On Wed, 11 Dec 2002 05:53:56 GMT, "Mark Thomas" wrote:

>Well my JVC camcorder (GR-DVF21U) (DV) has finally stopped working so I'm
>thinking about a new DV camcorder. (it records with digital blocks all
>over the screen, although still plays older tapes correctly - what could
>that be?) And it always had a terribly loud motor noise.

Likely dirty record heads (do you mix tape brands?).
It is worth trying a cleaning tape of the same brand
as the tape you use - use it SPARINGLY, no longer than
the recommended pass-times!

>Basically, I'd like to know about how much I'll have to spend to get a 3CCD
>model and if anyone has any helpful info on what is good or bad. I would
>like to have:
>
>1) 3CCD / DV format
>2) Inputs for pass-through of analog to firewire (I bought the Dazzle bridge
>instead of the Canopus and am sorry)
>3) Would also like either a mic input or ability to hook in RCA audio
>instead of using built in mic

All have these features, but vary in picture and sound
quality, control quality, etc. See:
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 started with comparisons, though the current
Panasonic DVX100, Canon GL2, Sony TRV950, and JVC
GY-DV300 are not included (the Sony VX2000 is,
though, and it may still be the best of the bunch,
if by less than in the past...;-)

>I know this is wide open - but any suggestions?
>Will I be able to get a 3CCD unit for around $1000?

The prices of all are WELL over $1000 except for the
Panasonic AG-EZ50U, for $1200 on special at B&H for
a while... Try used, but the worst of the 3-CCD
cameras can be worse than the best of the 1-CCD
cameras (generally also more than $1000, though...).