video carmeras

Does anybody have any recomendations about what to look for in video cameras for outdoor winter use? The folks at Best Buy seem to think I shouldn't even think about anything that cost less than $700. If I don't need perfect color does this still hold? Will I regret not getting something that is weather resistant? Thanks

The Canon ZR100 Mini DV Camcorder covers the basics well without extra fluff -- under $250.

Buy an extended warranty -- then don't worry about it -- I had my Sony rebuilt 4 times under warranty -- including the time the kids dropped it in the dog's dish.

mini-DV tape is the current standard -- but 50% of all camcorder's sold last year use DVD discs -- despite being more expensive both for the camera and the recording media.

Just coming to the market now are camcorders that record to a laptop hard drive or flash memory -- these are the way of the future -- but not quite there yet.   The technology in this area is evolving quickly -- so buying a mature technology / low price product like the ZR100 makes sense to me -- save the money now and buy a hard drive based high-definition camcorder for under $500 in three years.

Some links:

For an overview of the technology:
electronics.howstuffworks.com/camcorder.htm

For some good reviews of cams:
cnet.search.com/search?chkpt=astg.cnet.f...q=camcorder&tag=srch

More:
www.shortcourses.com/index.htm

I purchased a Sony HC-90, a year ago from DigitalMegaStore, good price, good service.
www.digitalmegastore.com/sub/?00004&

I found that purchasing a camera on the net is one of the nastiest purchase situations you can get into.  There are a bunch of low ball outfits back east that give lowball prices and then insist that you have to buy extra stuff to make things work.  If prices are too low to be true, then it's probably more of a problem than you want.

I also noticed that when camcorders are advertised in the paper, they often don't give the model number.

Often have to purchase a firewire/i-link cable separately, if you want to port to your computer's firewire port.

Taking ski video is not easy.  The lighting can be a problem, the bright snow makes the camera want to darken up the subject.  Use the Beach and Ski AE setting.  Can also, force the exposure to a plus setting.  Haven't tried filters yet.

The 10X optical zoom is pretty good on my cam.  When using a telephoto lens attachment, it gets pretty shaky without a tripod.  My cam has an automatic lens cap which protects the lens.  As for weather resistance, I haven't had any problems, keep the cam in a waist pouch or in a ski jacket pocket.  Have to watch out for letting the cam get cold and then going indoors - can get moisture condensation.

I think it takes a lot of operator talent to get good ski shots.  The professionals get a half mile away with huge tele lenses on a tripod, etc.

I have a real appreciation for the folks who deliver local ski videos.  It is a lot of work.

Randy and Larry thanks for the info. It was helpful.
I also found another good sight: www.camcorderinfo.com/

I ended up buying a Panasonic 3CCD camera (specifically the PV GS-300). It was on sale at Circuit City so I decided to spend the extra cash. I used it this weekend on Mt. Adams and I am real happy with how it performed on the snow. Now it's time to learn about video editing software and making DVDs.