Hey.

I was going to buy a new mini-dv camera that was below 500 dollars. I have found I can get a Panasonic PV-DV102 or a Cannon ZR-40. Both I have found for around 400. Besides how good the camera is the major difference is that the panasonic I can buy at costco which as a return policy like none other and the Cannon I would have to buy on the web which I would rather not do. Any opinions would be helpful.

Thanks. Drew.

Ever considered a Digital8 cam?

~justin
http://www.showchoir.com/~justinc79
http://www.angelfire.com/film/iwc

Well I have a Zr-45 and only have two gripes. First their IS engine sound if you use the Internal Microphone most of the time. And Second, The Quality of the Film varies alot sometimes it is good, and sometimes it is bad depending on lighting and etc. I would say get a Zr-40 since its a low cost entry-level camcorder.

I'm using the older version of the ZR45. (ZR25) Works great for me. Guess I got lucky, since this version doesn't seem to have noticeable motor noise.
I haven't used the Panasonic, so I can't say if one is better than the other, but my ZR has been through a lot and has always been reliable.

Good luck!

I just got the Samsung SCD-86 for about $400 at amazon.com. I've seen some other people's films with it and they look good, and i like it fine so far. It comes with some editing software too, but i haven't used it so i don't know how well it works.