Digi camcorder dilemma..

[Stingo]

I have a Panasonic camcorder about three and a half years old - it chews tapes (it uses the miniDV ones) and requires repairing. As with all things technical these days, repairs are expensive and in all honesty, you're better off replacing the old thing with a brand new shiny thing.

I'm a bit strapped for cash right now.

I have been offered someone's Hi8 camcorder for 50 notes. If I purchased this, would I be taking another backward step technically or are Hi8's still okey dokey? The machine itself is fully functional and it would appear that I can still get the tapes. I can also plug it into the PC to do editing etc. Should I buy it as a temporary measure or should I really push the boat out and buy something more current?

Another prob is that the tapes I have now of the kids are of course...tapes...I need to copy them to the PC then DVD etc...therefore I could do with a miniDV type cam.

This is my dilemma.

Do I upgrade? Do I replace like for like? Do I spend fifty quid in the meantime to keep things 'ticking over'? (and presumably build up a second pile of different sized tapes?

Shall I just say sod it and run away?! Help...please!

Drop it and claim off your contents insurance for a new one

[Stingo]

Originally Posted by BILLY

Drop it and claim off your contents insurance for a new one

Hmm... not thought of that one......

mini dv cams are quite cheap now and defo better quality than hi8, if you go the insurance route remember excess and the hike in next years premium. try somewhere like makro you can get em for around £199.

Originally Posted by kwak zzr

mini dv cams are quite cheap now and defo better quality than hi8, if you go the insurance route remember excess and the hike in next years premium. try somewhere like makro you can get em for around £199.

the excess is probaly higher than the value of the camera,