My Sony Digital8 camera has been perfect for what you describe.  It accepts
older 8mm tapes for playback, creates digital tapes, has a 1394 interface,
takes snapshots that are fine for the web, has zoom, steadyshot, and good
standard battery life.  Another neat feature is the old tapes are converted
to digital when transferred via 1394 and can be then recorded back on the
camera as digital.

Be warned though.  The sony site is extremely slow.

http://64.14.40.97/explore_products/productindex.jsp#Digital8

The price may be an issue, but you can find them on Ebay a good bit off
list.

Norman
www.craftedsolutions.com

----- Original Message -----
From: Noteworthy Web Designs <webmaster(at)noteworthydesigns.com>
To: HWG Techniques <hwg-techniques(at)hwg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 9:05 AM
Subject: digital video camera advice


> I had written to the group a few months ago concerned video capture (I
> don't have the right type of card to convert analog to digital) and
> debating whether to get a converter cable or purchase a digital
> camcorder. The latter is probably the way to go, since I have a Gateway
> and a cable might get quirky:-) I need some advice, though. I need:
>    1)To be able to convert current analog tapes into digital for clips
> in case the need arises (i.e. customer gives me a video and says "I want
> it on my site")
>   2) To be able to convert digital onto tape for personal use for my
> family
>   3) To do this without needing a rocket science degree!
>   4) And, if at all humanly possible, to get one under $500.The more
> under $500, the better, but of course, quality needs to be good. (I
> don't ask much, do I?)
> I run a platform of Windows ME and have a 1394 IEEEE PCI card. Does
> anyone have any suggestions or preferences? You can e-mail me personally
> if you want to keep from promoting something to the list. Thanks!
>
> --
> Karen Stafford
> Noteworthy Web Designs
> "Websites Composed with Jazz"
> Web Design,Hosting,Search Promotion
> http://www.noteworthydesigns.com
>

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