>Did you ever end up buying a video camera? Your "wireless notebook" thread reminded me of this thread. I looked into video cameras again recently, so I thought I would add an addendum.

The issue is current - they're probably going to buy one RSN.

>Hi-8 cameras are on the way out. They are easy to find at the cheap stores for $300-$400, but are more cheaply made and ergonomically poor. Things like a manual focus control might be awkward or unavailable. It is similar to what is happening to VHS. The specialty stores have stopped selling them.

This ever-changing battle of formats keeps me PO'ed. These guys should really look into VFP to understand the mere idea of compatibility.

>Earlier, I failed to distinguish between Digital-8 and DV. Digital-8 can (typically, but not always) play back old analog 8mm and Hi-8 tapes. That's important for me since I have old 8mm tapes. They record digitally on Hi-8 tapes, putting one hour on a tape that is good for two hours on a Hi-8 camera. Their video resolution is the same as Hi-8. I think they all send output to firewire. I don't know if they can make digital output of an analog recording. If not, I would still need a video capture card to make a computer file from my old tapes. Sony makes a couple of models for around $550. Hi-8 tapes are down below $4 at places like COSTCO.

You can count on my son-in-law to thoroughly search the web and find a cheap and reliable source. The discounts you can find are sometimes incredible. And it'll definitely be something entirely digital, tape optional.