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Hamamac · Dec 20, 2005, 06:54 PM

Hey, can somebody let me know if I'll be okay with the camcorder I just bought? I really want the videos to traansfer to my ibook without any hassle.

It's the Sony Mini DV DCR HC21. The salesguy at CompUSA was keen on the Canon ZR200 and it seemed pretty good. He told me that the drawback with Sony was that it isn't compatible with ibooks. So then I popped into Circuit City to price compare on the Canon then got seduced by the Sony. The guy there opened the box and we looked at the CD inside and it said, Windows and Mac OSX. So I went with it.

Now after cruising around for info on various sites I'm feeling doubtful and wondering for the sake of compatibility should I exchange it in the morning for the Canon.

Please help. I've got a plane to catch at 4pm tomorrow and don't want to regret that I should have gotten the Canon.

The Sony's sitting here in the box--I don't want to open it if I'm taking it back.

Thanks all,

Hamamac

EnemyTerritoryish · Dec 20, 2005, 09:09 PM

Eh... I'd prefer a canon. Canon's seem built better, usually have better image quality, and they're easier to use. Apple= less is more. Sony= more gadgets and stuff you don't need. Canon gives you what you need for a good DV camera, and sony piles on the extras on it's junk to make it seem like a better camera, when in reality it's just a mediocre camera with a lot of pointless options and silver paint. Go for the canon. You'll be happier.

starman · Dec 20, 2005, 09:11 PM

I've had a Sony for (thinks...) 7 years now. Never once had a problem with it, and connects to my Mac just perfectly.

Dark Helmet · Dec 20, 2005, 09:24 PM

I'd go with the sony. I like the hardware design of Sony's over much of the competition. Their optical are right up there with Canon & Nikon.

waxcrash · Dec 20, 2005, 09:31 PM

Your Sony will work fine. You camera has some nice features…20x optical zoom & Carl Zeiss lens.

FYI - Your specific camcorder has both a USB port and a FireWire port. You won't be able to transfer video footage via USB. You transfer the video via FireWire or what Sony usually calls "I.Link". Get a FireWire cable and connect your Mac to the "I.Link" port on your camcorder and you should be good to go.

slugslugslug · 09:43 PM

If it's got FireWire and uses MiniDV tapes, I think it's generally safe to ignore the software that comes with a camcorder and just plug it in to use with iMovie or Final Cut. Lots of Sony and Canon camcorders get excellent reviews, but it seems harder to find as many reviews for camcorders as for still digicams. I think with camcorders, though, it's hard to just say that one brand is across-the-board better than another. Some Panasonic and JVC models are apparently quite good, too.

At any rate, check out DVspot, which is run by the guy who also does Digital Camera Resource Page. I haven't looked at it in a while, but I remember from a few years back that most of the reviews were written by a Mac user who specifically addressed whether a given camera worked w/OS X.

Edit: as I rambled on and on above, waxcrash beat me to it: it oughtta just work. Also, after posting, I noticed that DVspot is about to shut down, which is a shame. The reviews didn't get posted very often, but they were very thorough, and the feature-comparison database is excellent. Maybe someone will take it over before the year is out. Oh, and one last thing: wrong forum. I don't know if it'll make that much difference before 4pm tomorrow, but perhaps more folks will see this if you get a mod to move it to Peripherals.

Hamamac · Dec 20, 2005, 09:43 PM

Thanks everyone. The input you offered has been really helpful.

Now I can open the box and charge the battery!-Phew! I did buy a Firewire cable so I should be set to go. I certainly feel relieved with the decision I made--again thanks to this forum.

Hamamac

Salty · Dec 21, 2005, 01:08 AM

I just bought the ZR100... no complaints... though I haven't used it yet.

Mastrap · Dec 21, 2005, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

I just bought the ZR100... no complaints... though I haven't used it yet.

PurpleGiant · Dec 21, 2005, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

I just bought the ZR100... no complaints... though I haven't used it yet.

