On Tue, 3 Dec 2002 08:49:32 -0800, "Gili" wrote:

>This last month I found out that even though I may learn a lot about a
>particular product from reading hundreds of reviews, it still doesn't mean I
>have enough information to decide whether I should buy it or not.

Might I recommend
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/vid_pict_characts.htm
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/sony_dcr-vx2000.htm
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder--comparison.htm
to get you going in an appreciation of the video
picture characteristics and problems, and the
differences likely to be seen with different imaging
types (1 vs. 3 CCD, lower vs. higher pixel count, etc.)?

>I am on the unending search for a MiniDV camcorder. I started with the Sony
>TRV27, then I went to the Elura 40MC, then the Canon Optura 100MC and the
>Sony PC101. Then I decided to spend a little more and upgrade my search...
>so now I'm stuck between the Sony DCR-PC120BT and the Canon Optura 200MC.
>Is there anyone else with some experience on either one? It would really
>help me out.

See above for some - but all are 1-CCD models,
generally not very good in low-light conditions...

>I should add I believe Bluetooth is just an expensive toy I doubt I would
>ever use.

Then the cheaper (used) TRV30 has the same image
characteristics (as the TRV25/7 and PC101 also do).
If the PC115 is available, it is the 120 without BT...

>Also, good quality stills are of no concern to me as I already
>own a digital camera. I guess I am mostly interested in good image quality
>in both low light settings and outdoors. I hope I can get this with a 1 CCD
>camera.

Unfortunately not. For this it is 3-CCD, with
these choices: Sony VX2000/PD150, Sony TRV900
(used), Panasonic AG-DVX100, Canon GL2, or
JVC DV-GY300 (in relatively compact, non-shoulder-
mount form). Best buy: TRV900 used; next best:
probably the VX2000 in terms of price/image-quality/
low-light range/history-of-durability...

>I plan on using my camera these holidays to get video footage of my family
>(they all live 6000 miles away). After that, I was hoping I could use it to
>(hopefully) make movies.

Depending on subject/approach, the best 3-CCD will
be inadequate, or, the worst 1-CCD will be just fine...;-)
I've made a few quirky little videos with TRV9 and
PC1 cameras, yet I realize that even the excellent VX2000
has shortcomings for doing "serious" work...;-)
Back to your question - I would get a TRV25/7, or PC101
(all have the same good image quality, for a one-chipper)
or a TRV740 D8 (fewer controls, but also good image
quality), an extra mid-sized battery ("71"?), a Hoya
single-coated UV filter, and a generic camera case of
suitable size and proportion - and be done with it for
now...;-)