advice on a new video camera

[bama--gal]

I am anxiously awaiting the big sales for Christmas to purchase some new toys;). I want a new digital video camera and cant decide which one to get. I have a mini dv camera which I really dont like the little tapes. I am looking at the JVC with the hard drive built in, but I like the idea of a removable memory stick so I can change out for different things.

Anyway what do you have, like about it, hate about it. Thanks!!

Also I al looking for a new laptop strictly to edit photos and videos. Something I can take with me when I have to go to places where I have to sit and wait, ie docs offices, etc. Again what do you have, like, hate. I would like to keep it under $1000.00 if I can, cause I have so much I need to buy like a couple more external hard drives :eek:. And of course that new lens:D

[ATR]

Glenda,

I do not have first hand advice to give you on this one, just a composite of what I have read and concluded.

DVD or Hard Drive camcorders can prove a pain in the neck with regard to video editing. Typically, with hard drive camcorder, the video is recorded to the camcorder's hard drive in MPEG2 format (with the Fields: Upper Field First). Premiere Elements native Timeline format is DV AVI with Fields: Lower Field First, so often you end up having to convert the MPEG2 to DV AVI with a program such as MPEG Streamclip and then bringing the DV AVI version into the Premiere Elements Timeline. Somewhere along the line the Field needs to be changed from Upper Field First to Premiere Elements's Lower Field First. In the case of your Premiere Elements 3, you could right click the clip on the Timeline to get Field Options and then check Reverse Field Dominance.

As for using a Memory Stick with these hard drive camcorders, every time I have looked at hard drive camcorder specifications the memory stick was for recording stills and the its hard drive for video.

So, when considering all the bells and whistles of a new camcorder, pay close attention to the video (video/audio) format and the possible hang ups in editing the video obtained.

For video editing with Premiere Elements, the ideal way to go is mini DV camcorder with a Firewire connection to computer to capture into Premiere Elements. Have you checked out any new and improved mini DV camcorders?

Here are some links to check out:
http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3bc13648
http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3bc43450

Also, if you are thinking "external hard drives", like NTFS format, not FAT32. As for new laptop, I have a broken down one, so no help there at this time. All I can say about that is to make sure the laptop comes with a CD/DVD burner, not just CD burner. Also, if you are thinking Sony Vaio, let me know. I need to dust off my memory on DVD audio problems related to the Sony Vaio and Premiere Elements.

That is it for now.

ATR

[Tom Blizzard]

Another thing to be sure and have on the laptop: a discreet video card and at least 4 gig of ram if you are getting one with Vista.

[bama--gal]

thanks, I was actually going to go give a vaio a second look today as I saw one marked down last night in a open box, so maybe thats not such a good choice.

So now I dont know what to do about any of it, guess I just need to do a little more research before I lay out any cash.

Thanks so much for the info, I knew this was the place to come for help.

[ATR]

Glenda,

Before making any final judgments on the Sony Vaio and Premiere Elements, take a look at this FAQ from the Premiere Elements User to User Forum at Adobe:

http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.59b5a5ae

ATR