I am debating on buying a mini DV camcorder. I want something to capture video for making movies on the computer. I don't really want to mess with the mini DVD's or tapes from the camcorders...I plan on using the firewire port to jsut transfer my video. I know you have to have either a tape or memory card in the camera to record it onto and then transfer to the computer, but I only plan on buying one and just recording over and over on it and storing my files on the computer and burning the movies onto real DVD's

My question is....are regular DV cameras becoming dead technology? I know they use tapes, but I plan on transferrring everything to the computer. Is this what I want, or should I go ahead and buy the DVD camcorder with firewire? Also, would you guys reccomend buying JVC? Are they just as good as Sony?

Anybody? Please...

Hi Herndy,
Your question is a bit like saying "What kind of car should I buy" Is petrol dead?
Mini DV tapes are far the best solution IMHO because:
1. You always have a back up after you've transferred to the PC. (You don;t have to keep the bkup, you can re-use the tape if you wish)
2. The quality of DV recording is outstanding
3. Many of the new HD cams still use miniDV tape to record on, although it will be in mpeg not avi.
But it's your choice, tape, HDD, SD card or hard disc, only you know all your other requirements and needs such as size of cam, weight etc.
More importantly I would say make sure you get a camcorder than can film in widescreen, and make sure it has a firewire connection.
Regarding JVC versus Sony, you need to go out and try them out, it's all a matter of personal choice again.
In my case, I'm a Canon man and will remain so. They're simply the best value.
Regards.

Thank you very much.