Camera New

I'm in the market for a new camcorder. What do I need to look / ask for?

I am looking to video our new baby. I would also like to video wildlife. So what characteristics do I need to have (zoom, megapixels, etc)?

Public Comments

1. The best cameras are 3ccd, meaning 3 chip. However, they do cost more then your regular dv cams, but the quality is much better. For the purposes of filming your baby, you probably don't need to buy a 3ccd, but for wildlife it would be nice. Not that your baby isn't worth it! My 3ccd cost me around $2500 (Canadian), but they have less expensive ones. I strongly recommend panasonic and I also recommend going to a pro video store, as opposed to a best buy or radio shack. Go where the store people actually use the stuff they sell and will give you an honest opinion.
2. Here are some helpful buying guides: http://www.digitalvideoclub.com/basics/camcorder.php http://www.easycamcorders.com/content/Beginners-Guide.htm and a helpful guide for parents taking videos: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/d/Parents-Guide-to-Camcorders-and-Videography.htm and finally, a list of the top camcorders for 2006: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/CamInfo-Selects-2006.htm
3. 3CCD is no longer the best. It is now 3CMOS. The Canon A1 is simply the best HDV cam for prosumers. Your two criterias are very different. One is indoor and the other is outdoor. Are you even looking at HDV cams?