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Rugged Mini-DV Camcorder for the Road?
step asks: "As part of my job, I (and my colleagues) spend weeks at a time on the road, doing science shows for high school students. To review our work, we carry DV camcorders to tape and watch our performances. Unfortunately, all the previous models we've tried haven't lasted more than 12 months on the road (and not from lack of care). When returned for repair we were told that they weren't faulty, just not up to the task.
We don't need a full feature camera, just solid reliable recording and playback. In fact, simple is probably better to accommodate the most users.
What experience has Slashdot had with camcorders? What's a good model that can handle lots of travel?"
You can probably find one for less than $2000 now. Maybe even closer to $1200-1500 used in good condition. Great, great camcorder.
http://www.shentech.com/agdvx100a.html
http://reviews.cnet.com
Pretty Pictures!
You didn't say what exactly the problem was with the camera you had. If it was build quality, tape mechanism problems, dirt getting in the case, etc. You might consider checking out the JVC hard-drive based line of camcorders. I see it as the next natural progression in camcorders to get rid of the overly complicated tape loading mechanism. They're pricey but they're VERY cool.. look for the JVC Everio GZMC200.. 4 gig drive, 10x optical zoom, 2 megapixels. I want. :)
There are a number of solid-state MPEG4 recording camcorders like Sanyo's XACTI which save the video to a CF or SD card.
If your target for these recordings is to be watched on a TV in the classroom, then the quality provided by mpeg4 will probably be enough.
But if you're targeting broadcast, you probably want to pickup one of Canon XL2 minidv "professional" camcorders. That'll set you back about $4000.
No offense meant to anyone, it's just that Slashdot is the worst place I've been for audio visual advices. Don't get me wrong, I'm not the only professionnal here but we are few and our words often get lost in the sea of audio and video wannabees that speaks well and hence look like the real deal.
I've heard some of the worst misconception about audio and video on these forum spoken as if they were the mother of all truth and moderated +5 something because of it.
Anyways, In my experience the Panasonic AG-DVX100AP is a very good camera for the price and it's very sturdy, we are using it for coorporate events and music shows where we need to do a lot of travelling shots or if we need to move a lot between shots since it's light, hold pretty well and has a very good picture, the quality is surprising, then again it's a 3CCD camera if I remember well so it does help. As for extra sturdiness use a road case with internal padding, you know those case that are reinforced with metal, are usually black and are kept close with those cool twist-latches, they are expensive but they are also worth it.
I do not have a digital video camera recommendation, but as far as tough goes, the best film camera I own was designed as an underwater camera (low-end hanimex, forget the model, buried in the junk someplace right now). Tough as nails, takes great snapshots on dry land and looks "normal" as cameras go, ie, no weird plexi housing over a regular camera. Perhaps look at those manufacturers who make such UW cameras.
the sony vx2100 is a rock solid camera. extremely sturdy. i have one and i love it.
For those that like the sound of this line of cameras but would like to see more storage capacity, JVC has apparently announced they're going to start making Everios using 20GB and 30GB hard drives. This new line will supposedly support Mac editing in iMovie for those who want that sort of thing (older models did not offer this). I've attached a the link to the JVC press release for those who want to read up about it.
Reference URL:D =1
http://www.jvc.com/press/index.jsp?item=461&pageI
Disclaimer: Please note that I do not own an Everio, nor any other camcorder, so I am not in a position to make any authorative recommendations or comparisons, let alone attest to their durability. My opinions are void where prohibited.
I'll agree with the other poster who said /. is not the place to ask A/V questions. Try DV Info, which is a DV site frequented by a lot of professionals.
I actually work at a large electronics retailer and we have a new samsung sport mini-dv camcorder that should hold up to you needs. it's coated with a rubberized material and was actually made to get banged up doing extreme sports and other ruff activities. it holds up to regular wear and tear much better than anything else on the market. it is not really a simple camcorder in that it has a lot of features the really expensive ones do + some exclusive features but, here's the best part: well under $500!!! you can find this fine peice of hardware at any large electronics chain that's worth anything. unfortunatly i do not remember the model # and am too lazy to look it up for you! =-)
The higher end, Canons (eg XL2) Sonys and Panasonics have better transports (assuming you don't want to go full-blown pro). The low-end consumer grade cameras were meant for pretty low usage. I have worn the heads out on these before anything else. The problem with high end cameras is they are bigger and cost more, but tend to have better built ports, better heads and transports that were designed for more use. They also wear out, but it takes longer, and they are less disposable than cheaper models, as somethings were designed to be repaired. We have gone through a series of Canon mid-range eluras and opturas that we loan to users, typically they are used 4-5 times a week for 2-3 hours at each appointment. We have found they last 18 months to 2 years before they start having issues. It is usually the ports that start going first (especially, external mic ports and firewire, buy a good deck to avoid this). Then, the heads start behaving as if they are dirty and even professional cleaning does not really help. We are pretty happy with that we get a couple new cameras every couple years. Solid state would be nice, but not until the prices for storage are competitive with tape.
Don't know if this has been posted, but I've heard Costco doesn't really care about returns even a year or so later, so if they aren't up to the task, take whatever you buy back, get your money back and buy another :P
On a durability note USC Film School uses the PD-150's for their incoming Grad students (or PD-100's for undergrads), and they last quite a while (based on the condition I got mine in) so I'd second that recommendation (which I did see higher up). They're more expensive and a little bigger than hand helds, but good quality 3 CCD chips balance the price and quality.