Week of July 9, 2006<\/p>\n
Q: \u00a0 My son & I want to buy a fairly cheap ($400 tops) digital MiniDV camcorder so we can play around with making movies using iMovie (we both have Mac’s). \u00a0 What would you recommend and why?
\n-Geoff Sirc, Minneapolis, MN<\/p>\n
A: \u00a0 Without question, I very strongly recommend the Canon Optura 50. \u00a0 The big reason is the optical image stabilization system, and it provides excellent video quality as well. \u00a0 The Optura 50 can be found for $400 if you shop around. \u00a0 My research found it at www.bhphotovideo.com for $399.<\/p>\n
Readers have seen me discuss image stabilization (also called shake reduction) in the column recently and it is even more important for a camcorder than a digital camera. \u00a0 Years ago when everyone had shoulder-mounted VHS camcorders, home moviemakers were rewarded with a stable, professional-looking image on their TV. \u00a0 Today’s small camcorders are much more convenient and offer better image quality, but they are pretty much impossible for anyone to hold absolutely still. \u00a0 Try holding a glass of water in front of you at eye level and watch the water jiggle as you hold it. \u00a0 These small hand movements are very apparent when using a camcorder (especially when zoomed in on your subject) because it is recording continuously. \u00a0 This image shake is very distracting when watching the videos on \u00a0 TV, and I have even had some people report it can induce queasiness in those who get motion sickness.
\nPretty much all camcorders have image stabilization of some sort these days- but in most cases, it is digital image stabilization, which cuts down on picture quality and occasionally on low-light capability as well. What is worse, the digital systems are really not all that effective. \u00a0 I have turned it off on a few of the camcorders I have owned because I couldn’t tell the difference in image shake, though I did see image quality go down when recording indoors.<\/p>\n
For those of you will a bigger budget, the Panasonic PV-GS500 recommended a few columns ago would be a considerable upgrade. \u00a0 It offers optical image stabilization as well as better color rendition and better low-light capability by virtue of its three-chip design. \u00a0 It sells for between $600 and $700. \u00a0 If you already have a small camcorder and are experiencing image shake, check out the Sima VideoProp SVP-3. \u00a0 It’s a monopod\/harness combo that goes around your neck and will greatly steady your videos. \u00a0 It retails for $29.99.<\/p>\n
Q: \u00a0 I want a wall-mount TV above our gas fireplace in our family room. \u00a0 The room has many windows creating huge glare. \u00a0 Should I get LCD or plasma TV? \u00a0 What brand & model? \u00a0 I would like 42 to 50″.<\/p>\n
-Sylvia Markert, Manahawkin, NJ<\/p>\n
A: \u00a0 I usually prefer plasma because I find the picture quality more natural than LCD, though LCD has improved greatly the past few years and I can easily recommend it. \u00a0 Despite my typical plasma preference, in your case I recommend a LCD TV. \u00a0 Plasmas have glossy glass screens that will pick up all that glare in your room. \u00a0 LCDs have matte screens and are not nearly as reflective, making the glare much less of an issue. Check out models from Samsung, Sony, and Westinghouse. \u00a0 The Westinghouse LCD TVs have a nice picture and are a particularly good value. \u00a0 \u00a0 The Sony and Samsung products are better, but you will pay a lot more for them. \u00a0 Let your budget and your eyes be your guide.<\/p>\n