In message , Jon Pitt
writes
First time Camcorder buyer. Is DV-in really that important. I can only
really see myself downloading to PC and storing files on PC or output to
DVD. Read something that makes editing easier with DV-in. Not sure I
understand why.

We have to remember that DV eats hard-disk space (3.4Mb per second of
video). The "good stuff" that I've trimmed the dross from, I archive
back to miniDV tape. When I went digital, I had some Hi8 footage of
family which I was able to transfer to miniDV through analogue in.

Also is widescreen and Megapixel worth the extra?? Maybe I would be best
with HC22. No need for analogue in or digital photo on HC32

I was a bit "tongue-in-cheek" about widescreen, but I've just looked at
some wide-screen on the TV that I've shot in the last few days, and it
is impressive - especially if you have a wide-screen TV.

Any views on these models. As I said I'm a total newbie. Would like
something small enough to snowboard with. Don't know why only looking at
Sony either,. just makes it easier.

I can't comment on the particular models, but Sony seem to bring out new
models very frequently that have very little difference in functionality
than the model they are replacing.

All manufacturers seem to produce good camcorders, but having had three
(now four) Sony models (one 8mm, one Hi8, and digital TRV30 and (very
recently) a TRV80) you've guessed it - I'm a Sony fan. I've have no
trouble with any of them, and my TRV30 has been heavily used over three
years and it still produces as good video as the latest models.

--
Tony Morgan
http://www.camcord.info