If you get a DVD camcorder that you can actually hook up to a computer and transfer video over to, or burn the video to the DVD while it's still in the camera, that would probably be a good one.

We screwed up last year when we got our camcorder. It's a Sony brand dvd HandiCam. The sales person told me that I could hook it up to my computer with a USB cord.

The jerk either lied or knew nothing at all about the actual camera.

I got it home, recorded some video, and realized there was no USB cord with it. It had an audio/video cord, that I cant get to work with my computer. It wont transfer to the computer, and the camera uses totally different formats that my computer wouldnt support even if I could get it onto the computer (no idea what format) It cannot be transferred onto a computer from the dvd either. So, I have no way of uploading video to the internet, so that my sister's kids can see their grandparents here.


I hate that video camera now. If I ever have a chance to get another video camera, I want one that saves it on a hard drive, because then I should be able to transfer it to any computer.

I use my little digital camera that has a video function on it instead. Much smaller, and the video uploads so easily. Strangely enough, it's also a Sony camera. It's a Sony DSC-100...uses Memory Stick Duo. I only have a 1gb card right now, but that holds a lot of video and still pictures. (took over 500 photographs when I went to SD last year, and about an hours worth of video)

The video on my digital camera is just as good as the Handicam's video.

I want to get at least a 4gb card (or two) so that I can do more. I love playing with that camera. Especially since we've been having a lot of bad storms. I've actually had a chance to get some cool shots of a few funnel or wall clouds, and I got great video of the 100+ mph straightline windstorm we had a month ago. (my mom was kvetching about having to go downstairs because of the storm, which the camera picked up very clearly, and is the only reason I havent uploaded it to my photo page. If I could only take the audio out...)