So I assume you haven't experienced any issues with the box, or bugs relating to the packaging?

buffalolee · Dec 21, 2005, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by Hamamac

Hey, can somebody let me know if I'll be okay with the camcorder I just bought? I really want the videos to traansfer to my ibook without any hassle.

It's the Sony Mini DV DCR HC21. The salesguy at CompUSA was keen on the Canon ZR200 and it seemed pretty good. He told me that the drawback with Sony was that it isn't compatible with ibooks......

I do not trust sales people from CompUSA, Best Buy, or Circuit City. Sometimes they talk as though they know everything when they do not.

Dark Helmet · Dec 21, 2005, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by Salty

I just bought the ZR100... no complaints... though I haven't used it yet.

Was that a joke?

EnemyTerritoryish · Dec 21, 2005, 03:56 PM

I don't like all the little fragile feeling buttons sony puts on their camcorders. Canon's seem much more intuitive and robust.

cjrivera · Dec 21, 2005, 08:28 PM

I have a Sony DCR-VX1000 and I love it. It's a great camera.

Although I have heard good things about Canon cameras also.

SirCastor · Dec 21, 2005, 09:07 PM

Word to the wise, with Sony cameras you actually need to use Sony tapes. Sony supposedly uses a heavier lubrication. It's somewhat questionable but I've heard enough argument to say that you ought to pay attention to it. No reason to hurt your new camera to save a few bucks.

SeSawaya · Dec 21, 2005, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by SirCastor

Word to the wise, with Sony cameras you actually need to use Sony tapes. Sony supposedly uses a heavier lubrication. It's somewhat questionable but I've heard enough argument to say that you ought to pay attention to it. No reason to hurt your new camera to save a few bucks.

mmm, I'm willing to bet they buy the same tape from one of the leading manufactures out there like everyone else in the bizz. Theres only a couple. --forgets who though---

I have a Sony DCR-HC32 that I really like. Its drawback for me is it HAS to be in its dock to even watch it on the TV let alone import to iMovie. I wish it were as easy as my old Canon ZR20 & 80 to change shooting modes too (night, snow, action) just isnt as easy on some things. Also, touch screen controls make the screen a mess with my grimy hands!!!!

my 2¢

Mastrap · Dec 21, 2005, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by SirCastor

Word to the wise, with Sony cameras you actually need to use Sony tapes. Sony supposedly uses a heavier lubrication. It's somewhat questionable but I've heard enough argument to say that you ought to pay attention to it. No reason to hurt your new camera to save a few bucks.

I've been using all sorts of tapes in all sorts of Sony cams (from pro to consumer) for years. I have never heard anything about 'heavier lubrication' and never experienced any problems with any tapes from any manufacturer. This in a commercial and pro video producing environment.

SirCastor · Dec 21, 2005, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

I've been using all sorts of tapes in all sorts of Sony cams (from pro to consumer) for years. I have never heard anything about 'heavier lubrication' and never experienced any problems with any tapes from any manufacturer. This in a commercial and pro video producing environment.

An Explanation:
Mini DV Lubricants

Dark Helmet · Dec 22, 2005, 12:19 PM

effrey Glover warns of grossly-misleading labelling on a Canon camcorder:

The new Canon DC20 DVD Video Camcorder touts Mac OS X compatibility on just about every site selling it. No doubt because it says "Quicktime" right on the box and also says, "System requirements for Digital Video Solution Disk: Mac OS X 10.1.5 - 10.3"
I was very excited to hook it up to my Mac and start using iMovie... Unfortunately, iMovie nor any software on the Mac will not recognize the camera. I emailed their tech support and their reply was:

"The DC20 is supported on Mac OS X at this time for still image transfer only."

Assuming you purchase a Video Camcorder to transfer VIDEO (like everyone else) you will be sorely disappointed with this major compatibility flaw. As a matter of fact, it's downright misleading.