Your best bet when buying something like a new camcorder is to go into at least 2 stores (like Best Buy) and ask the people working in that department. Don't just go to one store though, because they could be trying to push one product over another and they could have a biased opinion. If you go to more than one store, you'll be able to make your own educated decision on what suits your needs (instead of based on what one guy at the store tells you). In my opinion though: #1. No, I don't believe there is a camcorder that can also act as a DVR. The DVR is what you get from your cable company that allows you to record/rewind/pause your cable. It's not really a portable device. A camcorder is a portable device that can record video. #2. I think the best option is the MiniDV. It's shaped like a traditional VHS but MUCH smaller. They're inexpensive (60min about $4), they're available in a variety of lengths, they have high quality. Compatible with most video editing software, can also be played from a MiniDV VCR. However, some of my friends have the Mini DVD-R and DVD-RAM. And they really like them. They're not as popular, but they're little discs instead of digital videotape. You can play it directly from a DVD player. However, with the DVD-R once you record your stuff, you have to format the disc using your camcorder to make it compatible with your home DVD player. Once you do that, the info is locked and you can't record more or edit the info or anything. The DVD-RAMs can be reused, but they're expensive and you can't play them on home DVD players. #3. I can't recommend any specific camcorder right now. There are always new ones coming out into the market (seemingly daily!). Here's where the guys at the electronics store come in handy. Your best bet is to ask them. And, now that you have a little more knowledge about the media storage options, you'll be able to ask a few questions and get all the information you need to make a wise decision you can be happy with.  | 
06-11-2008, 08:11 AM
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