Camcorder to italy?
Dec 11th, 2005, 06:10 AM
#1
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Camcorder to italy?
Wanted to ask a general question. woudl any of you take a camcorder to Italy (rome, florence and venice?)
It seem like it might not be a great choice. It will be my first with my parents.. but @ the saem time it seem very complicated in terms of coverters vs. adpater to have these recharged over there.
I am not generally a big fan of camcorder, actually planning on buying one for the trip.
What do you guys think?
It seem like it might not be a great choice. It will be my first with my parents.. but @ the saem time it seem very complicated in terms of coverters vs. adpater to have these recharged over there.
I am not generally a big fan of camcorder, actually planning on buying one for the trip.
What do you guys think?
Dec 11th, 2005, 06:21 AM
#2
New camcorders are very small - as small as my 35mm camera. You shouldn't need a converter for a new camcorder -the charger should already be dual-voltage. All you would need is a plug adaptor to plug into the wall. If I were getting a new one, I would get one that records directly to DVD not tape.
You will still need plug adaptors for any other appliance you might take - hairdryer, etc.
If you do get a new one, practice using it before you go. My sister bought a new one and took to Rome, when she got home, she had audio but the picture was mosaic. She had hit a special effects button on the camera and didn't realise it.
You will still need plug adaptors for any other appliance you might take - hairdryer, etc.
If you do get a new one, practice using it before you go. My sister bought a new one and took to Rome, when she got home, she had audio but the picture was mosaic. She had hit a special effects button on the camera and didn't realise it.
Dec 11th, 2005, 06:45 AM
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Let me start by saying that I do not have a camcorder.
I have looked at them off and on for a year now and had wanted to buy one for my trip to Rome, Venice, Florence...I wish like hell that I had.
Anyway, in the course of doing my research I also thought that buying one that records directly to DVD would be the best bet. I found some good information sources who educated me that it wasn't the best just yet due to battery usage and other features.
Do some searching. There are camcorder forums just like this travel forum where people will help you buy the right camera.
Take the camera to Italy...don't wait until 'next time' to record your trip of a lifetime.
I have looked at them off and on for a year now and had wanted to buy one for my trip to Rome, Venice, Florence...I wish like hell that I had.
Anyway, in the course of doing my research I also thought that buying one that records directly to DVD would be the best bet. I found some good information sources who educated me that it wasn't the best just yet due to battery usage and other features.
Do some searching. There are camcorder forums just like this travel forum where people will help you buy the right camera.
Take the camera to Italy...don't wait until 'next time' to record your trip of a lifetime.
Dec 11th, 2005, 06:46 AM
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Taking a camcorder to travel, Italy included, is definitely fine. But if you have never used one before, then it may not a good idea to buy one just before a trip. Make sure you have some time to familiarize yourself with the operation.
You will need to get at least one extra battery. And when you consider your purchase, take into account the cost of the extra battery and the size and ease of use of the charger. With many newer models, you can buy a smaller travel charger so you don't have to fuss with the cords, etc.
kybourbon mentioned about the ones that record into mini-DVDs. There are advantanges and disadvantages of them, compared to the regular miniDV type. They are slightly larger, the data is compressed so it's a problem for further editing, and one disc is good for 60-minutes vs 90-min for a tape. But the miniDVD discs are cheaper if you buy them in bulk. As low as about 50-cents each if you buy 100, compared to about $3 for a miniDV tape.
But the MAIN issue is to learn how to make watcheable recordings. There's so many BAD quality movie out there it's just not funny. Shakey camera, choppy clips, fingers in front of lens, dialogues that are impossible to decipher, boring long sections, etc, etc... It takes practice to make a watcheable movie. So don't go out buy a camera the day before your trip.
You will need to get at least one extra battery. And when you consider your purchase, take into account the cost of the extra battery and the size and ease of use of the charger. With many newer models, you can buy a smaller travel charger so you don't have to fuss with the cords, etc.
kybourbon mentioned about the ones that record into mini-DVDs. There are advantanges and disadvantages of them, compared to the regular miniDV type. They are slightly larger, the data is compressed so it's a problem for further editing, and one disc is good for 60-minutes vs 90-min for a tape. But the miniDVD discs are cheaper if you buy them in bulk. As low as about 50-cents each if you buy 100, compared to about $3 for a miniDV tape.
