PunBB

I'm looking to get a decent camcorder, not to do anything too fancy, but mostly to capture some of those special little kid moments we'll forget about later. I can get this one through Air miles, and just wanted a little feedback to see if it's a piece of crap or not.
Any suggestions on this or any other Camcorder would be welcome. I looked up the model number, and it seems to be similar to the
JVC grd-350,

JVC High-Band Digital Mini DV Camcorder
Regular Price
4,000 reward miles

Special Offer
3,300 reward miles
expires 11/27/06

Manufacturer's Model Num GR-D3750
AIR MILES Item Number 117112641


Win-Win! Intuitive operation plus convenient functions equal brand-new possibilities when recording your precious moments. Introduce yourself to the mini camcorder from JVC and experience big ideas on a smaller scale. 1 year warranty on parts and labour.
Features:

Powerful 32x Optical zoom
800x Digital zoom
Sim & Stylish Design
Large 2.5" clear-LCD monitor with color view finder
NightAlive for a bright picture even in environments with minimal illumination
Built-In Audo Illumi. Light
AUTO button switch mode
Wide (16:9) Mode
Power-linked operation
Data battery allows you to check remaining battery and recording time with the touch of a button
Digital still capture (SD/MMC card slot) w/ Hardware & Software (PC or Mac)
Full Function Remote Control Included
Multi-language On-Screen mode (7 languages)
Digital Effects and Scene Trasitions incl. LIVE SLOW

To be honest, I have had toubles with my JVC camcorder. It was about 4 years ago and I think I got sand in it. I always had trouble getting the tapes in and out... Take it for what it's worth.

I am also in the market for one right now. The Mrs. and I are expecting our first, and are looking for a camcorder to catch those special moments (mainly of me puking while changing a diaper). So if anyone could elaborate on their camcorder expertise and experiences I also would greatly appreciate it!!

Spiral Out!

joe.

I purchased the Sony DCR-SR100 and it is fantastic. It records to an internal 30Gb hard drive - large enough for 7 hours of footage. The colours/picture quality are awesome. The only downer is that the built in microphone does not deal well with the volumes at a rock show. Just last month I purchased an external mic for it, and now I'm set.

Footage is saved in MPEG format, and transferred to your computer via USB at USB 2.0 speeds. If you get a tape based camera you have to transfer the footage in real time.. meaning that if you tape for 90 minutes, it will take 90 minutes to transfer.

There is also a built in DVD creation program that works for Windows only.

If you plan on using the footage in an NLE you have to convert it to DV format which is a bit of a pain, but I'll take it over having to buy and keep track of tapes on a trip or at an event.