Video Ultra may be two of the best choices you can make. I was highly skeptical about the Flip even after reading rave reviews in places like the Wall Street Journal and Forbes.You can't possibly shoot decent looking video for under $150; at least that's what I thought. At just thicker than an iPod, the Flip easily fits in your pocket meaning you have no excuse to not take it with you.The $120-$150 price makes it not the end of the world if you ever drop or lose your Flip.And for that price, the Flip shoots video I'd put up against any of the DVD camcorders on the market and some of the low-end MiniDV camcorders.I'm not about to replace my Canon HV20 (or a Canon GL2) with the Flip, but for many situations, it's the perfect camcorder for catching impromptu moments."I'm a big believer in that the best camera is the one you always have with you.
Jonathan Takiff | Black Friday: Annual cravings, savings
GIZMO: Black Friday bargains. They don't call them "door busters" for nothing! READY, SET, SHOP! A 42-inch Panasonic plasma TV for $899 at Best Buy. A JVC MiniDV camcorder for $179.99 and Onkyo 7.1 channel home theater system for $399.99 at Circuit City. A Sony Vaio notebook computer with 15.4-inch display, 1GB Ram and 160 GB HD for $649.99 at Office Depot. A Samsung laser printer for $49.99 and a Navigon 2100T mobile GPS system slashed to $99.99 - one-third of the original price - with a lifetime subscription to real-time traffic updates tossed in for free, at Staples. Oh, and while you're at that last store, don't forget to ask for a universal a/v remote control - absolutely free, while supplies last. These are just the sorts of come-ons that will have people up and running at 4 a.m.
Electronics Gift-Givers Survival Guide
Expert Advice for Electronics Shoppers This Holiday Season. Is a high-definition camcorder worth the extra money? What's better, LCD or Plasma HDTVs? Which iPod® accessories will they really want? To help you understand the confusing jargon and quickly find the right gift, the experts at Crutchfield.com have put together these simple tips for shopping for electronics gifts online. .
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