Digital camcorder - Idiot proof advice sought

[CrazyCarl]

TT,

I second, third and fourth the MiniDV tapes. You actually WANT a "firewire" system in your camera because it's much faster than USB. Don't be afraid to buy the "firewire" card as a perfectly functional one isn't usually very expensive. "Video" has both a video and audio streams and you want to maintain as much of the original info (data) as possible. The ability to keep the original as recorded is one big benefit of MiniDV. Most, if not all, consumer DVCams only offer compressed recording and usually output either a special manufacturer specific format or an MP4 format (which is good enough for web work).

Currently the best way is to "capture" the footage from the MiniDV tape into an editing program (where it's stored and maniputled digitally) and YES it does take time and patience. If you're serious about making soemthing out of your trip then it's important to consider what work will need to done behind the computer AFTER you get back.

If you are creatng a video of any length from it you'll need to spend time reviewing your footage anyway and it will only help your skills as both a videographer and editor.

Lastly, follow your guts on which camera to choose. No matter how much money you spend, all cameras will have limitations but the biggest limitation is the photographer him/herself. Take the best gear you can afford, but make the best experience you can and record that. Regardless of what format you choose to share it, it will still be a good story!

Good luck on your camera choice and better luck in your shooting!

Paz,
CC