On 14 Feb 2002 14:20:40 -0800, JW48382@cp.appstate.edu (James) wrote:

>I've been looking into miniDV cameras, and narrowed down my choices to
>a couple, from Canon and Sony and one from Panasonic. Which of these
>would you recommend:
>-Sony DCR-VX2000
>-Sony DCR-VX9000
>-Canon GL1
>-Canon XL1S
>-Panasonic AG-DV10

You can find some of these comparatively reviewed at:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
(the tiny EZ30U is basically "buried" inside the
much heavier and larger DV10...). Of the above, for
most purposes (you don't say what it is for...), the
VX2000 may be the best choice (look also at the PD150
variant...).

>On the other hand, it seems that, if I can find one affordable, a
>Betacam SP camera might be a better choice, quality-wise. Can you
>edit Betacam footage on a computer, like DV footage?

The review above compares Mini-DV camcorders with
a low-end Sony BetaSP - unless you can afford to go higher,
and can afford the NLE and other gear needed to adequately
handle NLE with this, and can put up with more tape
dropouts (or just can't stand some of the digital picture
artifacting...), Mini-DV may be more practical, and even
better-quality at this price level. (See the VX2000/PD150
review referenced in the review above.)