But the MAIN issue is to learn how to make watcheable recordings. There's so many BAD quality movie out there it's just not funny. Shakey camera, choppy clips, fingers in front of lens, dialogues that are impossible to decipher, boring long sections, etc, etc... It takes practice to make a watcheable movie. So don't go out buy a camera the day before your trip.
Dec 11th, 2005, 06:52 AM
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>actually planning on buying one for the trip.
You just gave the answer yourself. If you buy it in Italy, it won't be more expensive than at home, will have dual voltage, plus maybe tax returns when you export it. And it will have better video quality (PAL, with 100 lines more), perfect for your plasma TV at home.
SO...
You just gave the answer yourself. If you buy it in Italy, it won't be more expensive than at home, will have dual voltage, plus maybe tax returns when you export it. And it will have better video quality (PAL, with 100 lines more), perfect for your plasma TV at home.
SO...
Dec 11th, 2005, 07:02 AM
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logos999 - You must be kidding me. Why would anyone living in the US want to buy a PAL camcorder? To make sure the parents CANNOT share the movies with their friends?
No warranty?
And I am sure one can buy one cheaper in the US via various reputable online stores than a merchant in Italy.
All new camcorders one can buy here have dual-voltage chargers anyways.
No warranty?
And I am sure one can buy one cheaper in the US via various reputable online stores than a merchant in Italy.
All new camcorders one can buy here have dual-voltage chargers anyways.
Dec 11th, 2005, 07:14 AM
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>buy a PAL camcorder?
Maybe because of a lousy picture quality of all NTSC camcorders. You'll convert them to DVD on you PC anyway for sharing. BUT you have a much better video quality in 10 years, when you wish your precious videos would just be a little better when you watch them on your 52'TV.
On the other hand..., takes photos forget about video!
Maybe because of a lousy picture quality of all NTSC camcorders. You'll convert them to DVD on you PC anyway for sharing. BUT you have a much better video quality in 10 years, when you wish your precious videos would just be a little better when you watch them on your 52'TV.
On the other hand..., takes photos forget about video!
Dec 11th, 2005, 07:29 AM
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What I don't get are the the people, and it appears to be most of them, who ONLY see Italy through the viewfinder of a video camera. My wife and I will sit in a little cafe enjoying a glass of wine and are AMAZED at how many people walk along videoing EVERY step they take!! I'll bet when they get home some will wish they looked up and actually SEEN some of the sites. Many people take hours and hours of video but then virtually NEVER watch it. That is usually not true of still photos.
Dec 11th, 2005, 07:54 AM
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2Italy - That's a good point. But there are also people like my dad. He's been using a camcorder for his travel - from Alaskan cruises to Tibet, from Morocco to Macau. He didn't just shoot the scenery, but he did extensive reading prior to his trips so that he could give great narration (in Cantonese). Many of my relatives who don't travel much really enjoy it.
I've also started doing the same on a few of my trips, and I find that's actually a lot more intellectually stimulating than just taking snapshots. I do a lot more reading, and I learn to be careful about details. I strongly believe it CAN lead to more rewarding travel experience with a camcorder.
I've also started doing the same on a few of my trips, and I find that's actually a lot more intellectually stimulating than just taking snapshots. I do a lot more reading, and I learn to be careful about details. I strongly believe it CAN lead to more rewarding travel experience with a camcorder.
Dec 11th, 2005, 08:06 AM
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I have always been skeptical about (more like downright antagonistic towards) camcorders, and rolled my eyes big time when my niece and her boyfriend took one on our "extended family" trip to Europe in 1998. But I have to confess that watching even a few minutes of footage - - of places where we had no photos, and had bought no postcards (for example, inside the Duomo in Pisa) was very powerful in recreating the feeling of "being there again".
That said, I would keep the size and financial outlay to a minimum. Do you know that there are now "one-time-use-only" camcorders (i.e., essentially disposable)? $35, plus $8 to get their contents (15 minutes?) transferred to a DVD.
I would very tempted to consider using one, in the right setting.
