What is a good digital video camera for less then $500?

I need a digital video camera that I can just record with and upload via usb cable to my pc to video edit it. Something that I could make a small indie film with. Any Ideas?

Answer by TiddiVisual
check out the reviews:
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ratings.php

Answer by theoriginalimac
i suggest a checklist of features –

budget dictates that you won’t get HD for that price.

get something that has 3ccd.

for the price you should be able to have something in widescreen (16:9)

also, separate audio inputs would be necessary for decent recording. 3.5mm stereo jack good, xlr dual mic better.

mini dv format. you may be tempted to get HDD, flash or DVD but dv is still better (by far). why?

better archiving, cheap alternative, much better resolution compared to all other formats.

the others are ok if you HAVE to but steer clear of dvd. it ain’t worth it.

thats the list. find the one that fits all of that for as close to $ 500.

also, invest in firewire card for your PC. usb 2.0 is not good enough for larger takes. firewire will do a whole 90 mins in real time with no dropouts (as long as you follow the recording rules).

hope it helps. i can’t strictly recomend specific cameras cos everyone has their preference. you should got onto a couple of forums and stores to check em out.

good luck! hope it helps!

Answer by Mary B
How about Sony DCR-DVD610 ..It uses simple controls and powerful features that make it easy to shoot and share video. 2.7″ LCD display. $ 330 now at dell home.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A1488729&cs=19&c=us

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Is there a cheap digital video camera (preferably a picture camera with video capabilities) with decent video quality (640×480 at 25fps or higher)? I’m looking for cheap, but good quality.

Answer by Larry
Sony, makes great entry level cameras. They start at about $ 125.00? Does that qualify as cheap?

Answer by mpinit
why you think pay less can get best quality?
lol.. Try these

Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes
Price : $ 116.95
reference : http://astore.amazon.com/hot-new-releases-20/detail/B000V1PXMI/104-3627381-7371169
and
Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P High Definition Camcorder
Price : $ 144.49
reference : http://astore.amazon.com/hot-new-releases-20/detail/B0019BPTMI/104-3627381-7371169

Answer by Cat Lover
A regular camera does not take as good videos as a camcorder does. And a camcorder does not take as good pictures as a camera. Plus you get what you pay for. Cheap and good quality do not belong in the same sentence.

Go to Best Buy and see what they have. I haven’t looked at a camcorder for 4 years, so I have no idea what is out there now.

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Coby 2-Inch TFT LCD SNAPP Pocket Camcorder/Camera CAM4505BLK (Black)

• The Snapp Pocket digital camcorder 2″ TFT LCD full color display
• 3MP CMOS sensor ( 2048 x 1536) with 4x digital zoom. Video resolution; VGA (640 x 480) @ 30fps, AVI file (Motion JPEG codec)
• 32MB built-in memory (expandable to 8GB with optional SD/SDHC card) .
• View recorded videos and photos on a TV with the included AV cable. Edit video
• Connects easily to computer for use as a webcam (requires included diver installation).

The Snapp Pocket digital camcorder 2″ TFT LCD full color display. 3MP CMOS sensor ( 2048 x 1536) with 4x digital zoom. Video resolution; VGA (640 x 480) @ 30fps, AVI file (Motion JPEG codec). 32MB built-in memory (expandable to 8GB with optional SD/SDHC card) . View recorded videos and photos on a TV with the included AV cable. Edit video and upload to YouTube with included ArcSoft media impression software. Connects easily to computer for use as a webcam (requires included diver installation).

List Price: $ 73.99

Price: Too low to display