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From: jml@drutx.UUCP (LeonJM)
Newsgroups: net.video
Subject: Auto Focus?
Message-ID: <3351@drutx.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 24-Jul-85 17:07:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: drutx.3351
Posted: Wed Jul 24 17:07:05 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 25-Jul-85 22:08:02 EDT
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 17


I have decided to jump on the band wagon and buy a video camera.  I have
pretty much decided on a camcorder (all in one camera/recorder).  I anticipate
using it the way my father used his old movie camera, i.e. recording family
events, the kids and my own sports etc. and not making theatrical productions.

I have compared 8mm and VHSMovie camcorders and the VHS ones seem very bulky
and heavy.  I am not considering Beta.  The 8mm ones seem pretty much the same
except the new Sony CCD-V8.  The picture and sound are great but, it doesn't
have auto focus.  I have this nagging feeling that I would like auto focus.  So,
the question is, for those of you that have video cameras with and without auto
focus:  How valuable, useful, convienient, etc. is auto focus?  Could you live
without it?  Should I hold out for it?  Do you consider the picture and sound
differences between 8mm camcorders (including the Sony) close enough that a
coin toss is in order?

John Leon  AT&T ISL Denver  ihnp4!drutx!jml