Well, reviving old
thread instead of searching a new thread (to prove that I used search before posting here ;)); the question is still the same but I have some additional doubts about usage and I think someone using these camcorders can help me. Moreover, lot of things change in the span of 2 years on terms of technology and its limitations, so I'd appreciate new inputs with contemporary technologies.
I am also having a bit tough time deciding between an HDD based camcorder and DVD based camcorder. I am considering Sony handycams at this point, but open to other suggestions. I'll be buying this camera in India.
The top-end DVD camera comes with 60x optical zoom and 800k pixels resolution. It is priced around 21,000 INR (450 USD)
The HDD camera has few of options -- 1.3 MP with 25x zoom and 80 GB HDD. It costs around 30,000 INR (roughly 700 USD)
The other HDD camera comes with 800K pixels with 60x zoom and 60 GB HDD priced a bit lower (I don't remember it now).
The higher mega pixels have lesser optical zoom, I want good zoom level though. Then I have doubts regarding usage of HDD and DVD. In case of HDD, if I have heard that they have higher chances of failure due to vibrations and jerks, as they are after all magnetic storage devices. Moreover, if I go on vacation/holidays I will need to carry my laptop with me to transfer the stuff from HDD to Laptop. In case of DVD, I'll need to carry lots of them as one DVD seems to record only 30 mins or so so I will need to carry lot of DVDs with me. Which is a better idea?
What are your inputs? Any other practical problems with these two? Any clear reason why one should be preferred over another? Money is not an issue, but I'd like to understand first which one suits my requirements the most. Also, any particular brand+model recommendations?