Best wishes,
Rex
That said, I would keep the size and financial outlay to a minimum. Do you know that there are now "one-time-use-only" camcorders (i.e., essentially disposable)? $35, plus $8 to get their contents (15 minutes?) transferred to a DVD.
I would very tempted to consider using one, in the right setting.
Best wishes,
Rex
Dec 11th, 2005, 08:11 AM
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I recommend *not* getting a direct to dvd disc camcorder. The quality is lousy compared to the tapes. This site has more than you want to know about camcorders.
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/
For the money, imho, the Panasonic PV-GS19 is the best deal from the research I've done.
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/
For the money, imho, the Panasonic PV-GS19 is the best deal from the research I've done.
Dec 11th, 2005, 08:16 AM
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I like still photographs, video, and no photos at all. Depends on the mood I'm in on any given day. There are times I'm glad I sat and enjoyed without looking through a viewfinder, other times I kicked myself for not having a way to capture the moment.
One huge advantage of video is that you also get sound, which can be so evocative when you revisit the scene later. Bells, sheep, traffic... See my site for examples, both in Italy and elsewhere.
best regards,
Deirdré Straughan
beginningwithi.com (personal)
www.tvblob.com (work)
One huge advantage of video is that you also get sound, which can be so evocative when you revisit the scene later. Bells, sheep, traffic... See my site for examples, both in Italy and elsewhere.
best regards,
Deirdré Straughan
beginningwithi.com (personal)
www.tvblob.com (work)
Dec 11th, 2005, 08:22 AM
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I definitely recommend bringing the video camera (if it is a small camera). My wife and I just went to Spain and took a day trip to Tanger. The video camera was so amazing to see everything and hear everything.
I strongly recommend getting a extra strength battery. I bought the big battery which gave me around 9 hours of video recording time and I did not have to recharge once for two weeks. It is very hard to film 9 hours of video!
I strongly recommend getting a extra strength battery. I bought the big battery which gave me around 9 hours of video recording time and I did not have to recharge once for two weeks. It is very hard to film 9 hours of video!
Dec 11th, 2005, 09:28 AM
#18
You don't have to walk around with a camcorder glued to your face to get a bit of video. You can take 5 minutes at a location and narrate.
I have a Pansonic DV mini-tape and it's very small. I've never needed an extra battery, I just charge the camera at night. I don't tape enough that I would use an hour's worth of battery during one day.
Why? You can capture the sound and action. Last May, my daughter (a former competitive gymnast)challenged the street tumblers(all guys) on las Ramblas to a tumbling contest. Everyone stopped to watch and cheer. I can use that tape to embarrass her in the future. Priceless!
I have a Pansonic DV mini-tape and it's very small. I've never needed an extra battery, I just charge the camera at night. I don't tape enough that I would use an hour's worth of battery during one day.
Why? You can capture the sound and action. Last May, my daughter (a former competitive gymnast)challenged the street tumblers(all guys) on las Ramblas to a tumbling contest. Everyone stopped to watch and cheer. I can use that tape to embarrass her in the future. Priceless!
Dec 11th, 2005, 11:25 AM
#20
No, I would never travel with one.
I don't even like a fancy camera. These IMO detract rather than add to the experience. I don't want to see Europe from behind the lense of a camera, or have the hassle of converters adapters, worry about it being stolen, lug it around all day.
Not to mention I think people look silly using them. I don't mean this to sound harsh but I just don't see the point. Do you need videos to document your trip? Do your friends really want to watch them?
For me a couple disposable cameras (or a point & shoot digital if you have one) with a few purchased postcards, ticket stubs, business cards of hotels or restaurants, is what I like best to remember my trip.
I don't even like a fancy camera. These IMO detract rather than add to the experience. I don't want to see Europe from behind the lense of a camera, or have the hassle of converters adapters, worry about it being stolen, lug it around all day.
Not to mention I think people look silly using them. I don't mean this to sound harsh but I just don't see the point. Do you need videos to document your trip? Do your friends really want to watch them?
For me a couple disposable cameras (or a point & shoot digital if you have one) with a few purchased postcards, ticket stubs, business cards of hotels or restaurants, is what I like best to remember my trip.
