[yongfook]

Im graduating university soon, and me and my mates are going on Holiday after our final exams to celebrate. Id really like to capture this last get-together on film, so since I bought an iBook a few months ago (and since Im really buying into this whole Digital Hub thing that Mr Jobs waffles on about), Im in the market for a DV Camera.

Now, Im a University student, so I wont have a great deal of money - perhaps about £500 to spend (roughly $712).

Which DV cameras could I get for that sort of money (in the UK). Im not too fussed about looks/quality, I just want it to be able to work seamlessly with iMovie!

Aaannnd before you just point me to the compatability list - Ive looked at it, but it seems quite short...are those *actually* the only models that work with iMovie, or are those the ones made by companies who *paid* Apple to show as compatible? (sorry, bit cynical, but it seems like such a small list).

For example, theres a model by Samsung (the D70) thats cheap, has firewire etc and its not listed.

Surely if it has a DV out, then it will work to some extent...wont it? (I know nothing about DV, so feel free to correct me!)

cheers
Jon

[ 03-17-2002: Message edited by: yongfook ]

[PeteWK]

For those kind of dollars, it seems like you ought to take a serious look at the Canon models. You'll probably find that the model ZR25 is right up your alley. I have a Sony that's very nice, but it does cost around $1100 US.

PeteWK

[yongfook]

oh for want of global product names...

I *think* the ZR25 is the same as the UK MV400, which is the lowest model in its class.

I had thought about getting the MV400, as its always featured in photos next to the iBook...hmmm does Canon have some sort of deal with Apple? (also always featured in the photos is a canon digital ixus V - which I already have )

Definitely will look into it - it seems to be a highly recommended entry level DV camera.

retails for about £450 too, which is within my budget

but it looks like the MV400 doesnt have a DV output socket...so if I wanted to download movies to my iBook Id have to get the next model up which is the MV400i - weighing in at around £600...darn

[ 03-17-2002: Message edited by: yongfook ]

[XPBlows]

I have to agree. The Canons are really hard to beat at that price range. I started with a Canon ZR10.... and graduated up from there. I still have it and use it to mount in race cars at events... makes me money even still.

[Paul S]

I'd also recommend the Canon. The ZR25MC was just replaced by the ZR45MC, for less money. The added features are a better zoom and USB port for transferring stills. It's very nice.

[FXWizard]

Lots of people have gotten cameras not on the "supported" list to work but as with anything like this, YMMV. I don't know if companies pay Apple for certfification but if so, it's not much different from having to pay to get Microsoft's seal of approval.

When I was getting ready to purchase a camcorder I went to www.dv.com and asked in their forums, explaining what I wanted the camera for and my budget; they gave me a few options and I'm happy with what I went with.

[XPBlows]

heh.... you can get a lot of opinons at www.dv.com for sure..... you will have to wade past the crap though.....