Video camera advice

[Benaiah]

 New to video cameras, digital at least. I want to get a digital for recording my beagles hunting, kids and family news type of stuff for my wife deploying to Afghanistan. Trying to keep my cost under $200. What features should I look for, brand quality, etc.? I see some in pawn shops, but I'm reluctant to buy them because they could have damage that I'm not seeing. Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks

[Dinny]

I, too, am interested in purchasing a new camcorder. What little research I have done has always pointed back to Sony products. Their reliability, cost, and ease of use are attractive features for a camera dummy like me. I have to have it simple, that's the main reason why I like Sony's.

I hope this helps!

BTW, God Speed to your wife. 

Thanks, Dinny

[Benaiah]

 Glad you mentioned Sony, because I have been looking at the Webbie. Looks like a good entry level camcorder for the price. Thanks for the good word for my wife.

[Dinny]

Glad you mentioned Sony, because I have been looking at the Webbie. Looks like a good entry level camcorder for the price. Thanks for the good word for my wife.

I forgot that name, I'm glad you reminded me. I think with me being gone from home so much, I will get a Webbie for my wife to videotape my daughter. Is your wife taking a laptop with her when she goes? IIRC, some places like Bagram had WiFi internet available. My family and friends and I stay in touch using Skype while I'm away. www.skype.com I highly suggest it to anyone you will be away from home for any extended times.

Let me know if you get a Webbie before I do. I will do the same.

Take care, Dinny

[Benaiah]

Is your wife taking a laptop with her when she goes? IIRC, some places like Baghram had WiFi internet available. My family and friends and I stay in touch using Skype while I'm away. www.skype.com I highly suggest it to anyone you will be away from home for any extended times.

I bought her one of those 10" screen notebook computers with wireless modem and built in webcam. She went in with her fellow officers and paid for a satcom link so they can communicate with family. I haven't tried skype, but I've heard it works well, so that's probably what we'll do. The hard part will be getting used to the time diff.

[Dinny]

I know what you mean by time difference. Depending on where you are in the US, it could be at least a 8 hr difference. IIRC Afg has a weird time differential, it may be in increments of 1.5 hrs. i.e. in the Midwest there is a 9.5 hr difference to Bagram, Afg.

After a while, you won't mind the difference, it's worth staying up all night to talk to family.

Thanks, Dinny